HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 6099 11/15/2004
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ORDINANCE NO. 6099
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE WILLAMALANE PARK AND
RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS A REFINEMENT PLAN OF THE
EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD METROPOLITAN AREA GENERAL PLAN (METRO
PLAN) FOR APPLICATION WITHIN THE AREA OF PLANNING
JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND ADOPTING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE (A Refinement Plan ofthe Metro Plan, Chapter III-H
Parks and Recreation Facilities Element, and Statewide Goal 8 Recreational Needs)
WHEREAS, the City of Springfield relies on the Willamalane Park and
Recreation District (Willamalane) for the provision of park and recreation services, sites,
maintenance, acquisition, development, programs, administration and Board of Directors
oversight; and
WHEREAS, Chapter III-H of the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General
Plan (Metro Plan) recognizes this affiliation between Willamalane and the City of
Springfield, as well as the role of Willamalane in park and recreation planning in the
metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, the City of Springfield and Willamalane have entered into an
Intergovernmental Agreement regarding coordinated planning and urban services
pursuant to ORS 190.003 et. seq. to carry out their respective responsibilities under ORS
Chapter 195 and ORS 197.175; and
WHEREAS, Chapter IV Plan Amendments and Refinements, Policy II of the
Metro Plan, validates the creation of special purpose or functional elements for individual
geographical areas or purposes, as determined appropriate by each governing body;
Policy 12 requires all functional plans to be consistent with the Metropolitan Plan; and
Policy 13 requires refinement plans to be referred to the other jurisdictions for review and
a determination of Metro Plan consistency or regional impact; and
WHEREAS, the City of Eugene received a referral of the proposed Willamalane
Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan on July 7, 2004 and returned a response of no
regional impact on July 20, 2004 opting out of the adoption process; and
WHEREAS, the goals, strategies and actions contained in the Willamalane Park
and Recreation Comprehensive Plan are consistent with the policies of Chapter III-H of
the Metro Plan, with Chapter 660 Division 34 of the Oregon Administrative Rules, and
with Statewide Planning Goal 8; and
WHEREAS, the citizen involvement process for the Willamalane Park and
Recreation Plan was approved by the Springfield Committee for Citizen Involvement on
April 3, 2001, and included the formation of a citizen advisory committee comprised of
residents of each of the project's six planning areas, the urbanizable area, and four elected
or appointed representatives from local and state agencies, districts and government who
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met four times; community surveys; focus groups; stakeholder interviews; public
workshops; and regular web site updates; and
WHEREAS, the Willamalane Board of Directors adopted the Park and
Recreation Comprehensive Plan on Mark 17, 2004 at a public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commissions of Springfield and Lane County
conducted a joint public hearing on the proposed Park and Recreation Comprehensive
Plan on September 21, 2004, and forwarded recommendations to the Springfield City
Council and Board of County Commissioners to adopt the Plan for application inside the
city limits of Springfield and outside of the Springfield city limits but within the Metro
Plan Boundary, respectively, which includes properties owned by Willamalane Park and
Recreation District; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a joint public hearing on this proposal
on October 28, 2004, with the Lane County Board of Commissioners, and is now ready to
take action based upon the above recommendations and evidence and testimony already
in the record as well as the evidence and testimony presented at the joint elected officials
public hearing; and
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WHEREAS, Chapter 8 of the Springfield Development Code addresses the
requirements of adoption or amendment of refinement plans of the Metro Plan and Policy
12, Chapter IV of the Metro Plan requires a demonstration that all refinement and
functional plans are consistent with the Metro Plan, but does not require an amendment to
the Metro Plan to adopt functional plans found to be consistent with the Metro Plan; and
WHEREAS, substantial evidence exists within the record demonstrating that the
proposal meets the requirements of the Metro Plan, Springfield Development Code
Chapter 8, and applicable state and local law as described in the findings attached as
Exhibit A, incorporated here by this reference and adopted in support of this Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Common Council of the City of Springfield does
ordain as follows:
Section 1: The Willamalane Park and Recreation District Park and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan (March 2004), as more particularly described and set forth in
Exhibit "B" attached and incorporated here by this reference, is hereby adopted as a
refinement plan to the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan)
for land within the land use planning jurisdiction of the City of Springfield, and within
the Metro Plan boundary, including all properties owned by the Willamalane Park and
Recreation District as shown in the adopted refinement plan.
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Section 2: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision
and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
Ordinance No. 6099
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Section 3: Notwithstanding the effective date of ordinances as provided by
Section 2.110 of the Springfield Municipal Code 1997, this Ordinance shall become
effective upon the date that all of the following have occurred; (a) the ordinance has been
acknowledged as provided by ORS 197.265; (b) at least 30 days have passed since the
date the ordinance was approved; and (c) the Lane County Board of Commissioners
adopts ail ordinance containing substantively identical provisions to those described in
Sections 1 and 2 of this Ordinance.
Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Springfield this 15tlUayof
November, 2004 by a vote of ~ in favor and ~ against.
Approved by the Mayor of the City of Springfield this 15tb ~ay of November,
2004.
ATTEST:
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City Recorder
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Ordinance No. 6099
Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
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FINDINGS OF COMPLIANCE
CRITERIA OF APPROVAL
In reaching a decision to adopt the Willamalane Park and Recreation Comprehensive
Plan, the Lane County Board of Commissioners and the Springfield City Council shall
adopt findings that demonstrate conformance to the following:
(1) The Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan (Metro Plan)
(2) Applicable State statutes
(3) Applicable State-wide Planning Goals and Administrative Rules.
1. THE METRO PLAN
Metro Plan Fundamental Principles and Specific Elements are written in bold, and
relevant approval criteria are summarized in italics, followed by findings of fact in normal
text.
The Wi llama lane Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan meets the criteria as a
Refinement Plan to the Metro Plan as follows:
Metro Plan DiagramlLand Use Designations
. There is one relevant land use designation related to the Refinement Plan:
Public and Semi-Public
_ Parks and Open Space
This designation includes existing publicly owned metropolitan and regional-scale
parks and publicly and privately owned golf courses and cemeteries in recognition of
their role as visual open space.
