To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Regional Parks
Staff Name and Phone Number: Scott Wilkinson, 707-565-2734
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): First District
Title:
Title
Maxwell Farms Regional Park Master Plan and Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Recommended Actions:
Recommended action
Adopt a Resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Sonoma approving the Master Plan update for the Maxwell Farms Regional Park Project; and adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Monitoring Program for the project.
(First District)
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Executive Summary:
Regional Parks developed Maxwell Farms Regional Park in 1988, and since then has provided the residents of the dense Sonoma Springs community and adjacent City of Sonoma with a wide variety of active recreation opportunities, and a well-loved natural area with trails and access to Sonoma Creek.
In response to strong community interest, increasing population, shifting demographics, deferred maintenance needs, and the loss of a local ballfield, Regional Parks embarked on updating the Park’s Master Plan. The proposed updated Master Plan supports a community vision for the park to meet the current and future recreational needs while preserving and enhancing the natural resource values of the floodplain and riparian environments along Sonoma Creek.
Discussion:
Regional Parks extensively engaged the community to explore opportunities for improving the recreational amenities and future needs of the community. Regional Parks gathered feedback through an online survey, four public meetings held in the Sonoma Springs area, and numerous meetings with stakeholders. Based on community input, Regional Parks developed and presented three alternative plan concepts. Community feedback led to a cohesive vision and clear goals that are reflected in the final proposed Master Plan. The preliminary concepts, draft master plan, Mitigated Negative Declaration, and other project documents were published on Regional Parks’ website with comments accepted verbally and in writing at public meetings, through email, and postal mail.
The primary Master Plan Update goals are:
1. To improve and expand the existing play fields and other active recreation features;
2. Enhance park safety and improve the pathways and trails into and through the park;
3. Protect the natural resources of the undeveloped areas and creek environment; and
4. Develop new recreational features to satisfy the expanding needs of the community.
The proposed Master Plan Update supports the community’s goals by providing upgraded and expanded baseball and soccer fields, new and improved pathways and trails, new field and court lighting, new and expanded play and picnic areas, expanded parking, an improved entry driveway and kiosk, two new restroom and concession buildings, a new bicycle pump track, new pickle ball courts, new off leash dog area, and updated ecological restoration priorities.
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the Mitigated Negative Declaration presents an evaluation of the Project’s environmental effects based on specific environmental categories. The categories that could be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least one potentially significant impact include: Aesthetics, Biological Resources, Transportation/Traffic, Cultural Resources, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, Cultural Resources, Air Quality, Hydrology, and Public Facilities. The Sonoma County Environmental Review Committee reviewed the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration on December 3, 2018. Regional Parks subsequently updated the Mitigated Negative Declaration to respond to the Committee’s comments and circulated to the public. Regional Parks received very few comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration. One member of the public raised questions about the types of birds considered in the environmental review. The environmental review considered birds in general and the Mitigated Negative Declaration requires mitigation measures that will be protective of birds. With each potential impact, the Project was revised or the impacts have been mitigated resulting in all impacts being less than significant.
Prior Board Actions:
February 21, 2017, by Resolution No. 17-0088, Board adopted a resolution authorizing the Director of Regional Parks to apply for a grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of up to $705,840 for park renovation projects at Maxwell Farms Regional Park.
October 25, 2016 by Resolution No. 16-0410, Board authorized application for Youth Soccer and Recreation Development for Maxwell Farms sports fields.
March 29, 2016 by Resolution No. 16-0109, Board authorized submittal of a $1 million Matching Grant Application to Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for Maxwell Farms renovation.
May 4, 2015, Board approved Community Development Block G funding for Maxwell Farms ADA improvements.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
The project park renovation improvements will be built in phases as acquired funding allows. Regional Parks anticipates returning to the Board with a bid award for a phase one development of the Master Plan later this year. The scope of improvements is dependent on ongoing grant and other fundraising activities. To date, Regional Parks has raised $250,000 from Ag + Open Space through their Matching Grant Program, $573,621 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development, $10,000 from the Regional Parks Foundation, $37,000 from Park Mitigation Fees, $30,000 from the General Fund, and other commitments from community groups.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment #1 Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Master Plan
Mitigated Negative Declaration