Recreation ElementRECREATION ELEMENT
CITY OF ENCINITAS GENERAL PLAN
As Amended 6/16/93, 9/21/94, 5/11/95 and 1/22/03
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Introduction to the Recreation Element RE-1
Purpose of the Element RE-1
Related Plans and Programs RE-2
Format and Scope of this Element RE-2
Recreation Element Goals and Policies RE-3
Development of New Park and Recreational Facilities RE-3
Preservation of Open Space Resources RE-5
Coastal Development RE-6
Park Standards RE-7
Coastal Resources RE-8
Related Goals and Policies RE-9
Park and Recreation Plan RE-11
Parks Classification and Standards RE-11
Future Parks Site Selection Standards RE-18
Development of a Trail System RE-20
General Plan Policies and Future RE-24
Recreation Facilities
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table 1: Recreation Policies Matrix RE-10
Table 2: Parkland Standards RE-13
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
Figure 1: Park and Facility Standards RE-12
Figure 2: Use Standards for Beaches RE-16
Figure 3: Recreational Trails Master Plan Map RE-22
Figure 4: Recreational Facilities Plan Map RE-23
INTRODUCTION TO THE RECREATION ELEMENT
Recreation is an important facet of our everyday
lives. Never before has public awareness regarding
physical fitness and exercise been as great as it is
at the present time. Organized and informal sports
activities promote good health and cooperation among
young people. Recreational pursuits are equally
important for adults as a means to reduce stress
associated with urban living. Parks often provide the
only open space for active recreation available to
children and adults since yard areas in some newer
residential developments are often too small for play
and other recreational activities. In addition,
other open space areas are often restricted, and
undeveloped open space areas are increasingly being
converted to developed uses.
The Recreation Element is closely tied with the Land
Use and Resource Management Elements. Many of the
goals and policies included in both of these elements
serve to implement a number of goals and policies
contained in the Recreation Element. The Element is
supported by the Recreation Technical Report which
includes important background information.
The Recreation Element is not a mandatory element as
are the other elements included in the General Plan.
Section 65303 of the Government Code states that
cities and counties may incorporate optional elements
to complement those elements required under State law.
The number and type of additional issues that may be
addressed in these optional elements are left to the
discretion of the city or county that prepared them.
The Government Code does indicate that once an
optional element has been adopted, it has the same
force and authority as the mandatory elements. These
optional elements can significantly expand the
authority of the local government over a particular
issue area that is unique to that particular
jurisdiction and not adequately covered in the
required elements. The other State requirements that
pertain to the mandatory elements, such as internal
consistency, also apply to optional elements once they
have been adopted.
The Recreation Element for the City of Encinitas is
specifically concerned with expanding the City's
existing recreational facilities and broadening the
range of services.
RE-1
Purpose of
the Element
A number of plans and programs have been prepared that
were considered in the formulation of goals and
policies included in this Element. These plans are
instrumental in identifying areas where new facilities
should be located as well as strategies for
implementation. The major plans and programs
considered in the preparation of this Element are
described in the following paragraphs.
Local Coastal Program: The Local Coastal Program (LCP)
prepared as part of this General Plan contains numerous
policies concerned with beach access and the
maintenance and preservation of coastal resources. A
number of these policies also serve to implement the
Coastal Act.
California Coastal Plan: The California Coastal Plan
prepared over ten years ago by the California Coastal
Zone Conservation Commission, a forerunner of the
Coastal Commission, contains a number of policies that
are both applicable and consistent with the policies
contained in this Element. The California Coastal Plan
is described in greater detail in the Resource
Management Element.
San Diego County Park Plan: The County has designated
a number of areas that should be considered for the
development of future park sites and other facilities.
In addition, the County maintains a number of
facilities within the City and planning area. Future
plans the County may have for these and other
facilities are important considerations that need to
be considered in the context of this Element.
San Dieguito Riders Trails Plan: The San Dieguito
Riders, an organization of local residents interested
in equestrian activities, prepared a plan for a
comprehensive system of trails that may be used by
equestrians, hikers, and bicyclists. The plan
identifies measures that can be utilized for the
acquisition and/or use of rights-of-way as well as
standards for the development of these trails.
The sections which follow contain goals, policies, and
standards that will direct future park planning in the
City. This Element will be closely linked to and
build upon policies identified in the Land Use and
Resource Management Elements.
RE-2
Related Plans
and Programs
Format and
Scope of this
Element
RECREATION ELEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and policies included in this Element focus
on ways existing recreational opportunities can be
expanded to meet both existing and projected needs.
Issue areas of special concern to the City include the
preservation of existing open space areas that contain
significant cultural or natural resources that deserve
protection. Other goals and policies are more
directly related to recreational facilities ranging
from standards for development of future parks to
identification of future vista points and access ways
along the coast.
T
The following policies focus on the development of new
park and recreational facilities throughout the City.
