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2018-088 Parks and Recreation Sustainability PracticesDate: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088 INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) current procedures and long-term plan related to natural areas and environmental sustainability. BACKGROUND: A request for information was made by Council regarding mowing practices, preservation areas, and environmental sustainability practices in the City’s park system. PARD’s mission is to unite and grow lives by preserving parks and encouraging play. In preserving parks, PARD is committed to practices that promote environmental sustainability and create safe and healthy environments. Current procedures in place that help to ensure a clean and green environment include:  Participation in the “Litter-Free Event” program – special events held in parks must comply with the litter-free event guidelines established by Keep Denton Beautiful. (Exhibit 2) The guidelines and agreement are part of the special event process overseen by PARD. Additionally, event organizers who request PARD sponsorship are required to comply with the litter-free program. The requirement is reinforced in the sponsorship agreement with PARD.  Recycling – Recycling bins are available throughout the park system along with trash receptacles. This promotes and offers the opportunity to recycle by park users.  Athletic field trash maintenance – Associations and organizations using the athletic fields for practices, games, and tournaments are required to collect all litter on the athletic fields including playing areas, fences, bleachers, concession stands, and adjacent grounds. They must ensure trash bins are emptied and bags replaced as needed during their event. Non- compliance can result in additional fees for clean-up and loss off privileges for the use of fields and concession stands. This policy is enforced through field use agreements. Environmental sustainability practices are also incorporated into PARD’s ground maintenance program. The current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program was adopted in 2001and outlines the following:  Cultural methods – outlines cultural and organic practices used to promote a healthy turf, reduce / control pests (plant and insect), and minimize the use of chemical products.  Product use – guidelines for the selection and usage of pesticide products with an emphasis on minimizing use and exposure. Includes public notification procedures for broadcast and spot application treatments.  Park classifications / maintenance standards – defines park classifications that sets the standards for maintenance including mowing and irrigation of park and city property. Classification is determined by factors such as use, location, and visibility. This creates a tiered system of maintenance appropriate for each area and increases efficiency and effectiveness in the allocation of resources. (Exhibit 3)  Design and maintenance standards - promotes natural areas with the establishment of “no mow” and natural preserve areas. PARD currently has 11 areas encompassing approximately 440 acres identified as natural preserve parks or natural preserve areas Date: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088 within a park. These areas sustain sensitive plant and animal environments and help to reduce environmental footprints. (Exhibit 4) Future design, planning, and plant selection for new parks must be consistent with IPM philosophy and methods. PARD partnered with Watershed Protection to develop new signage identifying environmentally sensitive areas to educate park visitors and provide notice of the maintenance level. (Exhibit 5) The signs have been installed in sections of North Lakes Park, one of the most highly visible parks with natural areas. PARD staff will continue to evaluate park areas for additional sign placement. As reported during the April 2, 2018, Council meeting, the IPM program is going through a process of review by a focus group comprised of City residents, field specialists, and identified stakeholders. The program will be updated and revised to include addressing environmental concerns, new technology, and best