Community Outreach Report

Transcription

1 Community Outreach Report This Community Outreach Project was made possible by a Caltrans Community-Based Transportation Planning Grant. March 2010

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3 Introduction The ultimate goal of the Brea Trails project is to create a 50-acre linear park, which will include a dual-tread bicycle trail and separate pedestrian path that will traverse the City from east to west for over 4 miles utilizing abandoned railroad rights of way, flood control channels, city property and easements. Purpose The purpose of the Community Outreach project was to conduct planning-related activities that encouraged community-based collaboration and consensus building through active public engagement. This project was funded by an $80,150 grant from Caltrans, under the Community Based Transportation Planning program. Methods Trails Task Force A Trails Task Force, reporting to the City s Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission, was established to create awareness of the trail project and spearhead public participation in the trail planning and design process. The Task Force has held monthly meetings beginning in May 2009, and will continue to meet through May A total of 22 citizens attended the first meeting and the group soon jelled into a body of 13 dedicated participants. The members worked actively and enthusiastically to develop and implement three outreach activities. Community Outreach Report Page 1

4 Community Presentations First, ten group presentations were made by the Trails Task Force members to a variety of community organizations to provide information and build awareness, as well as to develop interest in the surveys. The following table shows the locations and audiences for these community presentations. Community Group/Event Date Location Attendance Rotary Club July 28, 2009 Community Center 30 Farmer s Market July 28, 2009 Brea Downtown 100 Senior Leadership Council August 10, 2009 Senior Center 8 Brea Fest August 14, 2009 Civic & Cultural Center 40 Pop Warner Grand Opening August 15, 2009 Sports Park 50 North O.C. Bicycle Coalition August 26, 2009 Fullerton Chamber of 12 Commerce Board Room Brea Community Services September 24, 2009 Community Center 30 Meeting Wellness Festival September 26, 2009 Community Center 80 City Council meeting presentation October 20, 2009 Brea Council Chambers Televised to all Brea residents Brea Business Expo October 9, 2009 Brea Downtown 50 Community Vision Workshops The Community Vision Workshops consisted of in-depth, planned activities designed to solicit participation and suggestions from the attendees. In order to be convenient to the most citizens, one workshop was held on a weekend (Saturday morning) and two others were held on a weekday evenings (Wednesday and Thursday). A total of 100 people attended the three workshops. The Community Vision Workshops were conducted by a professional facilitator funded by the grant, who planned and directed the activities. Trails Task Force members served as table captains to ensure that everyone had a chance to be heard. A representative from the National Park Service Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program presented a PowerPoint on successful trails around Southern California, which provided background and inspiration for the attendees. Next, the facilitator led three Community Outreach Report Page 2

5 hands-on open-ended exercises. At the conclusion of each exercise, a participant from each group shared the group s thoughts with the entire audience. Participants were asked to identify their top three priorities for the design of the trail. Workshop participants represented a diverse group of potential trail users including: Brea residents, residents of neighboring cities, avid bike riders, cyclist organizations, joggers, frequent walkers, hikers, high school cross country coach and alumni, teens and young adults, running club representatives, seniors, and an advocate for disability access. Different income levels and ethnicities were also represented. Community Outreach Report Page 3

6 The workshops included hands-on exercises where participants were able to specify amenities and design features that are important to them. Community Survey The Task Force helped develop a written survey consisting of 23 questions to gather community input about the trial and then personally helped distribute and collect completed surveys. The community surveys were distributed to Brea residents, businesses, organizations, homeowners associations and City employees residing in Brea. The surveys were also circulated through the Brea Family Resource Center, the Brea Senior Center, a local bike shop, as well as at several large community events such as Brea Fest. Task Force Front cover of 6-page Trails Survey Community Outreach Report Page 4

7 members also took them door to door in several neighborhoods near the trail route. The number of completed surveys received (220) was more than double the original goal (100). The data collected at the Workshops and from the surveys was tabulated and analyzed and is described in this report. These results will be presented to the Trails Task Force; the Parks, Recreation, and Human Services Commission; and ultimately to the City Council. The report and data are also being shared with the landscape architects to be utilized in the planning and design of the trail. Results Trail Safety Trail safety was expressed as a top concern in both the surveys and the Community Vision Workshops. At the Community Vision Workshops, public safety was listed at the number one concern of the participants. Strategies: a. As with all Brea parks, the Brea Police Department will patrol the new park. b. Provide emergency vehicle access by taking into account the width and weight of emergency vehicles. c. A Friends of the Trail group could conduct regular patrols and report maintenance or safety issues to the City Maintenance Services Department. d. Use of benches with dividers on the seats will prevent the trail from becoming a draw for homeless persons by limiting places to sleep along the trail. e. Direct architects accordingly. f. Conduct additional research. Community Outreach Report Page 5