In addition to those not shown at a neighborhood scale but automatically included in
the gross allocation of residential acres, there is a need for public facilities and open
space at a non-local level, such as regional/metropolitan parks. Several are shown
on the diagram. (P. II-E-10)
Willamalane's existing, metropolitan-scale parks appear on the Metro Plan Diagram with
the Parks and Open Space land use designation. These include Island Park,
Willamalane Park, and Lively Park 1 (classified as community parks in the Refinement
Plan); Dorris Ranch (special use park); Eastgate Woodlands (natural area park); and
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1 The majority of Lively Park is designated Parks and Open Space. The northern portion is outside the
urban growth boundary and designated Agriculture. The Agriculture designation is appropriate for this
portion of the park because it is currently an unimproved area, and because any future improvements to
this area would be those allowable under the Agriculture designation, subject to special use permit from
Lane County.
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
three sports parks, Guy Lee Park, Bob Artz Park, and the (yet-to-be-named) community
sports park at 32nd and Main Streets. Other existing, non-metropolitan-scale parks do
not consistently appear on the Plan Diagram because they function at the neighborhood
level, as the Metro Plan notes above.
It is consistent that the Refinement Plan's proposed new parks, facilities, and trails that
are not already in public ownership (see Maps 2 and 3) do not appear on the Metro Plan
Diagram, because the Refinement Plan does not intend to be specific as to their
locations. (The Refinement Plan maps depict only their approximate locations). If, in
the future, Willamalane develops metropolitan-scale parks or facilities on property with
land use designations not consistent with park use, plan amendment applications will be
submitted for land use designation changes at that time, as has been done in the past
(most recently with the 32nd Street Community Sports Park). The Refinement Plan is
consistent with the Metro Plan Diagram and land use designations.
A. Residential land Use and Housing Element
This element addresses the housing needs of current and future residents of the
metropolitan area. Relevant findings include:
Finding 4: There is sufficient buildable residential land within the existing UGB to
meet the future housing needs of the projected population ...
Finding 5: Undeveloped residential land is considered unbuildable and removed
from the supply if it is within ... the floodway, wetlands larger than 0.25 acres in
Springfield or buffers around Class A and B streams and ponds... Development
potential is reduced in Springfield on floodplain areas ...
Finding 8: In the aggregate, non-residential land uses consume approximately 32
percent of buildable residential land. These non-residential uses include churches,
day care centers, parks, streets, schools, and neighborhood commercial. (III-A-2, 3)
Relevant policies include:
Policy A. 3: Provide an adequate supply of buildable residential land within the UGB
for the 20-year planning period at the time of Periodic Review. (III-A-5)
According to the Springfield Annual Residential Land Monitoring Report 2000-2003,
prepared by Springfield Development Services Department in April 2004, the surplus
buildable land remaining for residential use in Springfield will be between 201 and 566
acres in 2015 (Table 1.3). This is the difference between total buildable land remaining
for residential use and expected residential land demand in acres. Land considered
unbuildable, such as floodway and wetlands, have been removed from this number (see
Findings 5 above). Development potential, in terms of acres, also was reduced for
other land with significant development constraints, such as floodplain, and steep
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
slopes. Non-residential land uses (including non-metropolitan scale parks) are
assumed to use 32 percent of the buildable residential land (see finding 8 above).
By 2022, the Refinement Plan projects a need for 496 acres of additional parkland, 450
acres of which could be considered metropolitan-scale parks (community, special use,
natural area, linear and sports parks) (Table A-16, Parkland Standards and Anticipated
Need Based on Acres per 1,000 Population). The Refinement Plan does not project a
parkland need for 2015, but if you assume that 2015 is 65% of the 20-year plan, and
development will occur at a consistent pace throughout the 20-year planning window,
one can then assume that 293 acres of additional metropolitan-scale parkland will be
needed by 2015. This falls within the range of 201 and 566 acres of surplus buildable
land remaining for residential use in Springfield by 2015. Therefore, the Refinement
Plan is consistent with the Residential Land Use and Housing element of the Metro
Plan.
B. Economic Element
The focus of this element is on broadening, improving, and diversifying the metropolitan
economy while maintaining or enhancing the environment (11I-B-3). A relevant policy
includes:
Policy 3: Encourage local residents to develop job skills and other educational
attributes that will enable them to fill existing job opportunities. (11I-8-4)
One of the Goals of the Refinement Plan is to "support community economic
development" (p. 8). Two strategies of the Refinement Plan support this goal:
Strategy E8: Continue to develop Willamalane's role in the community in providing
job training and work experience for youth.
· Increase community awareness about Willamalane's employment
opportunities for youth; and
· Work with Lane Community College, the University of Oregon, and School
District 19 to expand internship opportunities at Willamalane.
Strategy F12: Continue to collaborate with the City in implementing community
planning and economic development objectives, such as downtown redevelopment,
planning for new development, and refinement planning for existing neighborhoods.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Economic Element of the Metro Plan.
C. Environmental Resources Element
The Environmental Resources Element addresses the natural assets and hazards in the
metropolitan area. There is significant correlation between the first two goals of this
element and the Refinement Plan:
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Goals
1. Protect valuable natural resources and encourage their wise management, use,
and proper reuse.
2. Maintain a variety of open spaces within and on the fringe of the developing area.
(III-C-6)
The following three Metro Plan policies relate to Refinement Plan goals, objectives, and
strategies:
Policy 7: Continued local programs supporting community gardens on public land ...
shall be encouraged. Urban agriculture includes ... interim use of vacant and
underdeveloped parcels. (III-C-B)
Policy 14: Metropolitan goals relating to scenic quality... open space, and
recreational potential shall be given a higher priority than timber harvest within the
urban growth boundary. (III-C-9)
Policy 24: When planning for and regulating development, local governments shall
consider the need for protection of open spaces, including those characterized by
significant vegetation and wildlife. (III-C-10)
Willamalane presently manages approximately 680 acres of land in 31 parks and two
undeveloped properties, including two parks classified as Natural Area Parks.
"Environment" and "Stewardship" are two of Willamalane's Core Values (p. 8); the
environment core value is elaborated on in the text:
We Value the Environment
Our community looks to us to be the stewards of our present and future natural
resources. We are committed to providing leadership in conserving those
resources, and looking for new and better ways to be environmentally responsible.
