Recreation, Open Space & Conservation

Palm Springs Dog park picture of 2 dogs running

Purpose and Introduction

This Element provides policy direction for City parks and recreational facilities, outdoor recreation associated with the numerous state parks, and the recreation programs provided by the City and nonprofit and for-profit organizations. In addition, this element will provide guidance for the City’s natural resources, including the preservation of open space lands and the conservation of minerals, energy, and water. Last, the Recreation, Open Space and Conservation Element addresses historic and cultural resources, including local archaeology and paleontology within Palm Springs.

Figures and Tables

Figures

Tables

Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal RC1

Provide sufficient park, trail and recreational facilities that meet the
diverse needs of residents and visitors.

Policies

RC1.1	Develop high-quality park, trail, and recreational facilities that meet the varied needs of children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
RC1.2	Ensure that a minimum of five acres of developed parkland are provided for every 1,000 residents in Palm Springs.
RC1.3	Locate and distribute parks in such a manner to serve residential areas in terms of both distance and residential density.
RC1.4	Establish and strengthen partnerships with the school district for the joint use, maintenance, and development of school facilities for parks, educational programs, and recreational use.
RC1.5	Encourage variety in the design and intended function of park and recreational facilities to reflect the needs of the community.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC1.1	Periodically conduct a community-wide survey of full-time and seasonal residents to gauge park usage, satisfaction with level of services provided, and desired recreational amenities in parks to meet their needs.
RC1.2	Develop and maintain an inventory of potential park sites, such as City-owned sites, areas along rivers or washes, and vacant land or underutilized land, including golf courses.
RC1.3	Establish and/or revise, as needed, agreements with Palm Springs Unified School District and other community organizations that govern joint use of facilities.
RC1.4	Develop and approve customized standards or design plans for the retrofit and modernization of each park and trailhead.
RC1.5	Analyze park needs for areas of higher concentration of residents and uses. For example, the analysis should explore the proximity of existing and proposed parks to multifamily residential uses to determine if the concentration of population is properly served, or if additional parklands are needed in these areas.
RC1.6	Amend and revise park designations to accurately reflect park conditions and needs in Palm Springs and establish minimum standards for developers and the City to follow in the Zoning Ordinance for park development.
RC1.7	Amend and revise park designations to accurately reflect park conditions and needs in Palm Springs and establish minimum standards for developers in the City to follow in the Zoning Ordinance for park development.

Goal RC2

Ensure that parks are safe, well maintained, and provide a pleasant experience for residents and visitors.

Policies

RC2.1	Ensure that parks are safe by using the latest in playground design and technology, minimizing conflicts created by incompatible land uses, and cooperating with the Police Department.
RC2.2	Encourage broad-based community and neighborhood support and ownership of local parks by creating an adopt-a-park program made up of volunteers.
RC2.3	Initiate a program for the redesign, reconfiguration, and replacement of existing facilities for multiple uses, while preserving existing parks, open turf areas, and trees.
RC2.4	Incorporate efficient water and energy use and conservation principles in the design and retrofit of parks and recreation facilities, including expanding the use of reclaimed water.
RC2.5	Ensure that parks and recreational facilities are fully accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including people with disabilities.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC2.1	Retrofit existing parks and recreational facilities using Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
RC2.2	Audit facilities every five years for the purpose of monitoring the condition and adequacy of park and recreational facilities and incorporate findings into the City’s capital improvement program.
RC2.3	Adopt an ordinance banning after-hours loitering in parks.
RC2.4	Request utility providers to perform periodic water and energy audits of park and recreational facilities.
RC2.5	Periodically update the City’s ADA compliance report to ensure adequate disability access improvements are identified, and adequate financing and capital improvement plans are in place.

Goal RC3

Support a variety of recreational opportunities that meet the needs and interests of residents, visitors, and tourists.