8 Note: Other cities have experienced that the development of a trail correlates to a decrease in incidents of crime in the area. Recreational Facilities The recreational facilities provided by a trail were listed as high priority by survey respondents. Recreational facilities were also ranked as the 2 nd highest priority at the Community Vision Workshops. Residents believe it is very important to separate bicyclists from pedestrians. 25 Survey Responses Separate Trail Surfaces Benches Rest Areas Mileage Markers Workout Stations Strategies: a. Direct architects accordingly. b. Conduct additional research. c. Research grant opportunities to fund recreational facilities. Community Outreach Report Page 6

9 Landscape The third highest priority identified at the Community Vision Workshops was the landscaping of the trail. Residents expressed a desire to see native vegetation in the landscaping. Drought tolerant landscaping was also suggested as many people supported water conservation. Many expressed interest in keeping portions of the trail natural or as is. In fact, there was some concern expressed that the trail not be overlandscaped or over-designed. Strategies: a. Pursue native and drought tolerant landscaping. b. Direct architects accordingly. California poppy and sky lupine c. Conduct additional research. 25 Survey Responses Trees Native Plants Landscaping on Trail Shady Areas Flowers Community Outreach Report Page 7

10 Environmental Conservation Environmental conservation was listed as high priority at the three workshops, and mentioned frequently in survey responses. Comments included practicing water conservation, using solar-powered lighting, and making the trail low impact for the natural plant and animal habitats. There was a strong preference for environmentally responsible practices, where applicable. Strategies: a. Use solar lighting or other energy efficient technologies. b. Use recycled materials for benches and other features when possible. c. Implement sustainable design features. d. Direct architects accordingly. e. Conduct additional research. Public Art The residents discussed a desire to integrate public art into the trail. Strategies: a. The central section of the trail, where a plaza or Urban Hub may be located, has been identified as a desirable place for public art. This plaza could serve as a venue for outdoor art exhibits and art Art in Public Places gate on the LA River Trail classes also attracting new users to the trail. Community Outreach Report Page 8

11 b. Gates into the flood control channels could be replaced with gates made by artists, as has been done at the Los Angeles River Trail. c. Direct architects accordingly. d. Conduct additional research. e. Research grant opportunities for potential funding. Inspiration for rails and public art Trail Amenities Desired amenities include: shade, drinking fountains, rest and gathering areas, doggie stations (with pick-up bags and drinking fountains) and benches. Strategies: a. Direct architects accordingly. b. Conduct additional research. ADA Access Workshop attendees discussed the desire for handicap access to the trail and trail amenities (restroom, benches, drinking fountains). Pet drinking fountain Strategies: a. Direct architects accordingly. b. Conduct additional research. c. Research grant opportunities for funding sources. ADA accessible picnic table Community Outreach Report Page 9

12 Trail Connections Connections to other trails in the region, and neighborhood and school connections to the trail were frequently mentioned. There was a general desire to make the trail a viable method of transportation and commuting to both school and work destinations. Connectivity to Downtown Brea, Civic & Cultural Center and other City parks was also mentioned. Strategies: a. Direct architects accordingly. b. Conduct additional research, including communicating with the County and neighboring cities regarding their current and planned trails. c. Research grant opportunities for to fund various amenities. Lighting There were mixed responses on the topic of lighting for the trail. Some survey respondents mentioned that they wanted the trail lit at night for safety reasons. Some mentioned that the lighting should be low-level, so as not to enter the backyards of those living adjacent to the trail. Several people mentioned the use of solarpowered lighting as a means of saving energy. Strategies: a. Direct architects accordingly. b. Conduct additional research. Solar lighting option Community Outreach Report Page 10