At the same time, the preservation of undeveloped
lands that have been found to be ecologically
significant is also stressed. The implementation of
these policies is important in ensuring that the
recreational and open space needs of both existing and
future residents are met.
GOAL 1: The maintenance of the open space resources
in the Planning Area will continue to be emphasized.
(Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 1.1: Continue to cooperate with property
owners, the County of San Diego, and others to
preserve and maintain the riparian habitats within the
planning area. (Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 1.2: Consider the enactment of a "Quimby
Ordinance" to insure that new residential development
is provided with open space/recreational amenities.
In addition, explore all other available funding
resources and alternatives for acquisition and
development of park and open space lands.
POLICY 1.3: Enforce local laws regarding the
vandalism of park property and incorporate citizen
involvement into the program through the "neighborhood
watch" programs and other community efforts.
POLICY 1.4: Establish a balance of natural open space
and "improved" recreational open space and implement
measures to preserve, and maintain the natural
environment. (Coastal Act/30252)
RE-3
Development of
New Park and
Recreational
Facilities
POLICY 1.5: Provide a minimum of 15 acres of local
recreational area for each 1,000 population for the
entire community. This area should be devoted to
neighborhood and other close-at-hand recreation
facilities, community parks, and passive open space in
undeveloped preserves and wilderness areas. This
policy shall not be construed to reduce the minimum
standards established under this Element for provision
of mini, neighborhood, community, or other park land
based on population or service distance.
POLICY 1.6: Establish mini-parks and playlots in high
density areas where larger parks are inaccessible or
impractical to provide, and only when the provision of
neighborhood parks to serve local neighborhood park
needs is not possible.
POLICY 1.7: Provide a neighborhood park within
convenient, and where possible, walking distance for
all urban area residents.
POLICY 1.8: Establish a system of community parks so
that each community (Leucadia, Old and New Encinitas,
Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain) is within a
community park service area.
POLICY 1.9: Develop parks in conjunction with schools
wherever possible and encourage joint use of
facilities. (Coastal Act/30252)
POLICY 1.10: Encourage the development of private and
public recreational and meeting facilities throughout
Encinitas.
POLICY 1.11: Develop an open space program that will
link the various communities together with parks,
recreation/pedestrian access and natural visual
corridors.
POLICY 1.12: Active parks, passive parks, and natural
open space shall be provided in each of the
communities to the extent possible.
POLICY 1.13: Encourage appropriate multiple use of
open space wherever possible.
POLICY 1.14: The City shall attempt to acquire the
Santa Fe railroad right-of-way, should it become
available, for the development of recreational
facilities and landscaping as well as transportation
and other public needs.
RE-4
POLICY 1.15: Provide the playing fields necessary to
serve the community.
POLICY 1.16: The City has adopted a City-wide Recreational
Trails Master Plan to establish a recreational trails
system. The proposed trail system is shown on the
Recreational Trails Master Plan Map (Figure 3). Future
trails, in addition to those planned for in the
Recreational Trails Master Plan, may be added to the
existing systems to enhance the recreational opportunities
of the City. Within the coastal zone, all proposed trails
and trail alignments shall be consistent with the
requirements of Policy 10.5 of the Resource Management
Element, and the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program
(MHCP) subarea plan for the City of Encinitas, if adopted.
Any proposed modifications or additions to the
Recreational Trails Master Plan or Recreational Trails
Master Plan map that would directly affect coastal zone
resources shall require an LCP amendment.
POLICY 1.17: The City shall strive to acquire a regional
park within its ultimate boundaries.
POLICY 1.18: The City shall develop a program that will
establish future park sites as identified in the
Implementation Plan.
POLICY 1.19: The City shall develop standards for
protection of views along and down public corridors,
particularly from inland areas such as the crest of Santa
Fe Drive.
The following goal and supporting policies are directly
linked to corresponding policies in the Land Use, Resource
Management, and Safety Elements. The preservation of
culturally and naturally significant lands is identified
as being a major priority of the City and this objective
is underscored once again in the policies below. Many of
the open space areas lie within flood plains, have steep
topography or are otherwise constrained and provide the
City with a unique opportunity to develop a system of
trails, bikeways, and establish new parks for both passive
and active recreation.
GOAL 2: The City will make every effort to preserve open
space areas that represent a significant environmental
resource in the community. (Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 2.1: The City should identify and seek to acquire
floodplain areas for appropriate public uses. (Coastal
Act/30212.5/30231/30240)
POLICY 2.2: Provide and maintain an inter-linking network
of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling; and
minimize the cost of the trail system by encouraging the
use of drainage channels, flood plains, existing trails,
public lands, excess street rights-of-way, and major
utility rights-of-way. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30252)
POLICY 2.3: Encourage the preservation and protection
of areas for the recreational activities
Preservation
of Open Space
Resources
RE-5
Policy 1.16
Amended 1/22/03
Reso. No. 03-07
characteristic of Encinitas such as horseback riding,
surfing, skindiving, bicycling, walking, and jogging.