Policies

RC3.1	Ensure residents have equal access and opportunity to participate in recreational activities and programs regardless of their age, economic status, disability, or other arbitrary factor.
RC3.2	Support the presence of after-school programs that provide supervised homework, recreational programs, and other activities.
RC3.3	Establish and maintain a reciprocal working relationship with the Mizell Senior Center to provide ongoing services to seniors.
RC3.4	Ensure recreational program and service fees, to the extent feasible and desirable, recover the full cost of providing the particular service.
RC3.5	Work with nonprofit and private organizations in the community to provide a broad range of recreation programs and services in a manner that complements existing City services.
RC3.6	Work with the City’s Park and Recreation Commission to define park and recreation needs, strategic priorities, and recreational programs for the community.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC3.1	Periodically review City recreation programs and survey other nonprofit and private providers of recreational programs in the community to ensure that they adequately meet user needs.
RC3.2	Expand after-school programs in partnership with the Palm Springs Unified School District and other local educational providers.
RC3.3	Periodically review and revise joint use agreements with entities using City parks and facilities to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.
RC3.4	Conduct periodic fee studies of City recreation programs and make revisions as appropriate.
RC3.5	Develop an administrative policy that expands the accessibility of recreational programs to people of all ages and abilities.

Goal RC4

Provide a comprehensive trail network that is sensitive to the natural environment, wildlife and habitat, culture and history, and recreational and circulation needs of residents.

Policies

RC4.1	Provide a comprehensive and quality system of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that are, to the extent feasible, accessible to people of all ages, and connect the City’s park and recreational facilities with other commercial centers in Palm Springs.
RC4.2	Initiate and maintain dialogue with the Tribe and federal and state governments to allow for continued and coordinated access and maintenance of trails that cross-jurisdictional boundaries.
RC4.3	Develop and regulate the use of trails in a manner consistent with regional and tribal habitat conservation plans so that they do not affect sensitive habitats and wildlife.
RC4.4	Require trailheads and staging areas for trails that are equipped with adequate parking, restrooms, informative signage, interpretive displays, and rules of appropriate use and conduct on the trails.
RC4.5	Recognize the Whitewater River Wash, the Palm Canyon Wash, and the Tahquitz Wash as valuable open spaces and community resources and promote recreational uses and trail and park development in these areas.
RC4.6	Seek to develop trails and related facilities for horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, and jogging in the washes that interconnect with City parks and recreational areas, commercial areas with residential areas, and links with open space areas and other desert cities and trail systems.
RC4.7	Ensure that the location of existing and proposed trails and trailheads are evaluated with each proposed subdivision or tract map and that the appropriate easements are established to preserve those trails.
RC4.8	Research the feasibility of an in-lieu fee for trails to support the development and improvement of the multi-use trail system in Palm Springs prior to receiving development permits.
RC4.9	Limit the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-highway vehicles to specially designated areas to preserve natural habitat, topography, and the integrity of sensitive areas.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC4.1	Prepare a Master Plan of Multi-use Trails for the City of Palm Springs and update periodically to address changing needs.
RC4.2	Prepare a Recreation and Trails Management Plan that is consistent with regional habitat conservation plans in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Land Management and cooperating jurisdictions.
RC4.3	Implement the following strategies to acquire land for trail expansion and development: a) Identify land for trails on abandoned roads, flood control channels, utility easements, and rights-of-way; b) Require developer dedications, accept donations, and seek grants to expand the City’s trail system; c) Require proposed residential and nonresidential projects to provide permanent easements for trails, staging areas and other needed improvements where appropriate; and d) Develop adequate funding sources to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of trails.
RC4.4	Develop trailheads and appropriate parking to ensure long-term access to trails.
RC4.5	Where possible, institute joint agreements and encroachment permits with the public and private sectors that control easements and unused rights-of-way to incorporate such lands into permanent trail linkages. Implement trail easements or other mechanisms with landowners to ensure long-term viability and access to trails and trailheads.
RC4.6	Develop trail standards, as needed, which create a comprehensive and safe trail system, including adequate width and signage. Surface drainage of trails along hillsides shall be designed to control runoff yet not detract from the stability of the hillside.
RC4.7	Develop and adopt an inspection and maintenance program that addresses the condition, maintenance, and safety of the trail system. Work with other Coachella Valley jurisdictions and the state, federal, and tribal governments to implement this program.