practices. The group began meeting in May and has been reviewing and providing feedback on sample programs. Finally, PARD has begun the process of performing an internal assessment in preparation for seeking accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). PARD must meet the standards and guidelines set in 10 areas of evaluation. One area is “Facility and Land Use Management”. As part of the exercise, PARD will establish policies and procedures to comply with the following sections: 7.8 - Environmental Sustainability Policy and Program Standard: The agency shall have an established policy on environmental sustainability that states the agency position on energy and resource conservation. The policy should address sustainable product purchasing; reduction and handling of waste; wise use and protection of land, air, water and wildlife; and sustainable design/construction of buildings and facilities. Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the agency’s environmental sustainability policy and examples of projects and initiatives that demonstrate the agency’s commitment to implementation. Examples include ecosystem and green infrastructure plans/programs, capital improvements utilizing green/sustainable designs, carbon footprint analysis and reduction goals, internal/external communication and outreach programs. 7.9 - Natural Resource Management Plans and Procedures Standard: There shall be natural resource management plans for environmentally unique or sensitive areas such as valuable wetlands, riverbanks and woodlands and there shall be environmental protection procedures, such as for erosion control, conduct of nature studies, wildlife and habitat preservation, and protection of water supply reservoirs and water recharge areas. Even if the agency does not own or control the natural resource, there shall be procedures to encourage and ensure environmental stewardship through volunteer steward programs and/or interpretive education and other learning opportunities. The agency should work with other agencies to meet and promote environmentally sound maintenance and land management standards. Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide the natural resource management plan(s) and procedures and examples of outreach and education. Date: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-088 7.9.1 - Recycling and/or Zero Waste Plan Standard: There shall be a recycling and/or zero waste plan for park and recreation facilities and administrative offices that is systematically monitored and periodically reviewed. The plan shall also include an educational component for both users and employees. The recycling and/or zero waste plan should include all major products suitable for recycling in the given region with an emphasis on making the recycling process easy and convenient for park and recreation users. Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a description of the recycling and/or zero waste plan for facilities and administrative offices and provide the last review with statistics on the amounts of materials recycled or the percent of total waste recycled for the most recent reporting period. CONCLUSION: PARD will present a draft of the updated IPM program to Council in early Fall with adoption planned before the end of the year. Achieving the CAPRA accreditation is a Department work plan initiative included in the City’s FY 18-19 Strategic Plan. The updated IPM program and the CAPRA process will reinforce and strengthen PARD’s commitment to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. ATTACHMENT(S): Exhibit 1 Informal Staff Report Exhibit 2 Litter-Free Event Guide Exhibit 3 Property Classifications Exhibit 4 Natural and Preserve Areas Exhibit 5 Grow Zone Sign STAFF CONTACT: Laura Behrens Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Laura.Behrens@cityofdenton.com Park Maintenance MAINTENANCE CLASSIFICATIONS Class AA Turf and Landscape  Turf Mowed 2 times per week in growing season, 1 time during the off season (Ryegrass)  Landscape maintenance 52 cycles per year  Irrigated turf and landscape  Includes sports fields and landscape  Responsible for 69.48 Class AA acres Class A Turf  Mowing and landscape maintenance a minimum of 