(Coastal Act/30212.5/30252)
POLICY 2.4: Leave appropriate areas of neighborhood
and community parks in a natural state, retaining
natural topography and vegetation where preservation
is feasible. (Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 2.5: Provide for early acquisition of park
sites to insure proper location, adequate size, and
lower costs through development of a program that
identifies future park needs and possible future
sites. (Coastal Act/30212.5)
POLICY 2.6: Encourage the provision of a full range
of recreational facilities distributed throughout the
area. (Coastal Act/30212.5)
POLICY 2.7: Encourage the use of appropriate public
lands and facilities for park and recreation purposes
to the maximum extent feasible consistent with the
maintenance of natural resources. (Coastal
Act/30212.5)
POLICY 2.8: Encourage the maintenance of the bluffs,
beach, shoreline, reefs and ocean and discourage any
use that would adversely affect the beach and bluffs
except a reasonable number of access public stairways,
lifeguard towers, and similar public beach facilities.
(Coastal Act/30211/30213)
POLICY 2.9: The City will encourage the maintenance
of existing overnight camping facilities (both tent
and RV) at public beaches or upland from beaches.
(Coastal Act/30213)
POLICY 2.10: Expand the function of Neighborhood Watch
or other programs to include surveillance of local
parks.
POLICY 2.11: The City may consider accessory revenue
generating activities at various parks on a
case-by-case basis.
T
The following policies are closely related to the Land
Use Element that provides for a commercial land use
designation specifically concerned with meeting the
needs of visitors to the coastal areas of Encinitas.
The following policies support land use policies that
indicate the location and intensity of this
"Visitor-serving Commercial" development.
RE-6
Coastal
Development
GOAL 3: The Coastal Areas will continue to play a
dominant role in providing residents with open spaces
for recreation. (Coastal Act/30220)
POLICY 3.1: The City shall continue to support the
acquisition and improvement through outright purchase,
private donations, establishment of tax benefits,
living trusts, etc., of additional local park sites.
(Coastal Act/30212.5/30221)
POLICY 3.2: The City will designate as
"Visitor-Serving Commercial" use areas land in the
vicinity of primary coastal access routes,
particularly in proximity to higher intensity beach
use areas. (Coastal Act/30221/30222/30223)
POLICY 3.3: The City will not provide for major
boating facilities, such as marinas or piers for
commercial fishing and recreational boating, within
the City Coastal Zone. No recreational water craft
facilities will be permitted in wetland areas.
(Coastal Act/30231)
POLCIY 3.4: The City will investigate various
remedies to stem sand depletion along beaches in the
City limits.
T
The policies listed below are concerned with
establishing basic standards for service areas which
apply to the various categories of parks in the City.
Additional standards are described in the section
entitled Park and Recreation Plan included in this
element.
GOAL 4: A City-wide system of parks which combine
established standards and community desires shall be
established and maintained.
POLICY 4.1: Service areas for parks shall be
identified and standards for neighborhood, community,
and regional parks shall be developed.
POLICY 4.2: Wherever possible, neighborhood parks
should be associated with elementary schools.
POLICY 4.3: Neighborhood parks should be accessible
by pedestrians living in the immediate area.
POLICY 4.4: The City will work to establish and
protect a marine reserve within the coastal waters.
(Coastal Act/30230)
RE-7
Park Standards
The beaches have been and will continue to be a major
recreational resource in the City. A number of
policies included in the Resource Management Element
are concerned with the preservation and maintenance of
beaches and the coastline so that future generations
may also enjoy beach recreation. The following
policies indicate ways access to and from the beaches
can be expanded and establish standards concerning the
intensity of use for individual beaches under the
City's jurisdiction.
GOAL 5: The City will continue to provide or
coordinate with the State to provide for
coastal/shoreline recreation areas, with effective
access, including signing; and will designate various
beach areas for high, medium and low intensity levels
of use based upon the characteristics of the beach
resource and support facilities, and character of
adjacent neighborhood. (Coastal
Act/30211/30212/30212.5/30214)
POLICY 5.1: The City recognizes Cardiff Beach State
Park, San Elijo Beach State Park, South Carlsbad Beach
State Park and Moonlight Beach (future City) State
Park, as the major visitor destination beaches in the
Encinitas area. The City will work with the State to
upgrade and promote access to these State beaches, and
will act to upgrade and promote access to Moonlight
Beach, in order that they may receive an increased
proportion of visitor uses. (Coastal Act/30214)
POLICY 5.2: The City shall act and coordinate with
the State to implement an effective system of
shoreline access signing based on uniform standards
(i.e., size, material, symbols). (Coastal Act/30212.5)
POLICY 5.3: The areas of South Carlsbad Beach State
Park, Moonlight Beach State (future City) Park,
Cardiff Beach State Park and San Elijo Beach State
Park shall be designated as high intensity beach
recreational use areas. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30221)
POLICY 5.4: The City will classify the beach areas
related to the following access points for a Medium
Intensity use level:
- Beacons
- Grandview
- Swami's Park
RE-8
Coastal
Resources
- D Street (access to Moonlight Beach)
And the City will classify the beach areas related to
the following access points for a Low Intensity use
level:
- North Sea Bluff Village (no current access)
- Encinitas Beach (Athena - no current access)
- "I" Street Vicinity (Vista Point)
- Stone Steps access (Coastal Act/30212.5)
POLICY 5.5: The City will adopt beach recreation
facility standards, and will encourage the State to
apply similar standards to its beaches, regarding the
existence of lifeguard facilities, restroom
facilities, showers, water fountains, parking
facilities (and a number of spaces for different level
uses), fee access, trash facilities, beach maintenance
schedules, signing, picnic facilities, bicycle
facilities, security patrol, etc. In addition, the
City shall assure that existing public parking lots
for public beach access points are maintained and that
no reduction in the number of existing public parking
spaces shall be permitted. (Coastal Act/30212.5/
30223) Policy 5.5 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32)
G
Goals and policies contained in a number of other
Elements will also support those included in the
Recreation Element. The Land Use Element contains
coastal policies that emphasize the need to preserve
open space for both active and passive recreation as
well as the preservation of any significant resources.
