HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan CH 08Chapter 8
Parks, Open Space, and Aesthetics
Sections:
8.01 Introduction
8.02 Parks
8.03 Ashland and Other Cities
8.04 New Parks Since 1980
8.05 Types of Parks
8.06 New Park Areas
8.07 Open Space
8.08 Conflicting Uses
8.09 Economic, Environmental, Social, and Energy Consequences
8.10 Criteria for Open Space
8.11 New Natural Parks
8.12 Greenbelts
8.13 Connecting Links and Totals
8.14 Urban Forestry
8.15 Visual Resources
8.16 Implementation
8.17 Goal
8.18 Policies
Section 8.01 Introduction
Ashland's character is intimately linked to its aesthetic resources, including its vistas, trees, parks and open space lands. Early settlers appreciated the natural beauty of Ashland's
setting, and local scenic sites evolved as community gathering places. As the town grew, traditional use of these sites was gradually formalized. Roper's Grove, a popular 19th century
recreation area in the Ashland Creek Canyon, was absorbed into Lithia Park when community ownership of that resource evolved. As Ashland developed, its formal park lands expanded as
well.
Because cities are inherently crowded places, park planning has long been a traditional and essential part of urban planning. Landmarks of American city planning such as William Penn's
1680 Philadelphia town plan, Fredrick Law Olmstead's New York City's 1856 Central Park plan, and Daniel Burnham's 1909 Chicago plan, all used parks and open spaces as central elements
to alleviate the pressures of urban life. Parks are not a luxury, but a necessary ingredient in a successful urban environment. One of the reasons Ashland is such a beautiful and unique
city is because of past efforts at park planning.
Today, Ashland park planning faces new challenges. Many traditional uses of private, vacant lands have been lost in the past few decades. More will soon be lost without a program to
acquire and preserve significant lands for both traditional parks and open space. Ashland's urban forest, comprised of both native and imported species, must also be preserved and enhanced.
Successful city planning reflects people's values in the changes that take place over time. In considering Ashland's future, our plans must include both traditional parks and preserved
natural areas, and reflect what most citizen's treasure: a community at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains, that works with rather than fights with nature. Preserving this value challenges
us to develop a program that will preserve important open space and parkland, while accommodating Ashland's continuing urbanization.
This element of Ashland's Comprehensive Plan presents four programs (Parks, Open Space, Urban Forestry, and Visual Resources), introduces implementation strategy, and defines policies.
Section 8.02 Parks
Ashland has an elected, five-member Parks and Recreation Commission which controls all lands owned by the City of Ashland that have been dedicated for park or open space purposes. This
commission is created by city charter and is empowered to levy tax funds for park maintenance and improvements from an annual budget. While they can use the levy to maintain lands,
the Parks and Recreation Commission has no authority to purchase or acquire new land. This must be accomplished by the City Council, and the lands then dedicated to the Parks Commission
by mutual agreement.
Ashland now has 176 acres of parkland, another 1.30 acres of City owned land that is in open space use, such as cemeteries and the golf course, and an additional 58 acres of land used
by
the community as open space but owned by other public agencies such as the School District or Southern Oregon State College. Fifty-seven acres of City owned land are in the city-owned
Lithia Springs property outside the city limits. This currently is leased to the Ashland Gun Club and, serving no other public use, should be discounted in an analysis of park land.
Of the 122 acres of developed parkland, 95 acres are in Lithia Park. There are 17.5 acres in developed active parks, 9 acres at Hunter Park, and 8.5 acres at YMCA park. Two small urban
parks Calle Guanajuato, and Bluebird Park, total a little more than an acre. Five neighborhood parks range in size from one-half acre to two-and-one-half acres, with a total acreage
of seven-and-one half-acres. There are currently thirteen acres of undeveloped parkland in two sites.
Fifteen acres of land at Southern Oregon State College are used by the community for active recreation, and another 43 acres of land in six school sites are used for neighborhood recreation--a
total of 58 acres.
In addition to fulfilling its primary function, the municipally owned 58acre Oak Knoll Golf Course provides a large open space area for the surrounding neighborhood.
Lithia Park is used partly as a regional park -- a fact not clearly reflected in acreage comparisons. A 1981 park usage study concluded that in the summer, one-half of park users were
tourists, one-sixth were regional users, that is, from Jackson County other than Ashland, and one-third were Ashland residents. A 1989 Parks Department survey confirmed that these numbers
remain applicable today.
