Draft Parks & Recreation Master Plan

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A parks and recreation master plan is all fine and good, but how about also taking care of what we have? The bike paths are packed with runoff dirt and rocks, especially along Route 92. These paths are mostly used by people with touring bikes, not mountain bikes, and having them crusted over with slippery dirt and rocks is DANGEROUS. Additionally, while strip mall and grocery stores may think it's attractive to put bushes where paths/sidewalks cross their parking lot entrances, that is incredibly dangerous. Drivers are NOT able to see pedestrians or bicyclists coming; likewise, pedestrians bicyclists can't see cars, and painting "LOOK" on the path is neither helpful nor efficient. These bushes need to be maintained at no higher than waist level, and it wouldn't hurt to put signs that warn drivers they are turning onto a bike path crossing. Do we have to be like Tucson and have people die before politicians take notice? Thank you.

The draft master plan does not include information on the Tribute Specific Plan dated July 2006 or the latest enhancement, which is The Tribute Specific Plan Update dated 8 December 2020. The updated plan can be accessed at http://docserve.sierravistaaz.gov/Home/City%20Council/City%20Council%20Work%20Session%20Agenda/2020%20Council%20Work%20Sessions/12%2008%2020%20Work%20Session%20Agenda/Item%202C%20TSP%20Update.pdf . I urge citizens to review the updated plan and review the Tribute Specific Plan dated July 2006, if they have the time. The Tribute Specific Plan dated July 2006 is at https://www.sierravistaaz.gov/city-departments/community-development/vista-2030/ - see Appendix M – Tribute Specific Plan . After reviewing these plans, please comments on the plans as part of your comments on the DRAFT 2021 SV Parks and Recreation Master Plan. You can comment at https://engage.sierravistaaz.gov/draft-citywide-parks-master-plan . Tribute is a key addition to the city which needs to have a good parks and recreation plan in place with citizen input before development starts, instead of trying to address the public’s parks and recreation issues once it is developed.

The Tribute Specific Plan Update dated 8 December 2020 should be included as a reference in the DRAFT 2021 SV Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as Tribute could be developed within the time frame of the master plan. The master plan already acknowledges that Tribute could be developed during its time frame because the interactive WebMap detailing proposed park rehabilitation, upgrades, and new development included in the master plan ( available to view here or https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=572881e754ae40eb9ee148a314fa9922&extent=-110.364,31.4732,-110.1424,31.5945 ) includes “New Park Development: Community Park West (Tribute).” Consequently, if this one entry was fleshed out with the details in The Tribute Specific Plan Update dated 8 December 2020, the public and the Sierra Vista City leadership would be able to have a clearer picture of the future, make better informed comments on the master plan, and make better decisions on the Capital Improvement Plan starting on page 77. In addition, the Tribute Specific Plan dated July 2006 is part of the Vista 2030 Sierra Vista General Plan (Appendix M) so, this document needs to be included in the DRAFT 2021 SV Parks and Recreation Master Plan, since this master plan is supposed to be linked to the higher-level Vista 2030 Sierra Vista General Plan.

Here are some more specific DRAFT 2021 SV Parks and Recreation Master Plan comments:

The Park Assessment Overview section of the master plan should add a Future Tribute Parks and Recreation subsection that includes explanations of the Tribute Specific Plan dated July 2006 and The Tribute Specific Plan Update dated 8 December 2020. Weblinks to each of the plans should be included, so that readers can easily reference and read the documents.

Add the following projects to the Tribute Community Parks section of the Capitol Improvement Plan’s New Park Development table page 80 (Note: These comments are based upon the limited information available, so more details could be developed if a city representative contacted me.):

Lewis Springs Linear Park – Create a multi-use path the length of the park with connections to the two Community Parks along its length. The multi-use path does not have to have the specifications of the Garden Canyon Linear Park Master Plan ( https://engage.sierravistaaz.gov/garden-canyon-linear-park-improvements ), but could be as simple as a two-foot wide path cleared of vegetation encroachment on both sides with the appropriate signage (e.g., trail courtesy signs [bikers yield for hikers], no motorized vehicles, signage with arrows or path names marking the path). The multi-use path could then be upgraded by adding a better natural surface if usage warrants it, for example.