Coastal policies are also included in the Resource
Management Element and relate to beach access and the
preservation of open space containing important
cultural and ecological resources. These and other
policies in this Element are identified in Table 1:
Recreation Policies Matrix.
RE-9
Related Goals
and Policies
TABLE 1
RECREATION POLICIES MATRIX
Resource Public
Issue Area Land Use Housing Circulation Management Safety Noise
Development X X X X
Of New Parks
& Facilities
Preservation X X X
Of Open
Space
Coastal X X X X
Development
Park Stan- X
Dards
Coastal X X X X
Resources
RE-10
PARK AND RECREATION PLAN
This section of the City of Encinitas Recreation Element is concerned
with establishing a hierarchy of park facilities, and corresponding
standards that can be utilized for the development of parks and
recreation facilities and the improvement of existing ones. Standards
for parks vary from city to city and there are often problems applying
generalized standards to every individual park or facility. Standards
are useful in establishing guidelines concerning optimal acreage for
future parks, their utilization, and which facilities and services should
be provided.
T
The Recreation Element establishes a classification
system that applies to all existing and future park
and recreation facilities in the City. Specific
standards have been developed for each category of park
and facility that address their spatial requirements,
function, service area, and desired improvements. A
schematic diagram of the types of parks considered in
this classification is provided in Figure 1.
A specific policy included in this element calls for a minimum of fifteen
(15) acres of open space for every 1,000 persons living in the City.
Open space includes land in City and County parks, beaches, and open
space reserves. The proportion of this 15 acres divided between parks
and open space areas is to follow the standards for active park land
specified below. Standards for each parkland type are summarized in Table
2, along with facilities typically to be provided with each park
category.
Mini-Parks
M
Mini-parks are specialized facilities designed to a
concentrated population and/or a specific target group
such as preschool-aged children or the elderly.
Facilities of this type should be located near higher
density residential development such as apartments,
condominium developments, and senior housing, in
urbanized areas where acquisition of larger park units
is unlikely. The service area for mini-parks is
generally less than one-quarter mile. According to
City standards, mini-parks will be up to 1.0 acre in
area. The standard for parkland acreage in this
category is .25 - .50 acres per 1,000 population.
Applying this standard, the City could provide
approximately 17 - 33 acres of land as
Parks
Classification
and Standards
Paragraph
Amended
6/16/93 & 9/21/94
RE-11
TABLE 2
PARK LAND STANDARDS
TYPE
Mini Park
SIZE
1 acre or
less
AREA PER 1000 PERSONS
0.25 TO 0.5 ACRES per
1000 persons depending
on other available
services (17.33 acres
total)
SERVICE AREA
Approximatel
y ¼ mile
radius
LOCATION
In highly
developed
neighborhoods
where
neighborhood
park land is
unavailable
and there are
no other
services
USUAL FACILITIES
AND REMARKS
Children’s play
area,
landscaping,
picnicking, open
play area for
pick up sports
Neighborhood
Park
3 to 5
acres
1.0 to 2.0 acres per
1000 persons (66-132
acres total)
Approximately
½ mile radius
Preferably
adjoining an
elementary
school near
the center of
a neighborhood
unit
Play areas,
multi-purpose
courts, tennis
courts, picnic
areas, open turf
area, on-site
parking optional
Community
Park
10 to 20
acres
5.0 to 8.0 acres per
1000 persons (320 to
520 acres total)
Approximately
1 to 2 mile
radius
At or near the
intersection
of major or
secondary
thoroughfares
near the enter
of service
area
Baseball,
football,
softball, soccer,
tennis and other
active athletic
areas, community
center,
children’s play
area, on-site
parking,
restrooms and
picnic areas
Special Use
Park
No size
constraint
s
5.0 to 8.0 acres per
1000 persons when it
provides one or any
combination of
community park
services. Otherwise,
no specific standard
Citywide
Wherever
appropriate
Botanical
gardens, lagoons,
sports,
complexes, open
space, marine
refuges ect.