Section 8.03 Ashland and Other Cities
In 1989 Rick Landt of the Citizen's Advisory Planning Commit- tee (CPAC) conducted a survey of 23 other cities in Oregon to determine how Ashland ranked in available park land relative
to these other cities. Interestingly, Ashland's parkland inventory at 10.5 acres per 1,000 population was below the average of the cities surveyed, which was 12.3 acres per 1,000. While
Ashland ranked ahead of some suburban cities such as Gresham (1.8 acres per 1,000) and Hillsboro (2.7 acres per 1,000), it ranked far behind our neighboring cities of Medford (46.3
acres per 1,000) and Klamath Falls (31.3 acres per 1,000). In the latter cases, the cities have purchased large areas that include a significant natural feature, such as Medford's Roxy
Ann Mountain. Less urbanized areas like southern Oregon, have more opportunities to find an acquire parkland, due to the availability of undeveloped land and generally lower land values.
This fact helps explain the large amount of parkland found in Medford, Roseburg and Klamath Falls.
The conclusion that can be drawn is that while Ashland is slightly below average in all the cities in this survey, the City also would have a very long way to go to preserve as much
land as our southern Oregon neighbors. Since cities with significant natural features and a high degree of community amen/ties tend to have more parkland than cities, which are located
in homogenous environments, Ashland should be near the top of the list. However, we find ourselves below average.
Section 8.04 New Parks Since 1980
During the 1980's Ashland has been active in purchasing new land for parks Three sites, totaling 56 acres; have been acquired. One, the Bear Creek Greenway Park is a natural park and
is not planned for further development except for the extension of the Bear Creek Greenway. The other two sites have not been developed. In addition, the YMCA Park and two neighborhood
parks, Clay Street and Glenwood, have been developed. In 1984 a public pool was added at Hunter Park. The development of school-park sites in cooperation with the Ashland School Board
has increased the amount .of effective parkland. The development of fifteen acres of community playing fields at Southern Oregon State College has greatly enhanced .the city's ability
to provide an active recreation site.
Section 8.05 Types of Parks
Park types can be classified as follows: regional, urban, community, neighborhood, pocket, and open space. A regional park serves a county area, emphasizes an outdoor setting, and usually
has facilities for activities such as picnicking, swimming. Emigrant Lake Park is a regional park and is heavily used by county residents.
An urban park emphasizes passive recreation, may have picnic and zoo areas, and serves a population of 10,000 to 30,000 people. Lithia Park is an urban park, but use by people outside
Ashland lends it a regional character. A community park emphasizes active recreation, sport fields and tennis courts, and should be within three miles of the area it serves. Hunter
Park is a community park.
Neighborhood parks are designed to be within a one-quarter- mile radius of the area they serve, and are related to the neighborhood's character. Neighborhood parks include school parks
which utilize facilities in off hours. The school parks have advantages. They may be used during summer months and non- school hours; they provide facilities for all age groups, thus
eliminating duplication of facilities, and they cut operating and maintenance costs for both the Parks Department and School District.
Pocket parks and special areas axe small areas which satisfy special needs--a place for relaxation in a dense urban area; a spot for a specific recreational activity; an outdoor urban
space; or they simply afford visual pleasure. Triangle Park is a pocket park; the Plaza is a special area.
Section 8.06 New Park Areas
The survey conducted of cities around the state indicated that Ashland has 10.5 acres of parkland per 1000 people substantially less than the national ideal of fifteen acres per 1000
population. The simple comparison of acreage and population, how- ever, does not reveal the entire situation. Population demands, local values, and the unique attributes of the local
setting are more important than per capita targets. Per capita land needs, therefore, should be used only in assessing the need for city- wide facilities such as community parks.
Need for new parks
As Ashland grows, it will need to add parkland to accommodate new population and to increase recreational opportunities to the existing population. This section deals with the community
parks and neighborhood parks that are to be developed.
These parks are generally known as active parks. They differ from open space parks because they involve a significant amount of development. Grading, removal of native vegetation, installation
of irrigation and parking, and construction of tennis courts and restrooms have a significant impact on the environment and neighborhood. Active parks can be prodigious traffic generators
and can create high parking demands. While necessary for a successful city, they are relatively expensive to develop and maintain.
Ashland now has two active community parks, Hunter Park and YMCA Park. Nine acres and 8.5 respectively, in sum they total 17.5 acres. The city and Southern Oregon State College have
developed jointly 15 acres of ball fields that are used both by the college and the community. Several Ashland School District properties are occasionally used as community parks, most
notably Walker School and Ashland Junior High School.