Lewis Springs Linear Park – Garden Canyon Linear Park Connection – Create a multi-use path that connects the SW end of the Lewis Springs Linear Park’s multi-use path with the SE end of the Garden Canyon Linear Park’s multi-use path. If a multi-use path is not agreed to by the developer, than at the very least create bike lanes on the streets and pedestrian walkways that connect the SW end of the Lewis Springs Linear Park’s multi-use path with the SE end of the Garden Canyon Linear Park’s multi-use path.

Lewis Springs Linear Park – San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) Connection – Create a multi-use path that connects the SE end of the Lewis Springs Linear Park’s multi-use path with the western boundary of the SPRNCA. The multi-use path does not have to have the specifications of the Garden Canyon Linear Park Master Plan ( https://engage.sierravistaaz.gov/garden-canyon-linear-park-improvements ), but could be as simple as a two-foot wide path cleared of vegetation encroachment on both sides with the appropriate signage (e.g., trail courtesy signs [bikers yield for hikers], no motorized vehicles, signage with arrows or path names marking the path). The multi-use path could then be upgraded by adding a better natural surface if usage warrants it, for example.

What with current national events, does SV have a plan and laws in place to prevent our parks from becoming a "tent city?"

I know most people want a park in the Canyon de Flores and St. Andrews area, and I understand why, but those two roads already see speeding and not stopping at the stop signs. With the increased traffic, there will be more speeding and will be even more dangerous for those us who walk our dogs, the runners, and the bicyclists. I’ve already seen these events unfold when traffic had to be re-routed onto those two streets due to traffic accidents on Hwy 92. I couldn’t cross the street at the intersection in the crosswalk with my dog because people weren’t stopping at the four-way stop signs.
Also, I really hate to see the wildlife lives be interrupted and displaced because of the park. They were here first and we just keep pushing them further out until one day there will be no more wildlife.

LOVE it!!!!!

Overall, the 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan demonstrates a commitment to meeting the current and future needs of Sierra Vista and surrounding areas through a robust and detailed plan. The plan aligns Sierra Vista with similar cities. I would ask that the city carefully consider its residents who are neurodiverse along with those with physical disabilities as it carries out these future projects. Creating inclusive spaces requires more than just ADA compliance. City staff have demonstrated an openness to develop programs and spaces that work for all residents, but there is room to grow. Continued outreach and visibility of these efforts are critical to serve not only those who live here, but aid in tourism and economic development efforts. Autism-friendly or disability-friendly designations are not counter to the efforts to bring in sports and recreation tourism, but may enhance them and assure future residents of our efforts to welcome individuals and families of all types. Our family appreciates the innovation and commitment to community spaces in Sierra Vista and look forward to the execution of this plan.

Love this!! So excited to see the city growing and adapting to our community. Everyone in the community will be able to benefit from something from this plan. Can't wait to see work started on all the new projects!

In response to two comments I read asking for a fishing pond and more splash pads in parks other than Veterans: Many people may not be aware of the dangerous situation with our city’s water supply. We are not like other Arizona communities with an abundant supply of water. Therefore, as I’m sure the city has taken into consideration, they must reject the ideas of a fishing pond and replace it with alternative facilities. We simply cannot support a large body of man-made water. As for the splash pads, they are strategically located in Veterans park in order to minimize the cost of installing water supplies, water lines, and drainage in other parks. The city has a limited budget and therefore must make compromises between what the community wants and what they can provide.