(p.9)
Two goals of the Refinement Plan are to "Provide opportunities to enjoy nature," and
"Preserve the natural environment" (p. 8). Four relevant strategies among several in the
Refinement Plan are:
Strategy A36: Acquire and develop a system of natural-area parks that protects,
conserves, and enhances elements of the natural and historic landscape that give
the region its unique sense of place
Strategy A39: Protect and enhance a variety of habitat types within Willamalane's
park and open space system, including upland and wildlife communities such as oak
savanna, wetlands, upland prairie, and riparian forest
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Strategy 04: Manage natural-area parks, and natural areas in other parks, both for
natural-resource values and passive recreation.
Strategy 07: Manage natural areas to protect unique environments, including the
removal of invasive, exotic vegetation.
Also, there are ten actions in the Refinement Plan specifically related to acquiring and
developing Natural Area Parks (Table 3, Actions 3.1 - 3.10), such as:
Action 3.1
Action 3.3
Action 3.5
Weyerhaeuser McKenzie Natural Area Park
Georgia-Pacific Natural Area Park
Booth-Kelly/Millpond Natural Area Park
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Environmental Resources Element of the
Metro Plan. (For further substantiation please see the section on Goal 5 -- Open.
Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources)
D. Willamette River Greenway, River Corridors, and Waterway Element
The goal of this element is to protect, conserve, and enhance the natural, scenic,
environmental and economic qualities of river and waterway corridors (111-0-3).
Relevant policies from this element include:
Policy 2: Land use regulations and acquisition programs along river corridors and
waterways shall take into account all the concerns and needs of the community,
including recreation... (11I-0-4)
Policy 3: Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County shall continue to cooperate in
expanding water-related parks and other facilities, where appropriate, that allow
access to and enjoyment of river and waterway corridors. (11I-0-4)
Policy 4:.. . Springfield's efforts to improve the scenic quality of its Millrace should be
encouraged. (11I-0-4)
Policy 8: Within the framework of mandatory statewide planning goals, local
Willamette River Greenway plans shall allow a variety of means for public enjoyment
of the river, including public acquisition areas... (11I-0-5)
Policy 10: Local and state governments shall continue to provide adequate public
access to the Willamette River Greenway. (11I-0-5)
As Springfield is bordered by two rivers, river access and protection are key elements in
the Refinement Plan. Willamalane currently operates three parks along the main stem
of the Willamette River. Two additional parks and one undeveloped property are
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
located along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, and there is one park on the
McKenzie River.
The Metro Plan policies listed above correlate with the. following Refinement Plan
strategies:
Strategy A 12: Work with Lane County and other recreation providers to improve
boating and fishing access.
Strategy A45: Orient riverfront parks to the rivers and their natural resource values;
support water-related recreation activities where appropriate.
Strategy A46: Develop and manage parks and facilities to protect and enhance
wetlands, waterways, and water quality, and to take advantage of their natural
amenities and recreation values.
Strategy A50: Continue to participate in the TEAM Springfield-sponsored Mill Race
Ecosystem Restoration Project, representing public recreation and education
interests.
There are also a number of proposed projects along the Willamette River and the
Springfield Mill Race described in the Refinement Plan action tables:
Action 3.3
Action 3.5
Actions 4.15-4.16
Actions 4.17-4.19
Action 4.20
Action 5.3
Georgia Pacific Natual Area Park
Booth Kelly/Millpond Natural-Area Park
South Bank Trail A and B [Glenwood]
Mill Race Path
Middle Fork Willamette Path
Glenwood Riverfront Park
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Willamette River Greenway, River Corridors,
and Waterway Element of the Metro Plan.
E. Environmental Design Element
The Goals of the Environmental Design Element are to:
1. Secure a safe, clean, and comfortable environment which is satisfying to the
mind and senses.
2. Encourage the development of the natural, social, and economic environment in
a manner that is harmonious with our natural setting and maintains and
enhances our quality of life.
3. Create and preserve desirable and distinctive qualities in local and neighborhood
areas. (III-E-2)
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Relevant Metro Plan policies include:
Policy 1: In order to promote the greatest possible degree of diversity, a broad
variety of commercial, residential, and recreational land uses shall be encouraged
when consistent with other planning policies.
Policy 4: Public and private facilities shall be designed and located in a manner that
preserves and enhances desirable features of local and neighborhood areas and
promotes their sense of identity.
Policy 5: Carefully develop sites that provide visual diversity to the urban area and
optimize their visual and personal accessibility to residents. (III-E-3)
Refinement Plan strategies that relate to the Environmental Design Element include:
Strategy A3: Work with the City to encourage the private provision of quality parks,
urban plazas, trails, linear parks, rooftop open space, and other amenities in private
developments, where consistent with the goals and standards of this Plan, the
provisions of the Springfield Development Code, and other applicable codes and
standards.
Strategy F15: Ensure safe and convenient access to parks, open space, and
recreation facilities, including access for persons with disabilities, bicycles,
pedestrians, and users of public transportation.
Strategy F23: Minimize the impacts of parks and community facilities on adjacent
development, including impacts of noise, traffic, and lights.
Strategy F24: Coordinate location and site design of parks and recreation facilities
with schools, fire stations, libraries, and other public facilities where possible to
effectively and efficiently provide service.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Environmental Design Element of the Metro
Plan.
F. Transportation Element
The Transportation Element addresses surface and air transportation in the
metropolitan area. "TransPlan, the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Area
Transportation Plan, provides the basis for the surface transportation portions of this
element..." (1I1-F-1). The first goal of the Transportation Element is to
Provide an integrated transportation and land use system that supports choices in
modes of travel and development patterns that will reduce reliance on the
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
automobile and enhance livability, economic opportunity, and the quality of life. (1/1-
F-2)
The components of the Transportation Element that are most relevant to the
Refinement Plan are the sections on bicycle and pedestrian system improvements,
such as:
Policy F26: Provide for a pedestrian environment that is well integrated with
adjacent land uses and is designed to enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience
of walking. (III-F-11)
Significant effort was made in the Refinement Plan to be consistent with the bicycle and
pedestrian projects in TransPlan. In Map 3 of the Refinement Plan (Existing, Planned,
and Proposed Multiuse Paths and Bikeways), planned projects are those that appear in
TransPlan. On-street existing and planned projects are depicted on Map 3 to show
connectivity; there are no actions in the Refinement Plan related to on-street projects.
All TransPlan off-street bicycle and pedestrian projects within the Willamalane planning
area appear as actions in the Refinement Plan in Table 4 (page 48).