Ashland has four neighborhood parks, Clay Street, Garden Way, Glenwood, and Sherwood Parks, totaling over seven acres. Triangle Park, about one-half acre in size and an attractive open
space, functions as a pocket park. In addition, the five Ashland elementary schools function as neighborhood parks. The Parks Commission and the Ashland School District have developed
community school-park sites at each of the elementary schools. The area acquired by the City on East Main and California Streets will also be developed as a neighborhood park.
The following criteria have been used in assessing the need for future active parks:
Community parks
1. There should be 2.5 acres per 1,000 population of city-wide active community parks.
2. Every neighborhood should have a park within one-quarter mile of most homes, i.e., within easy walking distance and accessible to most children.
3. The park sites must be relatively flat, without significant natural features requiring preservation.
4. The park sites should be located so that traffic flow and parking can be accommodated by using arterial, collector, and through streets whenever possible.
5. The parks should be easily accessible by foot and by bicycle.
6. In addition to filling the need for community parks, they should also function as neighborhood parks where they are located.
7. The City should not rely on land it does not own for long term park needs.
Based on these criteria, the city will need 50 acres of land in community parks by the year 2005, when the population will reach 20,000 people. Today, the city has seventeen acres of
land in Hunter Park and YMCA park, and also uses fifteen acres of land from SOSC, for about 2 acres per 1,000 capita. The use of SOSC land, however, is based on a lease agreement, and
when the lease expires 1995, SOSC may choose not to renew the lease.
This plan identifies two areas for potential new community parks. One, Clay Street Park, is an extensions of the existing YMCA Park and would add 15 acres to the 8.5 acres existing,
and provide an open space connection between Clay Street and Tolman Creek Road. The second are two parcels of .vacant pasture in the Bear' Creek floodplain, adjacent to Mountain Street.
These two parcels would provide an additional 24 acres of active park with excellent access. This would give the city slightly more than 2.5 acres per 1,000 when the population reaches
20,000.
Neighborhood Parks
Consideration of both existing and proposed park areas reveals that several neighborhoods will be more than one-quarter mile from any park. All but four areas will be served either by
the new large proposed active parks 0r by new open space parks. Four parks are planned to accommodate the remaining neighborhoods that would need park for casual, pedestrian use. The
new parks are small, from one-half to one acre in size, and located on currently vacant parcels. The neighborhoods are the Oak Knoll area, the Guthrie Street area, the Railroad District,
and the Wimer Street area.
Section 8.07 Open Space
Open space provides buffers between development, preserves important riparian areas and wildlife habitat, creates scenic vistas, and contributes to Ashland's character. They may be owned
by the City, by community groups such as homeowner's associations, may be preserved through easements, or may be held in private ownership.
Ashland has preserved a major open space in Lithia Park. While some of the park is developed, much of it is an open space preserve. The park's creation did little to affect buildable
land, as much of it is steep or in floodplain, but it has greatly enhanced Ashland's environment. Although Ashland's population has almost doubled since 1960 we have had no program
to preserve and develop open spaces. Thus we have experienced the irretrievable loss of important open spaces, for example, the many small creeks which once ran through the city. In
many cases the entire creek has been removed and culverted, leaving not a trace of the original environment. Other city natural areas will suffer a similar fate unless a comprehensive
effort is made to identify, protect, preserve, and, when appropriate, acquire important open spaces.
Open space includes parks, natural and undeveloped resource areas, agriculture and forestlands, and unused vacant lands. Open space buffers incompatible land uses, helps create efficient
land use patterns, provides aesthetic experiences and diversity in built-up areas, and preserves recreation, agricultural and forest lands.
Open space can be preserved by zoning and subdivision regulations, by purchasing or trading for land or easements, by incentives, or by voluntary contributions. Many of these methods
do not require new City funding, but depend on identification and development standards. Any successful open space program must. include a program to acquire some key pieces for the
public, so they may be managed to preserve the open space's character.
Open space programs benefit the preservation of lands that are either unbuildable or difficult to develop. Flood plains, ravines, wetlands, and steep slope. s are all undesirable for
urban development, but lend character that make the land desirable for open space.
Section 8.08 Conflicting Uses
1. Residential and commercial development
2. Road construction
3. Intensive recreational developments
Section 8.09 Economic, Environmental, Social, and Energy Consequences
Economic
Alterations to the land to accommodate conflicting uses could compromise the quality' of an open space area and potentially decrease surrounding property values.
Street design and construction costs would be higher due to the physical constraints of these areas, such as steep, densely wooded topography, ravines and high water tables.
A portion of the costs for acquisition and maintenance of open space lands would be paid for by local taxes.
The construction of homes within open space areas would require higher construction standards to avoid property damage resulting from a hillside slumping, erosion or flooding.