Goal RC5

Protect the hiking, biking, jogging, and horseback-riding interests and
needs in the City by maintaining existing trails and by promoting the development and expansion of the City’s trail system for the purpose of providing a safe and viable form of recreation and circulation.

Policies

RC5.1	Institute joint agreements and encroachment permits, where possible, with the public and private sectors (e.g., utility companies, water districts, development companies, and homeowners associations) that control easements and unused rights-of-way for the purpose of incorporating such land into permanent trail linkages throughout the City.
RC5.2	Recognize the Whitewater River Wash, the Palm Canyon Wash, and the Tahquitz Wash as valuable open spaces and community resources, encouraging the preservation of their recreational trail heritage.
RC5.3	Seek to develop trails and related limited facilities for horseback riding, hiking, and jogging in the washes that interconnect with City parks and recreational areas, and provide linkage opportunities between open areas and other desert cities and trail systems.
RC5.4	Allow developers flexibility in development standards in exchange for providing trail easements and rights-of-way that tie into and expand the greater trails network.
RC5.5	Strongly encourage developers to incorporate trails and pedestrian and bicycle linkages into their projects to reduce dependence on vehicular use.

Goal RC6

Provide a stable and adequate source of funding that enables the acquisition, development, maintenance, and modernization of park and recreational facilities.

Policies

RC6.1	Ensure that adequate public funds are available to pay for the full costs of acquiring land, building facilities, and maintaining new parks, trails, and recreational amenities.
RC6.2	Pursue funding to address the existing shortage of parks, trails, and recreational facilities through grants, bond measures, locally adopted special taxes, or partnerships with local organizations.
RC6.3	Maintain contact with governmental entities, private, and nonprofit foundations for grant opportunities that promote the arts, culture, and historic preservation.
RC6.4	Explore opportunities to enter into lease agreements for public/ private partnerships to provide services in parks such as bike rental, towel rental, coffee carts, and vendor carts.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC6.1	Update the parkland in-lieu fee ordinance to provide adequate funding sources for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities as described in the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.
RC6.2	Develop a benefit-assessment district that is earmarked for the long-term maintenance, repair, and modernization of parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
RC6.3	Develop a formal five-year capital improvement program with annual updates that allocates a portion of the transient occupancy tax to address shortages or improvements of park and recreational facilities.

Goal RC7

Support the preservation and protection of biological resources,
especially sensitive, rare, threatened, or endangered species, wildlife, or habitats.

Policies

RC7.1	Support local and regional efforts to evaluate, acquire, and protect natural habitats for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species occurring in the City and vicinity.
RC7.2	Actively participate with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and member agencies to support the identification, monitoring, and preservation of important biological resources, including the acquisition of land in the greater Coachella Valley..
RC7.3	Support the adoption of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Agua Caliente Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan.
RC7.4	Coordinate special-status species management with the California Department of Fish and Game, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, researchers, and local jurisdictions to promote consistency, effectiveness, and efficiency of recovery and monitoring activities.
RC7.5	Protect and enhance known wildlife and migratory corridors, including corridors leading into the Santa Rosa Mountains, the San Jacinto Mountains, and along the Whitewater River.
RC7.6	Create and implement appropriate regulatory tools that help to minimize the impacts that new and intensified development may have on habitat and wildlife.
RC7.7	Actively encourage and promote the understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and sensitive biological resources in and around Palm Springs.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC7.1	Implement the provisions of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan.
RC7.2	In the event that the aforementioned habitat conservation plans are not adopted, the following actions shall be implemented: a) Create a biological resources overlay zone and associate regulations that require proposed development projects to comply with the following practices prior to approval: i) Provide appropriate biological studies to the City, signed by a registered biologist, that document potential impacts to habitats and wildlife from proposed projects; ii) Comply with land use, development regulations, site planning, and construction practices that will be set forth in the City’s Zoning Code; and iii) Provide the appropriate mitigation measures and monitoring plan, in compliance with federal and state statutes, to minimize the impacts to habitat and wildlife. b) In the event that the MSHCP is not adopted, the City shall implement mitigation measures, ultimately to be determined by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to mitigate impacts to the Desert Tortoise. This mitigation can involve developer fees given to the California Department of Fish and Game to purchase lands within prime tortoise habitat elsewhere in the state. The City shall work toward creation and/or participation in a Habitat Conservation Program for this species.
RC7.3	Develop a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes the importance of the preservation, management, and appreciation of the unique biological resources in and around Palm Springs. In cooperation with public, private, and nonprofit agencies, the program should: a) Maintain an updated inventory and maps of important habitats and wildlife species in Palm Springs; b) Facilitate volunteer activities that protect or enhance important biological resources, such as removal of invasive species, trash removal, and other restoration projects; and c) Develop a campaign to promote the City as a sanctuary for habitat and wildlife and the region’s leader in the responsible protection of the environment.