Three relevant strategies in the Refinement Plan include:
Strategy A53: Work with partner agencies, including the City of Springfield, ODOT,
and other jurisdictions, to implement bicycle and multiuse trails recommended in the
City of Springfield Bicycle Plan and TransPlan.
Strategy A54: Work with City of Springfield and other affected agencies to evaluate
the feasibility of proposed multiuse paths and, where feasible, to include the paths in
future TransPlan updates.
Strategy A55: Connect schools, parks, and other community destinations with linear
parks, bikeways, and trails where feasible.
Below are a few actions from Table 4 (page 48) of the Refinement Plan that are relevant
to the Transportation Element (numbers in brackets refer to the TransPlan project
number):
Action 4.3a
Action 4.5
Action 4.17
Action 4.20
EWEB Bike Path Extension [731]
McKenzie Gateway Path [759]
Lower Millrace Path [840]
Middle Fork Willamette Path [21]
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Transportation Element of the Metro Plan.
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
G. Public Facilities and Services Element
This element provides direction for the future provision of urban facilities and services to
planned land uses within the Metro Plan boundary. Parks and recreation facilities and
services are among those discussed in the Element's introductory section, but they are
addressed more directly in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Element. The one area
of correlation in the Public Facilities and Services Element relates to joint school/park
use:
Finding 29: Combining educational facilities with local park and recreation facilities
provides financial benefits to the schools while enhancing benefits to the community.
(III-G-10)
Policy G.21 d: The use of school facilities for non-school activities and appropriate
reimbursement for this use. (III-G-11)
School DistricUWillamalane coordination is a key element in the Refinement Plan. See
Chapter Three, Highlights of Improvements, School DistricUWillamalane Collaboration.
Example strategies include:
Strategy A 1: Work with School District 19 to create school/park complexes where
parks abut schools and to optimize the use of other school sites for public recreation,
especially in areas that are underserved by neighborhood parks.
Strategy A2: Work with School District 19 when siting and developing future parks
and schools to create school/park facilities best suited to meet the community's
needs, where consistent with the goals and standards of this Plan.
An example action includes:
Action 1.3 -- Yolanda/Briggs/ Pierce School/Park: Work with SD 19 to develop and
implement a school/park master plan for the Pierce property and adjacent Briggs
and Yolanda School grounds that provides for coordinated development and
optimizes outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Public Facilities and Services Element of the
Metro Plan.
H. Parks and Recreation Facilities Element
The Goal of the Parks and Recreation Facilities Element is to provide a variety of parks
and recreation facilities to serve the diverse needs of the community's citizens. (I11-H-4)
Relevant Metro Plan policies include:
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
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Policy 2: Local parks and recreation plans and analyses shall be prepared by each
jurisdiction and coordinated on a metropolitan level.. . (III-H-4)
Policy 4: Encourage the development of private recreational facilities. (III-H-5)
Policy 6: All metropolitan area parks and recreation programs and districts shall
cooperate to the greatest possible extent in the acquisition of public and private
funds to support their operations. (III-H-5)
The mission of Wi llama lane Park and Recreation District is "To provide exceptional park
and recreation services that enhance the livability of our community and the lives of the
people we serve" (p. 8). Agency representatives from throughout the metropolitan area
were represented on the Refinement Plan Technical Advisory Committee, and staff
updated elected and appointed officials from Springfield and Lane County throughout
the process.
Relevant strategies from the Refinement Plan include:
Strategy A3: Work with the City to encourage the private provision of quality parks,
urban plazas, trails, linear parks, rooftop open space, and other amenities in private
developments, where consistent with the goals and standards of this Plan, the
provisions of the Springfield Development Code, and other applicable codes and
standards.
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Strategy F6: Pursue and maintain partnerships with the City and other public,
private, and non-profit organizations to acquire, develop, and maintain parks, open
space, and recreation facilities.
Strategy F10: Coordinate efforts with other appropriate agencies related to "Rivers
to Ridges," the Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Study.
Strategy F11: Emphasize coordination with TEAM Springfield and other agency
partners when developing new public resources, such as parks, schools, and public
spaces.
Strategy F30: Assess community needs and update the District's Comprehensive
Plan every five years to respond to changing trends.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Parks and Recreation Facilities Element of
the Metro Plan.
I. Historic Preservation Element
The goal of the Historic Preservation Element of the Metro Plan is to preserve and
restore reminders of our origin and historic development as links between past, present,
. and future generations (11I-1-2).
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Relevant Metro Plan policies include:
Policy 2: Institute and support projects and programs that increase citizen and
visitor awareness of the area's history and encourage citizen participation in and
support of programs designed to recognize and memorialize the area's history (11I-1-
2)
Willamalane owns and operates Dorris Ranch, a 258-acre living history park on the
National Register of Historic Places. Relevant strategies in the Refinement Plan
include:
Strategy A60: Provide special-use parks that support specific recreation activities,
and/or that have unique features, such as viewpoints, boating and fishing facilities
Strategy A61: Work with partner agencies, such as the City of Springfield and Lane
County, to protect and enhance important scenic and historic sites.
Strategy A63: Develop and manage Dorris Ranch as a unique, historic natural area
and recreational resource.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Historic Preservation Element of the Metro
Plan.
J. Energy Element
The first goal of the Energy Element of the Metro Plan is to maximize the conservation
and efficient utilization of all types of energy (III-J-3). There is one policy relevant to the
Refinement Plan:
Policy 8: Commercial, residential, and recreational land uses shall be integrated to
the greatest extent possible, balanced with all planning policies to reduce travel
distances, optimize reuse of waste heat, and optimize potential on-site energy
generation. (III-J-5)
The Refinement Plan has one action that is most relevant to the Energy Element:
Action 9.3 (Energy Efficiency Program): Develop energy-efficiency programs at
District facilities to minimize consumption and utility costs.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Energy Element of the Metro Plan.
K. Citizen Involvement Element
The goal of the Citizen Involvement Element of the Metro Plan is to continue to develop,
maintain, and refine programs and procedures that maximize the opportunity for
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
meaningful, ongoing citizen involvement in the community's planning and planning
implementation processes consistent with mandatory statewide planning standards. (11I-
K-2,3)
The following Citizen Involvement Element policy is relevant to the Refinement Plan:
Policy 3: Improve and maintain local mechanisms that provide the opportunity for
residents and property owners in existing residential areas to participate in the
implementation of policies in the Plan that may affect the character of those areas.