Regional
Park
No size
constraint
s
No specific standard
may be partially
included in an area of
preserves and
reservations
Regional
Within 1 to 3
hours travel
time from
urban
populated
areas.
Beaches,
botanical
gardens, San
Elijo Lagoon
RE-13
mini-parks; however, it should be noted that
mini-parks are to be considered in areas otherwise not
served by existing or planned neighborhood parks.
Therefore, the acreage devoted to mini-parks may be
counted toward the acreage standards below established
for neighborhood parks. The types of services
typically found in a mini-park include children's play
areas, landscaping, vistas, picnicking, and open areas
for pick up sports activities as appropriate.
Leucadia Roadside Park and Mildred McPherson Park are
examples of facilities in this category.
Neighborhood Parks and Facilities
F
Facilities in this category provide for both active
and passive recreational activities and include a
variety of facilities such as playground equipment,
picnicking areas, and wading pools, limited game
courts for tennis, basketball, and other sports may be
appropriate. The service area for neighborhood parks
is one-half mile. Park facilities in this category
should have an area of at least three to five acres.
1.0-2.0 acres per 1,000 population. Applying this
standard, the City will need to provide approximately
66-133 acres of land as neighborhood parks. A
neighborhood park unit is designed to serve the
immediate area where it is located and not attract
users from outside the design service area. For this
reason, restroom structures are discouraged.
Community Parks
Community park facilities generally provide a diverse
range of facilities and equipment. Park facilities in
this category may include a variety of athletic fields
and game courts as well as indoor facilities (see
Table 2). A policy included in the Recreation Element
calls for each of the five communities to be served by
a community park. It may be possible for two
communities to share a community park, based on its
location, accessibility and satisfaction of population
service levels, as appropriate.
This category of parks generally offers a wide range
of recreational amenities to the surrounding community
which may include athletic complexes, arenas, swimming
pools, covered picnic areas, and playgrounds depending
on the specific needs of the community and the
availability of resources. Community parks generally
serve a number of neighborhoods and have a service
area radius of one to two miles. For Encinitas, the
RE-14
Paragraph
Amended
6/16/93 & 9/21/94
Desirable standard for community parkland ranges from
10 to 20 acres. The standard for parkland acreage in
this category is 5.0 to 8.0 acres per 1,000
population, with each community park serving between
15,000 and 20,000 people. With this standard, the
City will need to provide approximately 333 to 533
acres of land as Community Parks.
Special Use Parks
Special Use Parks are those which are developed for a
specific type of use, rather than a broader range of
multiple park and open space uses. The Lake Drive
Sports Complex is an example of this type of park,
which is developed specifically for field athletics.
Special Use Parks which provide major facilities
usually found at Community Parks (athletic fields,
community center, game courts) will be considered as
Community Park acreage because they provide
facilities serving the entire City or a major portion
of the City; the acreage of each special use park
providing such community park facilities will be used
in meeting the Community Park acreage standard of 5.0
to 8.0 acres per 1,000 population and the overall
provision of 333 to 533 acres. Special use parks may
also be established for primarily preservation
purposes, such as the County San Elijo Lagoon preserve
area. The acreage of this type of special use park
will not be counted toward the community park standard,
but will count toward the goal of 15 acres of park/open
space for each 1000 population. No specific site
requirement is established as a standard for special
use parks.
Beaches
Policies included in this Element indicate standards
for the beaches based on intensity of use. The nature
and extent of any future improvements constructed or
located on a beach will depend on intensity. A
schematic diagram illustrating the three categories of
beaches is shown in Figure 2.
High Intensity: This beach category represents
the highest intensity for both utilization and
improvements. Active recreational activities are
encouraged in both the beach and tidal areas.
Lifeguard stations, game courts, picnic areas,
parking lots, restroom facilities, showers, water
fountains, and facilities that provide access are
among the improvements permitted on these
beaches.
RE-15
Paragraph
Amended
6/16/93 & 9/21/94
Medium Intensity: Beaches in this category may
still be used for active recreation though
improvements are nominal. Improvements may be
restricted to lifeguard stations and facilities
providing access.
Low Intensity: Beaches designated for low
intensity use will contain few improvements and
recreational activities, and will be more passive
in nature. This category encourages the
maintenance and preservation of these beaches in
their natural state, as much as this is possible.
Access/Vista Points
Specific standards concerning the access/vista points
are difficult to generalize due to the considerable
variation among these facilities. The following
standards that apply to these facilities are more
concerned with public safety and reducing potential
impacts on adjacent properties and the bluffs.
• Landscaping shall utilize ground cover and
drought-resistant plants to minimize the
possibility of overwatering.