13 Conclusion Nearly 750 people participated in the outreach project in some way- 400 attended community presentations, 100 attended workshops, 220 filled out surveys and 25 signed up for the task force. Community outreach is vital to the success of the trail, because it provides the opportunity for residents and other potential trail users to share their ideas and concerns on the trail design. This allows the architects to incorporate the desires of the community into the design. It also helps guide decisions on priorities for the trail and identifies potential challenges. The Caltrans Community Outreach Planning grant provided funding to conduct outreach activities, so no City General Fund was expended in implementing the project. Next Steps Encourage a two-way line of communication with the community Methods to encourage this open line of communication include: Brea Line Press releases Direct mail brochure to workshop participants and survey respondents Presentation to City Council Presentation to Parks, Recreation & Human Services Commission City Website Facebook and Twitter Note: The costs of these items will be covered by the grant. Community Outreach Report Page 11

14 Apply for a second Caltrans Community Outreach grant The City is applying for a second grant to continue outreach through the future phases of the trail project. This second grant could provide an opportunity for the Trails Task Force to transition into a Friends of the Trail group. Goals of the second grant funded project could be to build partnerships with local businesses and community groups, organize an opening ceremony for the first segment of the trail to be constructed, provide feedback on site plans as the trail develops in phases, and research innovate solutions to potential design challenges. Implementing Strategies Identified in Results Section City staff will work with the architects to ensure that the priorities identified in the outreach project are fully accounted for in the trail design. Additional research will be conducted to determine the best way to incorporate the identified priorities. Attachments Trails Task Force Roster Community Survey Survey Results Summary Community Outreach Report Page 12

15 Trails Task Force Roster 1. Alfonso Esparza, Brea resident 2. Jim Grosse, Planning Commission 3. Brett Whitaker, Two Wheeler Bike Shop Assistant Manager 4. Gilbert Arriola, City staff 5. Vance Bjorkland, Brea resident 6. Vince Buck, North OC Bike Coalition 7. Cecelia McLaughlin, TransVironmental Solutions 8. Michael Uyeno, Traffic Committee 9. Barbara Gossett, Caltrans 10. Larry Fleming, Brea resident 11. Stuart McFeely, Trails Manager for City of Whitter, Brea resident 12. Bill McMillan, PRHS Commission 13. Jim Donovan, National Park Service

16 City of Brea Trails Survey We need your help! The City of Brea is exploring a multiuse trail that could travel through the City, conveniently connecting people to neighborhoods, shopping, recreational, cultural and employment sites. The public is invited to share their ideas about such a trail via this survey. The City has received an $80,150 planning grant from Caltrans to fund a Trails Task Force to spearhead community involvement in the trail planning process, including this survey. The Task Force is hosted by the Parks, Recreation & Human Services Commission and includes representatives from City commissions, Two Wheeler Bike Shop, National Park Service, North Orange County Bike Coalition, St. Jude Medical Center, Brea MOM s Club and Brea residents. Additional grants toward acquisition and construction have been received and more applications are being submitted. Redevelopment Agency funds are also allocated to this project. These funds are separate from the City s General Fund, and legally cannot be used for City operations or ongoing services. The results of this survey will be used to assist with planning and designing the trail. Please answer all questions completely and check only one answer unless otherwise indicated. Your cooperation in completing this survey is greatly appreciated!

17 1. Please identify your age group. 15 and under or older What is your gender? Male Female 3. Do you have children under 18 in your household and if so, what are their ages? 5 years or younger 6 12 years years No children/not applicable 4. If trails existed in Brea, would you use them? Yes No Would others in your household use them? Yes No 5. How close would the trail have to be to your home/work for you to use it walking? Less than ¼ mile Less than ½ mile Less than ¾ mile Less than 1 mile Less than 2 miles I would use a trail in Brea regardless of the distance 6. How close would the trail have to be to your home/work for you to use it bicycling? Less than half a mile Less than one mile Less than two miles I would use a trail in Brea regardless of the distance 7. For which purposes would you use the trail? (Check all that apply) Recreation Fitness and exercise Commuting to work Commuting to school or children s school activities Commuting to shopping or errands Other (specify): 8. What would your primary activity be on the trail? Please rank in order of use (1 most frequent, 7 least frequent) Self: Walking/hiking Jogging/running Walking pet(s) Walking with small children in strollers Rollerblading Biking Other activity (specify): Other Adult in Household: Walking/hiking Jogging/running Walking pet(s) Walking with small children in strollers Rollerblading Biking Other activity (specify): Children in Household: Walking/hiking Jogging/running Walking pet(s) Rollerblading Biking Other activity: 9. How far would you bike on a trail each visit? ¼ mile ½ mile ¾ mile 1 mile 2 miles or more I would not bike on the trail. 10. How far would you walk on a trail each visit? ¼ mile ½ mile ¾ mile 1 mile 2 miles or more I would not walk on the trail. 11. If you used the trail to commute, what would be the approximate total round trip mileage? 12. When would you use the trail? (Check all that apply) Weekdays Weeknights Weekend days Weekend evenings 13. One idea is to have educational panels along the trail. Which would you prefer to see? Suggested topics include the following: (Check all that apply) Transportation history in Brea Native plants and animals along the trail Health and fitness Brea history Other suggestions:

18 14. Do you use trails outside of the City of Brea? If so, where? No Yes: 15. How often do you use trails? Daily 3 5 times a week 1 or 2 times a week A couple times a month Once a month A few times a year Never 16. What would you like to see along a trail? (Check all that apply) Benches Drinking fountains Pet friendly trails Lighting Landscaping Shade Agricultural fields Workout stations Minimal number of street crossings Native, drought-tolerant or California-friendly plants No added trees or plants; keep the maintenance and construction costs low Other (specify): 17. What type of surface(s) do you prefer when walking/running on a trail? (Check all that apply) Organic mulch (wood chips, etc.) Natural Dirt Decomposed granite (DG) Concrete Asphalt Crushed gravel Other (specify): 20. What suggestions do you have for a trail in Brea? What would you like to see on a trail in Brea? 21. Do you have any concerns about a trail in Brea? 22. Help us name a trail in Brea. The City is collecting your ideas. What is your idea for a name? 22. If you would like more information on upcoming Community Vision Workshops, please provide your first and last name and telephone number, address or street address. Thank you for your participation! 18. What type of surface(s) do you prefer when biking on a trail? (Check all that apply) Organic mulch (wood chips, etc.) Natural Dirt Decomposed granite (DG) Concrete Asphalt Crushed gravel Other (specify): 19. What is your general attitude toward trails in Brea? Please score based on the degree to which you agree (1 Strongly agree; 6 Strongly disagree) Trails do not add value to the community. Trails add value to the community as parks, open space and scenic breaks in the urban landscape. Trails provide opportunities for physical fitness and recreation. Trails provide mobility and are an alternative to streets. I would like to live near or next to a trail. I would not like to live near or next to a trail. If you have any questions or any ideas about the trail, please contact Emily Kuhn at (714) or emilyku@cityofbrea.net Please return your survey by November 30, 2009 via mail or drop off to: Economic Development Department Civic & Cultural Center 1 Civic Center Circle, 2 nd Floor Brea, CA 92821

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20 CITY OF BREA Brea Trails Project Survey Comments Assessment Landscaping and Vegetation 18 respondents made comments that they would like the trail to be landscaped or decorative 19 respondents were interested in having the trail landscaped in native plants There were 7 respondents who thought the landscaping should be low-maintenance or who were concerned about the cost of maintenance 4 respondents were in favor of drought-resistant plantings 6 respondents wanted flowers in the landscaping 3 respondents wanted grassy areas 1 thought shrubbery would be good; 1 thought shrubbery could invite criminal activity 21 respondents wanted trees and 12 wanted shady areas Communal gardens were mentioned by 2 respondents Water and Facilities 9 respondents mentioned water fountains (for humans?) and 2 wanted water fountains for dogs or other pets Ponds and other decorative uses of water were mentioned by 2 respondents 5 respondents wanted rest rooms along the trail and 7 wanted trash cans Vending machines were recommended by 1 respondent 7 respondents wanted rest areas or pocket parks Work-out stations were mentioned by 3 respondents Mileage markers along the trail were suggested by 4 respondents 6 respondents were concerned about noise abatement, either for the homes along the trail or for the trail users (blocking traffic noise) Easy access, parking and playgrounds were mentioned by 1 or 2 respondents each There were at least 20 suggestions that the trail provide separation of paths for bikers from the walkers and runners