I am submitting comments based on a brief review of the Master Plan. Therefore, these are not well-meditated comments, rather first responses to what jumped out to me. First, I applaud the addition of multiple splash pads since most parents I see commenting desire water features the most. However, in addition to splash pads which cater to the very young, many people would like to see an outdoor city pool in which the primary activity is to swim. The current “outdoor “ pool associated with the Cove is restricted to diving, which not all swimmers enjoy. Thus, I highly recommend considering a large size outdoor pool with shaded areas surrounding it for older children and adult enjoyment. Not everyone likes using the indoor pool, myself included.
Secondly, there are multiple proposed football fields which I assume are for the addition of playing fields for our youth league. However, they are widely distanced from each other, which would prohibit/discourage the possibility of hosting football tournaments for added revenue and exposure for our city. I commend the city on their efforts to bring the recent Sky Summit and Sips & Skies events to Sierra Vista as I believe that is the direction our city needs to go in order to sustain and grow our community. I have observed and enjoyed participating in numerous events held in Prescott, Flagstaff, Sonoita, etc. My favorite example of what I wish our city would do is Prescott. They host events neatly every weekend, have a dedicated “downtown” filled with eateries, upscale bars, boutique shops, and accommodations. I support the development of the West End to this purpose and would love to see its development and completion date coincide with the park improvements in order to launch a social campaign with a full calendar of various events held in Sierra Vista.
Our weather permits outdoor activities even in the heat of the summer, therefore the development of playing fields designed to host sports tournaments (football, soccer, volleyball, etc) is a possible economic draw as well as a community asset. With the expansion of such playing fields, not only can we support youth leagues, but we could encourage and support the formation of adult leagues as well. I realize many informal adult sports teams utilize the Ft Huachuca courts/fields for play. However, if the city provided adequate sports facilities for these teams, not only would we draw service members off the fort, into the city (where they will grab a meal after the activity, fill up their gas tanks in the city, and even go shopping while in SV); those service members would likely drive past the West End Center on their way back to base and the center would draw further economic activity from them. In addition to attracting service members off Post, those members could collaborate with civilians (who may not use Post facilities due to access restrictions) and create larger, more diverse leagues and teams. I have found the larger the league, the more attractive to participation from more and more people.
Back to outlying and neighborhood parks, many people are asking for green grassy play areas, however I don’t believe that is in the best interests of the city considering our precarious water supply. I believe we must do all we can to protect and preserve that supply for the future growth of the city and the subsequent greater need for more water. I would suggest reassessing the proposed green grass areas and determining through research whether a different type of ground cover could be used for outdoor play areas (turf?? I don’t know) and more botanical desert foliage and trees could be utilized to provide a scenic natural environment in other areas.
I recently voted yes to the proposed sale of vacant land near St Andrews & Canyon de Flores from the SVUSD to the city. I live in this neighborhood and it has always been a concern that the multiple neighborhoods in the close proximity (from Huachuca Mountain ES to the borders of the Canyon de Flores neighborhood and the neighboring Reserve & La Terraza subdivisions) are without a public playground or park area. Yes we do have the Garden Canyon Park which for my older kids and adults is wonderful, however there is no safe place for young children to play together. They must resort to private play in their own backyards which prevents them from meeting new friends in the area, which I think is a social concern important to consider with the location of proposed playgrounds.
When my children were young, they played on the playground and grassy fields of Huachuca Mountain Elementary. Now, however, that property is locked and inaccessible to the public. Many people were very disappointed when that happened and the neighborhood has not had a recreational park since then. This area is a prioritized area in the development of the proposed park improvements.
I believe I have presented you with plenty to consider, although surely not all of the feedback needed. I hope this helps you in refining and finalizing your proposed plans.
Thank you for asking for the community’s participation and allowing me to express my humble thoughts.

Has the city ever considered placing a community fishing pond in one of the parks? Tucson and Phoenix Metro have multiple, very successful urban fishing areas such as Chuck Ford Lakeside Park, Surprise Community Park, and others. Quite a few fisherman I've spoken to agree that a local urban fishing spot would benefit the city and the residents of SV and the greater SV area. With the fishing areas on Ft Huachuca closed we are forced to go to Parker Canyon, Patagonia, or Tucson.

Something else to think about would be to add another aquatic center/pool. The Cove easily gets overcrowded and with the growth of SV over the last 10 years it makes sense to add another place for families to cool off.

I think this is a fantastic plan, and hope that the city is able to implement the improvements, especially those at Veterans' Memorial, quickly.

Why pack all of the splash pads/water features at Veterans? It already has the pools and many other attractions. It would be nice to have them spread throughout the city, so they are more accessible.