• Appropriate signage (with careful consideration
given to color and material) should identify the
facility as a public access or vista point.
• Benches or picnic tables and trash cans should be
provided at all facilities.
• A barrier should be constructed at all facilities
that will be effective in preventing small
children from falling from the bluffs.
• Use of facilities near residences should be
restricted to minimize noise and other impacts on
those residences.
Regional Parks/Resources
Regional parks serve the people of a large region,
usually those within a few hours travel time. The
size and location of these parks will vary. Regional
Parks should never take the place of neighborhood or
community parks which are designed to serve the local
population. Some examples of this category of park
include beaches, water areas, botanical gardens, and
golf courses.
The County of San Diego maintains a number of large
open space areas including the Quail Botanical Gardens
and San Elijo Regional Park. Batiquitos Lagoon is a
RE-17
significant open space area that has been set aside and
is now a protected reserve. No specific standards
apply to this category of facilities other than a
recognition of their unique function in preserving
significant natural ecological areas. Also included in
this category is the marine reserve proposed for the
coastal areas.
T
The State of California Planning and Zoning Laws and
the Subdivision Map Act Code Section 66477 (The Quimby
Act), indicates that the legislative body of a city or
county may, by ordinance, require the dedication of
land, the payment of fees in lieu thereof, or a
combination of both, for park and recreational
purposes as a condition to the approval of a final map
or parcel map. In cases where such dedication/fees
have not been obtained for particular lots through a
map, they may be imposed at the time that building
permits are issued. Among other requirements, the
following conditions must be met:
• The ordinance must include definite standards for
determining the proportion of a subdivision to be
dedicated and the amount of any fee to be paid in
lieu thereof; and
• The legislative body has adopted a General Plan
containing a Recreation Element, and any proposed
park and recreational facilities are in
accordance with definite principles and standards
contained therein.
In conformance with this statute, the City of
Encinitas Recreation Element includes standards
determining land requirements for future park sites.
The following standards should be utilized in
selecting sites for parks and should serve as
guidelines governing the acceptance of land dedicated
to satisfy the provisions of the City's park
dedication ordinance. Future acquisition will focus
on acquiring land for neighborhood and community parks
as well as obtaining easements and property for beach
access and trails.
Beach Access/Vista Points
Policies in the Resource Management Element indicate
sites for future access and Vista Points as well as
existing facilities that will be maintained and
improved.
The following Vista Points, some of which have already
been acquired, will be developed, as feasible:
• San Elijo & Kilkenny (overlooking lagoon & coast)
Future Park
Site Selection
Standards
RE-18
• Highway 101, north of La Costa Avenue
• Northeast corner of I-5 and La Costa Avenue
• Encinitas View Point Neighborhood Park site
• South end of Via Tiempo
• Orpheus Street Park site
• Oak Crest Park site
• West end of "D" Street
• West end of "F" Street
• West end of "J" Street (Coastal Act/30212/30251)
The following Vista Points will be maintained as
needed, and upgraded as necessary:
• Leucadia Beach State Park
• Moonlight Beach State Park (future City Park)
• Swami's Park
• Existing Vista Point on southbound I-5 between
Birmingham and Manchester exits
• Cardiff Beach State Park (south parking lot)
• West end of "H" Street
• West end of "I" Street (Coastal Act/30212/30251)
Neighborhood Park
The following standards apply to the site selection
for neighborhood park sites within the City of
Encinitas. Ideally, a neighborhood park should be
centrally located in a neighborhood, and located
relative to other neighborhood uses, streets, and
activity centers recognizing the park's function as a
focus of neighborhood activity. Location within
existing areas of focused neighborhood activity is
thus appropriate. It should have easy walking access
to the adjacent residents using the facility, with no
geographic barriers.
• The site should have water, storm drains, sewers and
electricity available.
• The site must have direct access to local streets,
with accessibility from at least two
RE-19
points along the perimeter.
• The site should provide at least three (3) acres of
land for development.
• Neighborhood parks should be located adjacent to
elementary schools where possible. The first
consideration should be whether the existing school
has adequate play space to serve both its own
educational needs and the needs of its neighborhood
for playground space.
• The site for a neighborhood park, when not attached
should have street frontage on at least two streets
when possible with at least one street adjacent to a
school when possible. On-street parking should be
required and on-site parking is optional. If the
park is located where adjacent streets do not have
sufficient parking, the site should contain a
parking lot.
Community Park
The following standards apply to the selection of
future sites for community parks. The facilities are
more varied, the service area is greater, and the
required land area is greater than that for
neighborhood parks.
• The site must have water, sewer, storm drains and
electricity available.
• The site should have good access to an adequate
street.
• Desirable service area radius for community parks is
one to two miles.
• It is desirable that the site should provide 10 to
25 acres of land for development of passive and
active recreational facilities.
• Community parks may be located adjacent to schools,
and other major community activity centers and
public facilities.