21 CITY OF BREA Brea Trails Project Survey Comments Assessment 10 respondents wanted benches and 2 thought that benches were an invitation for the homeless, vagrants and loitering 18 respondents want the trail to be lit at night, and 1 thought the lighting should be solar-powered 8 respondents wanted lighting for safety reasons Low-level lighting was suggested by 2 respondents 7 respondents want crosswalks at the intersection of the trail and streets 4 respondents want to walk their dogs on the trail while 6 respondents want dogs kept off the trail Doggie stations (pick-up bags and trash boxes) were suggested by 9 respondents 5 respondents want the trail opened to horses 5 respondents mentioned bringing animals or pets on the trail 5 respondents want to see native animals on the trail and 1 respondent wants native animals kept away from the trail Surfaces and Trails 3 respondents want soft surfaces for runners, and 4 respondents specifically mentioned decomposed granite 1 respondent voted for dirt and 1 for natural surfaces Concrete and asphalt were each mentioned by 1 respondent Mulch received 1 yes vote and 1 no vote 1 respondent wants a smooth trail surface Security and Emergency Response 35 respondents want to feel safe on the trail or were concerned about security for the homeowners along the trail 37 respondents were concerned about the trail attracting criminal behavior and how crime could be controlled

22 CITY OF BREA Brea Trails Project Survey Comments Assessment 4 respondents would like the Brea Police to patrol the trail and 3 respondents would like a security patrol from other sources 4 respondents thought that there should be a Police bike patrol Blue lights and/or call boxes (such as those on college campuses) were suggested by 8 respondents 2 respondents recommended closed circuit cameras on the trail 1 respondent thought there should be emergency signage with contact numbers along the trail Emergency vehicle access was mentioned by 1 respondent Links and Other Trails I love the Aliso Creek trail in Aliso Viejo. Something like that would be great. A loop would be nice if it is around 4 miles or so. The trail should connect to the Carbon Canyon Regional Park so that hikers can then go through to the (Chino Hills) State Park. Connection to other City trails Connection to the planned trail between Puente Street (Fullerton) and Puente Street (Brea) in 2010 Tie-ins to other local trails Rail trail, Union Pacific to La Habra, Whittier, San Gabriel River It would be nice if the trails connected so that you could travel from one end of the City to the other (north, south, east, and west) Trail (could) go anywhere The commuting between home, school, work and shopping is the most value Connect to Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Chino Hills State Park, Yorba Linda trails network, and Fullerton s 10 mile loop Similar to the trail at Fullerton Laguna Lake Park For it to connect with other city trails Make it feel like you re getting away from the city but make it connect to downtown Birch Street Currently, I run/walk Craig Park 2-3 times a week

23 CITY OF BREA Brea Trails Project Survey Comments Assessment Make it like the Fullerton Loop trail with large trees. Make it feel like you are not in the middle of suburbia. Native plants and trails that go up into the oil fields Connectivity to Downtown, Civic Center, Craig Park, Carbon Canyon, Chino Hills State Park, Brea Canyon and Tonner Canyon Somehow incorporate Brea Downtown at the beginning or end of trail to encourage business in that area Connecting to other trails would increase my usage. Extend existing proposal plan west to La Habra city limits [along Union Pacific rail line (old Red Car)] Other Comments (Quotes) In Favor of a Trail: I ve been waiting for the City to develop the railroad area. A peaceful walking area with flowers and benches and doggy bag dispensers would be great! It doesn t need to be fancy; just get vegetation and bike and separate walking trails in and go from there. Great idea can t wait! With the state of the economy in California and Brea, I would be pleased to have basic safe surfaces to walk on and take my dog. Can we have it soon? I want one. The more, the merrier. No (no concerns) very happy to have it and can t wait. Only that we work to have a trail and make it happen. None (no concerns) - I think this is an outstanding idea and the best use of this land Railroad right-ofway and existing maintenance roads along channels. No (concerns), excited for this to happen. Cost is always a concern though.

24 CITY OF BREA Brea Trails Project Survey Comments Assessment Against a Trail: Save the money for important things. Do we (Brea) need one more park! Now a trail come on! Ideally, yes; however, every day I see local businesses closing and wonder if funds could be used more effectively elsewhere for the city. My only concern is that some people will use the trail other than for recreation or exercise. Teenagers hanging out at night causing problems. Yes (has concerns), too much foot traffic behind my house. It s a waste of money and a white elephant. Security, graffiti, homeless, not enough lighting; should be no industrial access; high walls a must. I am concerned about negative activity. Noise, litter, graffiti, lack of security. That not enough people would use it.