Survey shows park system has room to improve

Moorpark's park system lacks the kind of amenities desired by residents, according to a survey that's helping to formulate a new parks and recreation master plan.

The plan, which will serve as a blueprint to guide future capital improvements in public parks, was presented to the City Council at its May 6 meeting.

According to a survey conducted by consultant Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman Inc. (MIG) over the past three years, the city should have six additional baseball fields, three more playfields, a dog park, a teen center, a swimming pool, a splash play area and an outdoor amphitheater to accommodate the desires of local residents.

"City officials are aware of the deficiencies," said Mary Lindley, director of the Moorpark Parks and Recreation Department. "Most of these needs are known by the city and identified in goals and objectives."

The city hired MIG in 2006 to evaluate local parks and examine the design and condition of each facility.

The consulting firm was also asked to identify existing and future demographic trends and assess current and future needs of the community.

Comments and ideas from city leaders, youth sports organizations and residents were incorporated in the plan, Lindley said.

An updated document will replace the master plan produced in 1986.

"The new master plan should be viewed as a planning document, when considering new parks, expansion projects and enhancements to serve the community," Lindley said.

The council was scheduled to vote on the plan last week, but Councilmember Roseann Mikos requested more time to review the document in detail.

"It's a very important plan because it guides the future of parks. So to me it's not appropriate to look for a decision without time to evaluate the plan thoroughly," Mikos said.

In addition to detailing park development standards, operating guidelines and acquisition policies, the report includes a financial analysis that requires careful consideration, she said.

The new park plan doesn't specify pedestrian and bicycle trails, but it will be used in conjunction with the city's trail master plan and the Open Space Conservation and Recreation element of Moorpark's general plan, Mikos said.

The council will review the document again at its next meeting on Wed., May 20.