(III-K-3)
The Refinement plan has one strategy that is most relevant to the Citizen Involvement
Element:
Strategy F32. Continue to emphasize community involvement and volunteerism to
involve individuals, groups, and businesses in the planning, design, operation, and
programming of parks and recreation facilities.
In addition, Willamalane coordinated a thorough Citizen Involvement program for
development of the Refinement Plan, as described below:
The Springfield Planning Commission/Committee for Citizen Involvement approved the
Wi llama lane Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Public Involvement Program
(PIP) on April 3, 2001. The 1995 IGA between the City and Willamalane provides that,
in the process of updating the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, Wi llama lane
shall be responsible for satisfying the requirements of Statewide Land Use Planning
Goal 1 - Citizen Involvement, as provided by Springfield's Citizen Involvement Program
(CIP).
Willamalane's PIP was designed to ensure ample community and citizen involvement
throughout the planning process in order to build a solid community-wide foundation of
support for the plan. Over 750 people participated in the planning process. A
summarized list of citizen involvement activities included:
· Six Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings, approximately every four
months, all publicized and open to the general public, per the requirements of the
CIP. The CAC was made up of seven citizen members representing the project's
six planning areas, and the urbanizable area, and four elected or appointed
officials;
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Four Technical Advisory Committee (T AC) meetings made up of 13
representatives from local and state agencies, districts, and governments;
· Five meetings with the Willamalane Board of Directors, including a public
hearing, all publicized and open to the general public;
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
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· A statistically valid community survey of 529 District households;
· Focus groups with non-users, teens, and Willamalane staff to identify needs and
preferences;
· Thirty-nine stakeholder interviews with residents and Board members;
· A Park and Recreation Fair held at Gateway Mall, with 214 participants filling out
a Park and Recreation Questionnaire;
· A Public workshop held at the Memorial Building Community Center with 16
attendees; and
· Regular project updates on the Willamalane web site, including a downloadable
version of the DRAFT Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan.
· Public hearings were conducted by the City and County Planning Commissions
and Elected Officials prior to adoption of the Refinement Plan.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the Citizen Involvement Element of the Metro
Plan.
. 2. APPLICABLE STATE STATUTES
Applicable state statutes are those authorizing and implementing the state and local
park planning administrative rule, and those allowing park uses in exclusive farm use
zones.
Authorizing statutes for Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) Chapter 660, Division 034,
State and Local Park Planning, are Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) Chapter 183, ORS
Chapter 195, and ORS Chapter 197
Statutes implemented by OAR Chapter 660, Division 034, State and Local Park
Planning, are the following:
ORS Chapter 195 (~ocal Government Planning Coordination) section 120 (Rules
and planning goal amendments for parks required; allowable uses; application of
certain land use laws) through section 125 (Existing uses in state parks; approval by
local governments);
-.
ORS Chapter 197 (Comprehensive Land Use Planning Coordination), Section 040
(Land Conservation and Development Commission -- Duties of Commission; rules);
and section 225 (Goals Compliance - Preparation; adoption) through section 245
(Commission amendment of initial goals; adoption of new goals); and
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
ORS Chapter 215 (County Planning; Zoning; Housing Codes), section 213 (Uses
permitted in exclusive farm use zones in counties that adopted marginal lands
system prior to 1993)
The discussion and findings in the preceding section of this report demonstrate that the
Refinement Plan conforms with the Metro Plan. The following section includes
discussion and findings demonstrating conformance with applicable Statewide Planning
Goals and administrative rules. Since the Metro Plan, the Goals and the administrative
rules all specifically implement the authorizing statutes, therefore, these findings also
demonstrate that the Refinement Plan conforms with applicable state statutes.
3. APPLICABLE STATE-WIDE PLANNING GOALS AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
Statewide planning goals are written in bold; and relevant approval criteria is
summarized in italics, followed by findings of fact in normal text.
Goal 1 - Citizen Involvement
To develop a citizen involvement program that insures the opportunity for
citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process.
The proposed Refinement Plan's Public Involvement Program (PIP) met and exceeded
the requirements of Springfield's Citizen Involvement Program, the Metro Plan, and
Goal 1. Requirements under Goal 1 are met by adherence to the citizen involvement
processes required by the Metro Plan and implemented by the Springfield Development
Code, Articles 7 and 14, and the Springfield Citizen Involvement Program and by
noticed public hearings prior to final adoption by the Lane County Board of County
Commissioners and Springfield City Council. The finding under the Metro Plan Citizen
Involvement Element provides additional details on the Citizen Involvement efforts for
the Refinement Plan that ensures compliance with Statewide Planning Goa/1.
Goal 2 - land Use Planning
To establish a land use planning process and policy framework as a basis
for all decision and actions related to use of land and to assure an
adequate factual base for such decisions and actions.
Goal 2 focuses on the requirements for developing and adopting local land use plans.
Willamalane underwent a deliberate and thorough process of updating the Refinement
Plan in accordance with its IGA Regarding Coordinated Planning and Urban Services
with the City of Springfield and its approved Citizen Involvement Program, in order to
ensure compliance with the Metro Plan and Goal 2.
The first element of the Refinement Plan was the Community Needs Assessment
(CNA). The CNA process included a wide-range of community involvement
14
Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
.
opportunities as well as technical analysis of facilities, programs, and finances. Part of
the technical analysis included a detailed inventory of parks and facilities, a
demographic analysis, community profile, and summary of related planning efforts.
The findings of the CNA were the foundation of the strategies and action plan (Chapter
4). The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in Chapter 5 details a three-phase
fmplem.entation strategy, with cost estimates and funding projections developed for
phases one and two of the Comprehensive Plan. The projects included in the CIP are
derived from the Action Tables in Chapter 4. The Refinement Plan includes a strategy
(F30) for assessing community needs and updating the Plan every five years.
In addition to the above means, Willamalane ensured compliance with local, regional
and state land use planning through the ongoing coordination with other government
partners. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met four times, reviewing project work
and advising staff and consultants. The T AC consisted of representatives from City of
Springfield, Lane County, City of Eugene, Springfield School District, Springfield Utility
Board, Lane Council of Governments, Department of Land Conservation and
Development, Oregon Park and Recreation Department, and others. In addition, staff
updated the following elected and appointed officials on the Refinement Plan throughout
the planning process: Springfield Planning Commission (three times); Springfield City
Council (three times); Lane County Board of Commissioners (twice); Lane County
Planning Commission (once); Springfield School District (once).