• The site should be accessible to the people of the
community on foot, by bicycle, or a short drive by
automobile.
A number of policies included in both this element
and the Circulation Element are concerned with the
development of a City-wide system of hiking, biking,
and equestrian trails in the City. The Recreational
Trails Master Plan will provide the planning guidance
for the development of a City-wide recreational
Development of
a Trail System
RE-20
trails system. The Recreational Trails Master Plan
addresses hiking, biking, and equestrian trails and
includes a detailed trails map (Figure 3), trail
standards and an implementation and maintenance plan.
Within the coastal zone, design standards for recreational
trails shall, at a minimum, comply with the requirements of
the Resource Management Element of the certified LUP and any
applicable implementing ordinances. Proposed trail alignments
within or adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas
shall avoid significant disruption, and be compatible with
the continuance of those habitat areas. In order to avoid
impacts to sensitive areas, placement of recreational trails
shall be located within the outer 15 feet of any required
buffer area for wetlands, riparian areas and/or other
environmentally sensitive habitat, unless it is not feasible
to do so. Existing trails are not required to be relocated in
order to meet this standard. Use of native, non-invasive plan
species shall be required in any landscaping or revegetation
associated with trail construction. Additionally, all
proposed trails and trail alignments within the coastal zone
shall be consistent with the requirements of the Multiple
Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) subarea plan for the City
of Encinitas, if adopted, and shall not impact the MHCP’s
ability to create an effective biological core and linkage
area. Any trail development or activities, including
clearing, grading, construction, recreational uses or
maintenance inconsistent with these requirements shall
require an LCP amendment.
RE-21
Paragraph
Amended 1/22/03
Reso. 03-07
Paragraph
Amended 1/22/03
Reso. 03-07
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GEORGE BERKICH
PARK
I-5
ENCINITASCOAST H
IGHWAY
101EL CAM REALLEUCADIASAXONY
SANTA FE
MANCHESTERS AN E
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B IR M I N G H A M BALOURNARDOMACKINNONOLIVENHAIN
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REQUEZA
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101SAXONYDate of Map Production:
June, 2003
General Plan1/22/03
NN
RE-22
Existing Trail
Existing Trail Easement/IOD
Existing Sidewalk to be used as Trail Connector
Existing or Proposed Trail in Adjacent Community
Encinitas Ranch Trails and Paths
San Elijo Lagon Trails (County of San Diego)
Coastal Rail Trail (CRT)
CRT Future Alignment
Poposed Path-Natural Hard Surface in lieu of Sidewalk (Type A)
Proposed Soft Surface Trail (TYPE B)
Proposed Soft Surface Trail (TYPE B) Conceptual Alignment
Proposed Sidewalk (Type C)
Figure 3
Recreational Trails Master Plan Map
Encinitas
This map was produced by the City of EncinitasGIS and is designed for internal use only.The map is based on the best data available atthe time of production and is not guaranteed tosurvey accuracy. City of Encinitas, SanGIS,SANDAG and other data are represented.
Proprietary information: Access to and use of thisinformation is restricted by a sublicense agreement.No sale, transfer license, or assignment of thisinformation is permitted.
City Council Mission Statement
To Guide and Promote Encinitas as a Diverse and
Vibrant Community In a Way That Demonstrates:
*Leadership and Vision for the City
*Respect for the Individual
*A Positive Approach to Solving Problems
*Financial Responsibility
*Commitment to Providing Essential Services
*Balance and Harmony Within the City and Our Environment
So That, in the Long Term, Encinitas Remains An
Excellent Place to Live, Work, and Play.
g:/gis1/home02/cd/adv/TMP General Plan.mxd
Map produced by: City of Encinitas GIS DivisionP a c
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Coastal Zone
Only those properties located
within the Coastal Zone are
part of the Local Coastal
Program Land Use Plan.
AMENDMENT HISTORY
DATERESOLUTIONCASE NO.
