Ord 2019-012/adopting the 2019 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

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® GOAL PF-5. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE RIVERFRONT PARKS SYSTEM. Action PF-5.1. Consider consolidating the City's disparate riverfront See Appendix C,page parks into a single system. C-2 through C-12 for a detailed description of As the City moves forward with its proactive plan for redevelopment and the San Marcos Riverfront Schematic Plan. enhancement of the riverfront parks(additional information in Action PF-5.3, below),they should consider consolidating the names of each park into one unified system. Not only would this help to regionally market the parks as a destination location (e.g., Zilker Park in Austin,The Riverwalk in San Antonio, or the Trinity River in Dallas), but it would also create a stronger sense of pride and ownership within the community. Individual parks could retain their names as a way to further clarify location.Additional benefits of a consolidated name include increased connectivity and continuity of services. Action PF-5.2. Consider creating consolidated design standards for development and/or enhancement of new facilities (e.g., buildings, structures, landscaping, and signage) in the riverfront parks system. The San Marcos River Bike and Pedestrian Trail System is a citywide trail system that will connect all riverfront parks and seamlessly blend the user experience.To capitalize on economies of scale for purchasing, it is recommended that a series of design standards be developed to guide (NI the City from concept through construction.This could include things such as standard building and site palette of materials and consolidated signage and wayfinding. When feasible, design standards should consider locally available resources. Action PF-5.3. Increase the number of publicly available restrooms in the City's riverfront parks system. The demand for public restrooms in parks is significant in bigger parks, high traffic areas,and at extended-use amenities(e.g., picnic pavilions, athletic events, food trucks). Inadequate restroom facilities can not only decrease the amount of time visitors enjoy the park, but can also create unsanitary conditions.As set out in Figure 3.18, How Important Is It For the City to Address the Following Parks, Recreation, and Trail Issues?, roughly 65 percent of survey respondents feel that it is important for the City to increase the amount of public restrooms provided in the riverfront parks system. Action PF-5.4. Increase the number of available parking spaces for the City's riverfront parks system. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recommends a minimum of five spaces per programmed acre, plus additional parking for specific facilities within the park, such as pools or ballfields. The facilities in each park determine the number of parking spaces and G "shared parking"should always be taken into consideration. Enhanced parking areas to provide the City the opportunity to create controlled access points and paid parking during the peak summer season. Chapter 3 I System Analysis, Needs, and Recommendations 75