.
The Draft Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan was completed in early December
2003. Over the next two months, staff and consultants met with the project committees,
the Wi llama lane Board of Directors, and local elected and appointed officials, for their
input. In addition, there was a public open house, as well as meetings with City of
Springfield planning staff, Lane County planning staff, and other interested groups. The
general public was able to review copies of the Draft Plan at the Willamalane
Administration Center and the Springfield Library, as well as on the Willamalane Web
Site (www.willamalane.org). -
Changes were made to the Draft Plan in February 2004. The Willamalane Web Site
was updated with the final draft of the plan and information about the public hearing,
and the public was notified. On March 17,2004 the Willamalane Board of Directors
held a public hearing on the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan and three
persons testified, all in favor. That evening the Board unanimously adopted the
Refinement Plan.
Notice of the intent to adopt the Refinement Plan was sent to Department of Land
Conservation and Development in July 2004. A joint public hearing with the Springfield
and Lane County Planning Commissions was held on September 15, 2004, and a
unanimous recommendation to adopt the Refinement Plan was forwarded to the City
Council and Board of Commissioners. The elected officials conducted a joint public
hearing on October 28, 2004 to adopt the Refinement Plan.
.
15
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Therefore, the Refinement Plan meets and exceeds the requirements of Statewide
Planning Goal 2.
Goal 3 - Agricultural lands
To preserve and maintain agricultural lands.
This goal does not apply within adopted, acknowledged urban growth boundaries. The
City of Springfield does not have any agricultural zoning districts. Outside of the urban
growth boundary, within the Metro Plan boundary, there are four existing Willamalane
properties that are partially designated as agriculture in the Metro Plan. OAR 660-034-
0040 addresses local park use on agricultural land. By reference, this administrative
rule lists a number of uses that may occur on parks located on agricultural land,
including but not limited to picnic shelters, play structures, recreational trails and
interpretive facilities (OAR 660-034-0035). The rule provides that a local government is
not required to adopt an exception to Statewide Planning Goals 3 or 4 for [these uses] .
on agricultural or forest land within a local park provided such uses, alone or in
combination, meet all other statewide goals and [are) described and authorized in a
local park master plan that has been adopted as part of the local comprehensive plan
(OAR 660-034-0040(4)(a)).
Proposed future uses for these sites are described in the Refinement Plan in Chapter 4,
Strategies and Actions:
Action 2.4
Action 2.5.
Action 2.6
Action 3.3
Action 3.4
Action .5.1, 5.2
Action 7.31
Lively Park Master Plan and Development
Lively Park Expansion
Lively/Thurston School/Park
Georgia-Pacific Natural Area Park
Georgia-Pacific Access Improvements
Wallace M. Ruff Jr. Memorial Park
Harvest Landing Master Plan and Improvements
These uses are consistent with those allowed on agricultural land, therefore no goal
exception is necessary. The Refinement Plan meets the requirements for Statewide
Planning Goal 3, Agricultural Lands.
Goal 4 - Forest lands
To conserve forest lands by maintaining the forest land base and to protect
the state's forest economy by making possible economically efficient
forest practices that assure the continuous growing and harvesting of
forest tree species as the leading use on forest land consistent with sound
management of soil, air, water; and fish and wildlife resources and to
provide for recreational opportunities and agriculture.
16
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
This goal does not apply within adopted, acknowledged urban growth boundaries. The
City of Springfield does not have any forest zoning districts.Willamalane does not have
any current or proposed parks or facilities with a Forest Land designation in the Metro
Plan; therefore Statewide Planning Goal 4 does not apply.
Goal 5 - Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources
To conserve open space and protect natural and scenic resources.
This goal focuses on the resources that need to be inventoried by local governments in
order to "adopt programs that will protect natural resources and conserve scenic,
historic, and open space resources for present and future generations."
The IGA between Willamalane and City of Springfield states, the "District shall be
responsible for preparing, maintaining and updating a comprehensive parks, recreation
and open space refinement plan for the area within its boundaries, including the City of
Springfield and adjacent urbanizable area, for the purposes of meeting statewide
Planning Goal 8 requirements and ensuring long-range public parks, recreation, and
open space facilities/services."
As the IGA directs, Willamalane's responsibility is in meeting Goal 8 requirements. The
City of Springfield is responsible for meeting Goal 5 requirements. However, recreation-
related open spaces are addressed in the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan,
per the direction of the Metro Plan.
As the Metro Plan notes in the Environmental Resources Element (1I1-C-1), "open space
can also be a park... examples of regional Parks (sic) that provide significant public
open space areas for metropolitan residents include ... Wi llama lane Park and
Recreation District's Clearwater Park, Eastgate Woodlands, and Dorris Ranch." The
Metro Plan goes on to acknowledge later in the Environmental Resources Element (111-
C-5) "open space provides many benefits in an urban area, including.. .provision of
recreation opportunities."
During the preparation of the Natural Resources Special Study in the late 1980's, a draft
inventory was prepared of metropolitan area resource sites based on wildlife habitat
values. A number of Willamalane's existing park sites are included on that inventory,
includingDorris Ranch, Willamette Heights, and Eastgate Woodlands, which received
the highest score in the metro area.
Two of Willamalane's core values are Environment and Stewardship, described in
Chapter Two of the Refinement Plan. Willamalane elaborated on a number of the core
values by developing value statements, including the following:
We Value the Environment: Our community looks to us to be the stewards of our
present and future natural resources. We are committed to providing leadership in
17
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
conserving those resources, and looking for new and better ways to be
environmentally responsible. (p. 9)
Two relevant strategies not already discussed include:
Strategy A35: Consider unique and significant natural areas for acquisition and
development, as appropriate.
Strategy A48: Use environmentally-sustainable park development and management
practices.
Willamalane also values scenic and historic areas, as demonstrated in the following
strategies:
Strategy A60: Provide special-use parks that support specific recreation activities,
and/or that have unique features, such as viewpoints, boating and fishing facilities,
scenic areas, and historic sites.
Strategy A61: Work with partner agencies, such as the City of Springfield and Lane
County, to protect and enhance important scenic and historic sites.