Goal RC8

Mixed-use infill projects are strategically introduced in underutilized areas to create neighborhood activity centers serving the day-to-day needs of nearby residents, employees, and visitors.

Policies

RC8.1	Facilitate the orderly and efficient development of wind energy resources and regulate their location, operation, and management through the Wind Energy Conversion Systems Development Agreement, conditional-use permit process, and appropriate environmental clearance.
RC8.2	Support and encourage the use of alternative energy sources, such as cogeneration, solar, wind, ethanol and natural gas, fuel cell technologies, and other alternative and sustainable fuel sources and generating industries to provide more reliability in the supply of electricity to the City and to promote the development of clean, sustainable, and alternative energy industries in the City. The use of alternative energy sources should also be encouraged in the construction of new buildings and retrofit of existing buildings.
RC8.3	Encourage and support the incorporation of energy efficiency and conservation practices in land use, transportation demand management, subdivision, and building design.
RC8.4	Encourage “green technologies,” renewable energy, and related activities as a business development goal and to attract this type of business activity to Palm Springs.
RC8.5	Work with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments to develop a regional energy policy and foster the development of associated energy industries in the Coachella Valley.
RC8.6	Ensure that future mining activities, should they become necessary, fully comply with the State Mining Reclamation Act, federal and state environmental regulations, and local ordinances.
RC8.7	Require that new, non-mining land uses located adjacent to existing mining operations provide appropriate buffers between the uses. The buffer distance shall be based on evaluation of noise, aesthetics, drainage, operating conditions, biological resources, topography, lighting, traffic, operating hours, and air quality.
RC8.8	Continue to document current extraction sites, including the status and duration of existing mining permits and approvals.
RC8.9	Limit the impacts of mining operations on the City’s biological and scenic resources.
RC8.10	Require appropriate review and environmental clearance of solar generation, cogeneration facilities, mining, and wind energy conversion systems related to commercial uses to ensure proper siting and operation.
RC8.11	Utilize solar technologies to replace conventional water heating, as well as space cooling and heating requirements, whenever possible.
RC8.12	Make all practical use of indigenous wind resources.
RC8.13	Make the maximum use of solar electric capabilities on an individual and community wide basis.
RC8.14	Utilize municipal sewage and solid wastes as an alternative energy source.
RC8.15	Encourage cogeneration facilities, clean natural gas, and ethanol-fueled generating facilities to increase the reliability of energy production and service to the City and to encourage the creation of diversified sources for energy production.
RC8.16	Require the use of tertiary-treated wastewater for golf course and landscape irrigation whenever feasible.
RC8.17	Equip large irrigation systems with master valves that automatically shut off the system if excessive flows due to damaged sprinklers occur.
RC8.18	Recess planter beds and lawns below adjoining sidewalks and other hardscape to contain irrigation water. Mounds shall be designed to prevent sheet-flow across hardscape areas.
RC8.19	Control water pressure within irrigation systems to prevent drifting onto sidewalks, roads, or bike paths during wind conditions.
RC8.20	Encourage the use of mulch and proper topsoil preparation in planter beds to increase the water absorption capacity of the soil.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC8.1	Review City ordinances to ensure mining plans comply with the State Mining Reclamation Act and local environmental concerns.
RC8.2	Develop zoning regulations that restrict encroachment of incompatible land uses in areas that are conserved for mineral use, and minimize conflicts between extraction activities and other uses.
RC8.3	Require post-reclamation plans that identify desired land uses for mining areas once mining activities have ceased.
RC8.4	Achieve the mandated waste reduction and recycling objectives set forth by the California Integrated Waste Management Board and implement a program to recycle construction and demolition debris, in particular concrete and gravel products.
RC8.5	Implement energy conservation practices in existing buildings and subdivision design by enforcing the following: a) Energy efficiency standards for residential and nonresidential construction in Title 24 standards; b) Solar energy development regulations through the enforcement of the California Solar Shade Control Act; c) Incorporation of alternative energy sources and conservation practices at all public facilities; and d) Other practices as deemed appropriate.
RC8.6	Coordinate with local utility companies to explore the implementation of a district-wide, heat-pump-generated cooling system to reduce dependency on individual air conditioning units that consume high levels of energy.