32 cycles annually  Irrigated turf  Includes public buildings, fire stations, and parks  Responsible for 277.67 Class A acres Class B Turf  Mowed a minimum of 20 cycles annually  Non-irrigated turf  Includes parks and medians  Responsible for 517.79 Class B acres Class C Turf  Mowed a minimum of 5 times annually  Non-irrigated turf  Includes parks and rights-of-ways  Responsible for 486.84 Class C acres Class D Turf  Natural and undeveloped areas  Non-irrigated turf  Includes open space, nature preserves, and trail areas  Responsible for 860.49 Class D acres Location Class AA Class A Class B Class C Class D Total DEVELOPED PARKS Avondale 17.85 17.85 Bowling Green 13.10 2.00 2.90 18.00 Briercliff 0.01 10.59 10.60 Carl Young 5.53 5.53 Carter Park 0.02 0.33 0.35 Cross Timbers 19.54 51.02 70.56 Denia 7.05 6.95 9.00 23.00 Ernest Dallas Memorial Park 5.01 5.01 Evers 8.83 8.88 12.00 29.71 Fred Moore 0.03 10.47 10.50 Joe Skiles 0.07 6.41 6.48 Lake Forest 0.1 3.00 13.00 53.32 69.42 Loon Lake 4.91 4.91 Mack 8.44 12.00 16.64 37.08 McKenna 0.9 17.10 18.00 Milam 1.93 1.93 MLK 0.03 4.97 5.00 Nette Shultz 0.07 9.93 10.00 North Lakes 37.1 44.90 108.00 111.00 97.33 398.33 North Point 10.33 10.33 Owsley 0.05 0.47 0.52 Preserve at Pecan Creek 15.38 15.38 Quakertown 1.75 42.32 44.07 Sequoia 5.50 5.50 South Lakes 0.03 20.97 57.00 3.00 106.29 187.29 Water Works Park 0.75 16.61 17.36 Wheeler Ridge 7.91 7.91 Woodrow 11.38 11.38 Developed Park Subtotal 65.23 271.92 381.06 199.84 438.56 1,356.61 Airport Road (open space)41.63 41.63 Bent Creek 21.47 21.47 Vintage 40.36 40.36 Pebble Brook 24.00 24.00 Robson Ranch 16.88 16.88 Southwest Park 196.50 196.50 Villages of Carmel 6.39 6.39 108 Industrial 0.110 0.11 Undeveloped Park Total 0.110 347.23 347.34 TRAILS AND LINKAGES Cooper Creek/Monterey Trail 16.61 15.00 31.61 Evers North Trail 7.85 7.85 Rail Trail 17.26 59.70 76.96 Trails and Linkages Total 41.72 74.70 116.42 NON PARK PUBLIC BLDG City Hall West 0.05 0.05 0.10 City Hall East 0.05 0.45 0.50 Service Center 0.37 0.13 0.50 Linda McNatt Animal Adopt Ctr 0.01 0.99 1.00Non Park Public Bldgs. Total 0.48 1.62 2.10 UNDEVELOPED PARKS Classification of Property Inventory LIBRARIES North Branch 0.16 0.34 0.500 South Branch 0.07 0.43 0.500 Library Total 0.23 0.77 1.000 FIRE STATIONS Station #1 0.07 0.38 0.450 Station #2 - McKinney/Mockingbird 0.08 0.37 0.450 Station #3 0.45 0.450 Station # 4 0.45 0.450 Station #5 - Windsor 0.45 0.450 Station #6 0.45 0.450 Station #7 - Vintage 0.09 0.36 0.450 Old Fire Central 0.45 0.450Fire Station Total 0.24 3.36 3.600 CEMETERIES IOOF 0.01 24.99 25.00 Oakwood 0.01 12.99 13.00 Cemeteries Total 0.02 37.98 38.00 MEDIANS/ROW Street medians 3.28 56.92 60.20 ROW 287.00 287.00 Median/ROW Totals 3.28 56.92 287.00 347.20 Grand Total of Acres Maintained by Parks 2017- 18 69.48 277.67 517.79 486.84 860.49 2,212.27 PARKS AND RECREATION Natural and Preserve Areas Natural and Preserve Areas Airport Rd –38 acres Bent Creek –22 acres Natural and Preserve Areas Bowling Green Natural Area –3 acres Cross Timbers –51 acres Natural and Preserve Areas Lake Forest –53 acres North Lakes Natural Area –98 acres Natural and Preserve Areas Pebblebrook –24 acres Southlakes –106 acres Natural and Preserve Areas Township II Natural Area –9 acres Villages of Carmel –6.5 acres Natural and Preserve Areas Vintage –30 acres City Owned Preserve Areas •Clear Creek –3,000 acres •Davis Trail –237 acres **Tracts are not in PARD’s inventory and are maintained separately. Environmental Management Area Grow Zone OUR WATER KEEP IT CLEAN (Limited Management) Environmental zones, such as these, with tall grasses and plants: • Improve water quality and quantity • Stabilize streambanks from erosion • Provide wildlife habitat and food • Shade streams and lower temperatures Zona Ribereña Delicada ¡No corte las hierbas! Zona ribereña de pastos altos y plantas silvestras: • Mejoran la calidad y cantidad del agua • Estabilizan los causes de erosión • Proporcionan un entorno de vida silvestre y de alimentos • Hay mucha sombra para el suelo y para moderar las temperaturas del agua Learn more at www.dentonwatersheds.com The City of Denton has a specific management strategy for these areas to optimize their environmental services.