Clearly, the connection between the purpose of Goal 5 and the purpose of the
Refinement Plan are mutually supportive and in niany instances overlap. The section
on the Metro Plan Environmental Resources Element describes in detail how the
Refinement plan meets and exceeds the requirements for that element and Statewide
Planning Goal 5.
Goal 6 - Air, Water and land Resources Quality
To maintain and improve the quality of the air, water and land resources of
the state.
This goal is primarily concerned with compliance with federal and state environmental
quality statutes, and how this compliance is achieved as development proceeds in
relationship to air sheds, river basins and land resources.
The Refinement Plan has one action that is most relevant to Goal 6:
Strategy 016: Coordinate with the City to successfully implement stormwater Best
Management Practices to assist in meeting State and Federal water-quality
standards and Endangered Species Act requirements.
The Refinement Plan meets the requirements for Statewide Planning Goal 6.
18
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Goal 7 - Areas Subject to Natural Disasters and Hazards
To protect life and property from natural disasters and hazards.
The focus of this goal is on natural hazard comprehensive planning, implementation,
and coordination. This goal does not apply to the Refinement Plan.
Goal 8 - Recreational Needs
To satisfy the recreational needs of the citizens of the state and visitors
and, where appropriate, to provide for the siting of necessary recreational
facilities including destination resorts.
The purpose of the Refinement Plan is to "meet statewide Planning Goal 8
requirements and ensure long-range public parks, recreation, and open space
facilities/services (1995 Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Coordinated Planning
and Urban Services)." Willamalane began the comprehensive planning process in
December 2001 to identify future needs for parks, open space, recreation facilities,
programs and services. The Refinement Plan responds to identified community needs
and provides an action plan to ensure the most effective use of community resources.
The planning process was split into three phases:
Phase I Determining Needs:
This phase involved significant outreach to community members to identify key issues,
priorities, and perceived needs. A Community Needs Assessment incorporated
community involvement activities, a community profile, a demographic analysis, a
program analysis, a park and facility analysis, and a management and operations
analysis. A Citizen Advisory Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee were
formed to identify their vision for parks and recreation in the District. They provided
direction and approval at key milestones throughout the project. A Project Management
Team was coordinated to oversee the planning process.
Phase II Developing the Plan:
Based on the results of the Community Needs Assessment, strategies and actions were
developed. Potential sources and levels for funding for parks and recreation were
incorporated into a Capital Improvement and Operations Plan. A Draft Comprehensive
Plan was created for committee, staff, and community review. Next, recommendations
were finalized, and the final Plan was produced.
PhaseJII Adopting the Plan:
In the final phase, the Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the
Willamalane Board of Directors. The City of Springfield City Council and the Lane
County Board of Commissioners adopted the Plan as a Refinement Plan to the Eugene-
Springfield Metropolitan Area General Plan on October 28, 2004.
19
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
A thorough and deliberate process was used to develop and adopt the Refinement
Plan, which meets and exceeds the requirements of Statewide Planning Goal 8. (For
further substantiation please see the section on the Metro Plan Parks and Recreation
Facilities Element).
Goal 9 - Economic Development
To provide adequate opportunities throughout the state for a variety of
economic activities vital to the health, welfare, and prosperity of Oregon's
citizens.
This goal is intended to address the land use needs (inventory) for employment
opportunities in commercial and industrial sites, and correlates with one of the goals in
the Refinement Plan, which is to "Support community economic development" (p. 8).
The Refinement Plan does not affect commercial or industrial lands inventories, nor
does it limit access or other services to such sites. Therefore, the Refinement Plan is
consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 9.
Goal 1 0 - Housing
To provide for the housing needs of citizens of the state.
Similar to Goal 9, this goal is intended to protect residential lands inventories and
require implementation measures that promote housing opportunities in a variety of
economic ranges and densities. Please see the section on the Metro Plan Residential
Land Use and Housing Element for the detailed explanation of why the Refinement Plan
will not negatively affect the residential land inventory.
The Refinement Plan is consistent with the purpose of Statewide Planning Goal 10.
Goal 11 - Public Facilities and Services
To plan and develop a timely, orderly and efficient arrangement of public
facilities and services to serve as a framework for urban and rural
development.
The emphasis of this goal is on key urban services otherthan parks and recreation, and
the focus is on the need for a 20-year public facilities and services plan (PFSP). Please
see the section on the Metro Plan Public Utilities, Services, and Facilities Element for
the detailed explanation of why the Refinement Plan is consistent with that Element
and, therefore, Statewide Goal 11.
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Goal 12 - Transportation
To provide and encourage a safe, convenient and economic transportation
system.
The focus of this goal is on the development of a transportation plan. TransPlan is the
adopted metropolitan-area transportation plan. Please see the section on the Metro
Plan Transportation Element for the detailed explanation of why the Refinement Plan is
consistent with TransPlan, and therefore consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 12.
Goal 13 - Energy Conservation
To conserve energy.
This goal is intended to require local jurisdictions to include energy consequences
during decision-making. The Refinement Plan calls for "Develop[ing} energy-efficiency
programs at District facilities to minimize consumption and utilities costs (p. 61, Action
9.3). The Metro Plan Energy Element provides a detailed explanation of why the
Refinement Plan is consistent with that Element, and therefore consistent with
Statewide Planning Goal 13.
Goal 14 - Urbanization
To provide for an orderly and efficient transition from rural to urban land
use.
The focus of this goal is on urban growth boundaries, their establishment and change,
and to a lesser degree, the treatment of land within and outside of urban growth
boundaries.
The Willamalane Park and Recreation District is,designated in the Metro Plan as the
park and recreation service provider for Springfield and its urbanizable area, including
Glenwood. The current District boundary includes the area within Springfield's city
limits, as well as areas outside of the city limits and within the urban growth boundary
(UGB). Any newly developed areas annexed by the City of Springfield are automatically
annexed to the District.
The planning area for the proposed Refinement Plan includes the area of potential
development over the next 20 years, and therefore, it is broader than the current District
boundary. The planning area generally covers the entire area within the Springfield
UGB or the District Boundary, whichever is greater, and properties owned by
Willamalane Park and Recreation District within the Metro Plan Boundary.
The Refinement Plan will not hasten, slow down or otherwise influence the transition of
rural land to urban land use, therefore it is consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 14.