Goal RC9

Ensure an adequate supply of quality water is provided to the City.

Policies

RC9.1	Work with the Desert Water Agency, Coachella Valley Water District, and Mission Springs Water District to ensure that a sufficient quantity and quality of potable water is available for current and future residential, business, and visitor uses.
RC9.2	Encourage the responsible management and use of water resources through appropriate water conservation measures, financial incentives, and regulations.
RC9.3	Ensure the highest quality of potable water resources continues to be available by managing stormwater runoff, wellhead protection, septic tanks, and other potential sources of pollutants.
RC9.4	Encourage the preservation and management of natural floodplain areas that allow for water percolation, replenishment of the natural aquifers, proper drainage, and prevention of flood damage.
RC9.5	Protect the quality and quantity of water from adverse impacts of development activities so that sufficient water is available to sustain habitats and wildlife.
RC9.6	Cooperate with surrounding jurisdictions and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments to serve as a voice for drafting and advocating an integrated water policy for the region that addresses the supply, quality, and reliability of water.
RC9.7	Encourage the reclamation of hard-lined natural drainage channels toward a natural condition, where possible. Manmade and vegetative material used to stabilize channel slopes shall complement adjacent land uses, recreation areas, and the distinctive visual environment of the City.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC9.1	Develop and implement, in conjunction with Palm Springs water purveyors, an integrated water-conservation program that: a) Contains a policy to expand use of reclaimed water to irrigate all City parks and public facilities, landscaped medians, golf courses, and other applications; b) Ensures that water purveyors serving Palm Springs incorporate a progressive rate structure that discourages unnecessary water usage and rewards water conservation; c) Implements the City’s water-efficient landscape ordinance to ensure that best management practices are routinely incorporated into development plans; d) Provides incentive to convert lawns to drought-tolerant, low-water landscapes; and e) Requires that water conservation education be communicated to local schools, the public, and businesses.
RC9.2	Review model ordinances published by the California EPA and water service providers to update the citywide Municipal Storm Water Pollution Management Program. The program should include, at minimum: a) Identification of nonpoint and point pollutant sources and programs to monitor discharges; b) Best management practices to be applied throughout the City’s street network, parks, and other public facilities; c) Guidance regarding on-site stormwater retention and treatment facilities to reduce storm drain runoff; d) Financial incentives or disincentives to promote the incorporation of innovative best management practices; e) Mandatory evaluation of proposed land use and development plans for their potential to create groundwater contamination hazards from point and nonpoint sources; and f) Means of enforcing compliance with the Municipal Storm Water Pollution Management Program.
RC9.3	Work through the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and member jurisdictions to advocate for the construction of the Coachella Valley Water Aqueduct to ensure a long-term supply of water from the State Water Project.