99-299 02-08 4/6/02
99-299 03-07 1/22/03
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BEACONS
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MOONLIGHT
STONESTEPS
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SWAMIS
ENCINITAS BL
LA COSTA AV
N COAST
H
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101
SANTA FE DR
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LEUCADIA BL
S COAST
H
IGHWAY
1
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BIRMINGHAM DR
MANCHESTER AVRANCHO SANTA FE RD§¨¦ 5
§¨¦ 5
San Elijo Lagoon
F STREET
INDIAN
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CANYON MAG-
DALENA
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PARK
OAKCREST
PARK
HALL
PROPERTY
QUAIL
BOTANICAL
GARDENS ENCINITAS RANCH GOLF COURSEPAUL ECKE
SPORTS
PARK
QUAIL
GARDENS
PARK
SITE
GLEN
PARK
GEORGE
BERKICH PARK
COTTONWOOD
CREEK PARK
LEO MULLEN
PARK
ENCINITAS
COMMUNITY
CENTER
ENCINITAS RANCH
COMMUNITY USE SITE
CARDIFF SPORTS
PARK
ORPHEUS
PARK SUN VISTA
PARK
HAWK VIEW
PARK
SCOTT VALLEY
PARK
STANDARD PACIFIC
PARK SITE
LEUCADIA
OAKS PARK
ENCINITAS
VIEWPOINT
PARK
SWAMI'S
BLUFF
PARCELS
WIRO PARK
MILDRED
MACPHERSON
PARK
LITTLE OAKS
EQUESTRIAN PARK
GRANDVIEW
LEUCADIA
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PARK
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BEACONS
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D STREET
H STREET
J STREET
MOONLIGHT
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SWAMIS
ENCINITAS BL
LA COSTA AV
N COAST
H
IGHWAY
101
SANTA FE DR
EL CAMINO REALEL CAM
INO
REAL
LEUCADIA BL
S COAST
H
IGHWAY
1
0
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MANCHESTER AVRANCHO SANTA FE RD§¨¦ 5
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San Elijo Lagoon
F STREET
INDIAN
HEAD
CANYON MAG-
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ECKE
PARK
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PARK
HALL
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QUAIL
BOTANICAL
GARDENS ENCINITAS RANCH GOLF COURSEPAUL ECKE
SPORTS
PARK
QUAIL
GARDENS
PARK
SITE
GLEN
PARK
GEORGE
BERKICH PARK
COTTONWOOD
CREEK PARK
LEO MULLEN
PARK
ENCINITAS
COMMUNITY
CENTER
ENCINITAS RANCH
COMMUNITY USE SITE
CARDIFF SPORTS
PARK
ORPHEUS
PARK SUN VISTA
PARK
HAWK VIEW
PARK
SCOTT VALLEY
PARK
STANDARD PACIFIC
PARK SITE
LEUCADIA
OAKS PARK
ENCINITAS
VIEWPOINT
PARK
SWAMI'S
BLUFF
PARCELS
WIRO PARK
MILDRED
MACPHERSON
PARK
LITTLE OAKS
EQUESTRIAN PARK
GRANDVIEW
LEUCADIA
ROADSIDE
PARK
San Elijo Lagoon
Ecological Reserve
Date of Map Production:
March, 2003
General Plan4/6/02
NN
RE-23
Figure 4
Recreational Facilities Plan
Encinitas
This map was produced by the City of EncinitasGIS and is designed for internal use only.The map is based on the best data available atthe time of production and is not guaranteed tosurvey accuracy. City of Encinitas, SanGIS,SANDAG and other data are represented.
Proprietary information: Access to and use of thisinformation is restricted by a sublicense agreement.No sale, transfer license, or assignment of thisinformation is permitted.
City Council Mission Statement
To Guide and Promote Encinitas as a Diverse and
Vibrant Community In a Way That Demonstrates:
*Leadership and Vision for the City
*Respect for the Individual
*A Positive Approach to Solving Problems
*Financial Responsibility
*Commitment to Providing Essential Services
*Balance and Harmony Within the City and Our Environment
So That, in the Long Term, Encinitas Remains An
Excellent Place to Live, Work, and Play.
g:/gis1/home02/cd/adv/General Plan/recfig4.mxd
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Park Facilities
MINI-PARKS
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
COMMUNITY PARKS
SPECIAL USE PARKS
Future Park Development
Special Study Area
Areas where future facilities
may be located.
Access/Vista Points
Coastal Zone
Only those properties located
within the Coastal Zone are
part of the Local Coastal
Program Land Use Plan.
Beaches
Low Intensity
Medium Intensity
High Intensity
L
M
H
k Vista Points
k Beach Access
M
0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000500
Feet
92-147-GPA 93-36 6/16/93
AMENDMENT HISTORY
DATERESOLUTIONCASE NO.
99-299-
GPA/LCPA 02-08 4/6/02
99-299 03-07 1/24/03
G
The Land Use Element describes a land use designation that is
applicable for identifying areas of the City where future parks,
trails, and other recreational facilities may be located. The
Special Studies Overlay designation indicates areas where these
facilities may be located once the necessary land or easements have
been acquired. Other sites adjacent to these designated areas may
be purchased or acquired as development exactions for more
intensive recreational uses when land is made available. The
boundaries of the Special Studies Overlay zones are indicated in
Figure 4. Additional areas not within the Special Study Overlay
may also be appropriate sites for parkland, trails, and other
recreational facilities based on the criteria above, and may also
be acquired for that purpose.
Comparing projected build-out for the City with the standards and
criteria of this Element, it is possible to identify those areas
which will be adequately served by existing park facilities and
those for which new parks will be needed. As part of its
implementation program for this Element, the City will develop a
map showing the approximate number and location of additional park
facilities, by category, according to the above criteria. This map
will be used as a reference tool, along with the above criteria,
for planning the acquisition and siting of park facilities.
General Plan
Policies and
Future
Recreation
Facilities
RE-24
Paragraph
Amended
1/22/03
Reso. 03-07