21
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
Goal 15 - Willamette River Greenway
To protect, conserve, enhance and maintain the natural, scenic, historical,
agricultural, economic and recreational qualities of lands along the
Willamette River as the Willamette River Greenway.
Willamalane Park and Recreation District has a number of current and proposed parks
and properties within the Willamette River Greenway. Please see the section on the
Metro Plan Willamette River Greenway, River Corridors and Waterways (p. 6-7) for the
detailed explanation of why the Refinement Plan is consistent with that element, and
therefore consistent with Statewide Planning Goal 15.
Goal 16 Estuarine Resources, Goal 17 Coastal Shorelands, Goal 18 Beaches and
Dunes, and Goal 19 Ocean Resources
These statewide planning goals do not apply to the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan
Area.
Compliance with Applicable Administrative Rules of Chapter 660, Division 034,
033, and 023
Applicable administrative rules are those establishing policies and procedures for the
planning and zoning of state and local parks in order to address the recreational needs
of the citizens of the state (OAR Chapter 660, Division 034, Section 0000), and
secondarily, those implementing the requirements for agricultural land as defined by
Goal 3 (OAR Chapter 660, Division 33, Section 0010), and those implementing the
req_uirements for open space as defined by Goal 5 (OAR Chapter 660, Division 023,
Section 0220).
OAR 660-034-0040( 1) refers to requirements for implementing "local park master plans"
as part of the local comprehensive plan. There is no definition for "local park master
plans" in Division 34. On January 28, 2004 staff spoke with Bob Rindy at DLCD for
clarification. According to Mr. Rindy, language referring to "local park master plans" and
"local park plans" pertain to site-specific park master plans (i.e., a master plan for a new
or existing park), not for community-wide park and recreation comprehensive plans,
such as the Refinement Plan. Sections (1 )(a) and (1 )(b) of 660-034-0040 only apply if
one is adopting a site-specific park master plan. Since the Refinement Plan is a
comprehensive, system-wide plan for parks and recreation, and not a site-specific park
master plan, the rule does not apply.
If one assumes that the Refinement Plan is synonymous with the definition of a "local
park master plan" in Division 34, the Refinement Plan is consistent with the intent of the
Rule. The relevant text is below:
(1) ... If a local government decides to adopt a local park plan as part of the local
comprehensive plan, the adoption shall include:
22
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
.
(a) A plan map designation, as necessary, to indicate the location and boundaries of
the local park; and
A plan map designation is not necessary for proposed parks, as they are not site-
specific and are not necessarily metropolitan-scale. As discussed in the section on the
Metro Plan Diagram/Land Use Designations (p. 2-3), it is consistent that the Refinement
Plan's proposed parks, facilities, and trails that are not already in public ownership do
not appear on the Metro Plan Diagram, because those proposed parks, facilities and
trails are not site-specific. If, in the future, Willamalane develops metropolitan-scale
parks or facilities on property with land use designations not consistent with park use,
plan amendment applications will be submitted for land use designation changes at that
time, as we have done in the past (most recently with the 32nd Street Sports Park).
Existing land use designations are consistent with the Metro Plan. Division 34
continues:
(b) Appropriate zoning categories and map designations (a "local park" zone or
overlay zone is recommended), including objective land use and siting review
criteria, in order to authorize the existing and planned park uses described in the
local park master plan. (OAR 660-034-0040(1 )(a)(b))
.
Existing City of Springfield zoning categories and Metro Plan map designations are
sufficient, as they relate to existing parks and facilities, not proposed projects. Table C-
1 "Park and Facility Classifications and Definitions" in the Refinement Plan provides
information that may be used as objective siting review criteria when developing
proposed parks and facilities in the future.
The rule also provides that "a local government is not required to adopt an exception to
Statewide Planning Goals 3 or 4 for [these uses] on agricultural or forest land within a
local park provided such uses, alone or in combination, meet all other statewide goals
and are each use must be described and authorized in a local park master plan" that
has been adopted as part of the local comprehensive plan (OAR 660-034-0040(4)(a)).
The Refinement Plan is consistent with this rule. Please see the discussion in the
section on Statewide Planning Goal 3 - Agricultural Lands.
Lastly, OAR 660-023-0220 defines "open space" to include parks. It allows local
governments to
adopt a list of significant open space resource sites as an open space acquisition
program. Local governments are not required to apply the requirements of OAR
660-023-0030 through 660-023-0050 [Inventory Process] to such sites unless land
use regulations are adopted to protect such sites prior to acquisition.
(OAR 660-023-0220(3))
A list of proposed natural area parks are included in the Refinement Plan. Some of
. those sites are not yet in public ownership. However, their location is generalized in
23
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Park and Recreation Comprehensive Plan
Exhibit A
nature, and there are no land use regulations being proposed to protect such sites prior
to acquisition. Therefore, the Refinement Plan is consistent with this rule.
CONCLUSION
Willamalane Park and Recreation District is designated in the Metro Plan as the park
and recreation service provider for Springfield and its urbanizable area. A 1995
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and Willamalane requires the two
agencies to collaborate in planning for parks, recreation and open space. The IGA
designates Willamalane as the agency responsible for preparing and updating a park
and recreation comprehensive plan, and it specifies that the comprehensive plan shall
be adopted as a refinement plan to the Metro Plan.
Willamalane began a comprehensive planning process in January 2002 to identify
future needs for parks, open space, recreation facilities, programs, and services in the
Springfield area within the Metro Plan boundary. The Refinement Plan responds to
identified community needs and provides an action plan to ensure the most effective
use of community resources. Strategies and actions were developed with input from a
broad spectrum of community members, through such means as a statistically valid
community survey, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, public meetings, and Citizen
and Technical Advisory Committees. Input was also received throughout the planning
process from elected and appointed officials, including members of the Springfield
School District, Springfield City Council and Planning Commission, Lane County Board
of Commissioners and Planning Commission, and the Willamalane Board of Directors.
Staff and consultants took great care to ensure that the Refinement Plan meets or
exceeds the applicable criteria in the Metro Plan, applicable state statutes, and
applicable Statewide Planning goals and administrative rules. Therefore, the
Willamalane Park and Recreation District April 2004 Park and Recreation
Comprehensive Plan, a refinement plan to the Eugene-Springfield Metro Area General
Plan (Metro Plan), is found to be fully consistent with the applicable criteria as described
in these findings.
24