Goal RC10

Support, encourage, and facilitate the preservation of significant archaeological, historic, and cultural resources in the community.

Policies

RC10.1	Support the preservation and protection of historically, architecturally, or archaeologically significant sites, places, districts, structures, landforms, objects, native burial sites and other features.
RC10.2	Encourage and support the retention and adaptive reuse of buildings of architectural, historic, or cultural significance where financially feasible.
RC10.3	Continue to support the role of the Historic Site Preservation Board to nominate and recommend to the City Council potential historic sites and the designation of historic districts in the City.
RC10.4	Continue to protect individual historic sites, buildings, and neighborhoods as set forth by the Historic Preservation Ordinance and other related historic ordinances.
RC10.5	Actively encourage and promote the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of the archaeological, historic, and cultural resources.
RC10.6	Maintain active communication and cooperation with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office, the Palm Springs Historic Society and other historic preservation entities.
RC10.7	Promote historic preservation-based tourism by raising awareness of the City’s historic resources.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC10.1	Develop a formal historic and cultural preservation program that includes an update of the Historic Site Survey, historic preservation incentives program, and program funding strategies.
RC10.2	Develop a comprehensive education program that emphasizes the importance of the preservation, management, and appreciation of the City’s unique historic and cultural resources.
RC10.3	Require site assessment conducted by a qualified specialist whenever information indicates that a site proposed for development may contain paleontological, historic, or archaeological resources.
RC10.4	Establish an MOU with the University of California at Riverside to review and provide recommendations for projects potentially affecting archeological, historic, and cultural resources.

Goal RC11

Sustain excellence, diversity, and vitality of the City’s performing and
visual arts, culture, history, and lifelong educational pursuits.

Policies

RC11.1	Encourage and support, as feasible, a wide variety of performing arts productions, visual arts exhibitions and displays, the Art in Public Places program, and other local activities and programs.
RC11.2	Consider expanding the functions of the Public Arts Commission to incorporate the performing and visual arts, history, and culture, and expand the Commission into a Cultural Arts Commission.
RC11.3	Promote and support the arts and culture in Palm Springs through partnerships with the School District, Palm Springs Library, Historic Society, and the Tribe.
RC11.4	Celebrate and promote the arts, history, and culture of Palm Springs through special events, civic gatherings, and City marketing and tourism promotion efforts.
RC11.5	Identify new cultural and arts opportunities to develop and add to the City’s current array of resources, events, and activities.

Implementation Actions

Action Number	Implementation Action/Program
RC11.1	Prepare a Cultural Arts Strategic Plan that includes the arts, culture, and history of Palm Springs. The Plan should include: a) identification of important cultural assets; b) public arts program and guidelines; c) joint program development with local museums, societies, educational institutions, and the Tribe; d) funding to support cultural arts programs; and e) an implementation schedule.
RC11.2	Determine the usage for the Heritage Green Building when the Agua Caliente Cultural Center is moved to its own building on Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Glossary

Quimby Act: The Quimby act of 1975 authorizes a city to adopt a local ordinance that can require dedications of land or in-lieu fees for development of new, or rehabilitation of existing, park facilities as a condition of subdivision map approval. The amount of fees paid or land dedicated can, at most, provide for five acres of parklands and recreational facilities per 1,000 persons.

The Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan provides a detailed description of City parks and amenities available at each facility. The Plan also discusses the role of park design standards and includes recommendations to ensure that established standards reflect the actual and intended role of each facility.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office: The mission of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office is to ensure the continuance of the cultural heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians for current and future generations.

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PALM SPRINGS 2040 GENERAL PLAN

Recreation, Open Space & Conservation

Purpose and Introduction

Figures and Tables

Goals, Policies, and Actions

Goal RC1

Goal RC2

Goal RC3

Goal RC4

Goal RC5

Goal RC6

Goal RC7

Goal RC8

Goal RC9

Goal RC10

Goal RC11

Glossary