Social
Allowing conflicting uses may reduce the quality of open space areas where people gravitate towards to enjoy visual and auditory solitude; Intrusion into these areas for the purpose
of accommodating residential development and road construction may jeopardize the potential recreation value for passive uses such as picnicking, walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling
or bird watching.
The total open space proposal includes almost 730 acres of land. It is important, when deciding to set aside this amount of land for open space uses, to determine the impact this would
have on the Housing Element.
Most of the open space proposal has been designed to utilize land that is of marginal or useless for housing. The project will only have a small effect on Employment land, as the only
area proposed to be used for open space that is zoned for employment is along the railroad and "A" Street.
The City has compiled an analysis of the housing impact of the development of the open space plan, contained in a memorandum by the Planning Director dated Feb. 21, 1990.
The total impact on housing would be a loss of land on which 331 housing units could be developed. By far the largest impact is from the two active parks, which are located on areas
that were designed for affordable housing at relatively high densities. These two parks would occupy land that could provide 231 housing units.
In the current urban growth boundary, there was a need for 127 acres of land for high cost housing ($110,000 and up in 1990 dollars). There was a large surplus of this type of land already
in the City limits, as the 1982 plan shows 256 vacant and available. Therefore, the loss of the parcels zoned RR-.5 and Rl-10 are insignificant, as there are already more than sufficient
lands in the urban growth boundary to provide housing in large lot, low density zones with correspondingly high prices.
However, the land available for moderate cost housing was in a tighter supply. While there was a need for 388 acres of moderate cost housing, only 342 were available in the City limits.
160 acres were provided in the urban growth boundary. Therefore, the loss of the two parcels that would be developed for active parks would not need to be replaced, as there is a surplus
of over 100 acres even with these two areas removed.
Environmental
Physical and aesthetic consequences to open space areas resulting from road construction could be mitigated through proper design..
All conflicting uses could disturb and destroy wildlife habitat and fragile ecosystems. Sensitive areas may become susceptible to increases in erosion, which in turn may 'impact the
water quality of streams and wetlands.
Disruption of open space corridors, which act to link the region's wilderness areas to the city, would result in .a decline in urban wildlife.
Energy
Urbanization of sensitive open spaces involves infrastructure improvements, which can be complex, costly and energy intensive.
Techniques (i.e. erosion control measures) used to mitigate the impacts caused by conflicting uses may have higher energy requirements.
Section 8.10 Criteria for Open Space
The preceding analysis suggests that many of Ashland's natural areas be retained as open space, or developed into natural parks. Many desirable land parcels suggest themselves for an
open space program. In order to design a unified system, rather than a collection of interesting yet unrelated parcels, a selection philosophy must be developed. Criteria for open space
follows:
Lands that preserve wildlife habitat and fragile ecosystems, such as wooded areas, ravines, and wetlands.
Lands that preserve unique scenic features, such as wooded views from urbanized areas.
Lands that contain potential recreational value .for passive uses such as picnicking, walking, jogging, hiking, bicycling, bird watching, or simply resting.
Areas that contain potential for pathway and trail development and which connect with other existing trails.
Areas that can be integrated with existing or proposed community parks.
Areas that are interspersed with urban growth so that the open space lands are accessible to the greatest number of urban residents.
Areas with productive farm and forest land.
Areas that have outstanding visual or auditory solitude.
The Parks and Open Space-map identifies significant open 'space areas in the community. Although some of these lands will be acquired or set aside for preservation during the planning
period, there are many forms of open space preservation other than public acquisition. Components of Ashland's Open Space Program follow:
Conservation Areas
Conservation areas are lands owned by private citizens who sell or otherwise release their rights to develop the property. Instead, the land is maintained in an undeveloped or underdeveloped
state. The property owner assures the City that the land will be left in an unmodified, open state to retain the qualities that make it desirable for open space. This assurance usually
takes the form of a conservation easement. The City recognizes this agreement with a zoning overlay that prohibits development. The land's value is reduced, possibly lowering property
taxes, and qualifying for income tax deductions. While this method is valuable for some areas, it usually does not allow public access to the property. The main advantage is that the
City incurs no or minimal direct costs although the value of the taxing base may be slightly reduced. To fully implement this plan, the City should be active in acquiring conservation
easements even in areas outside the City limits, such as the Wrights Creek area.
Neighborhood Owned Open Space
As an alternative to the preservation of private open space, a community can acquire and dedicate to common use suitable open space land. The small creek behind properties in the block
of Allison, Holly, Idaho, and Iowa Streets is an excellent example. This area is not generally useful to the City because the creek has culverts both above and below. However, with
the City's cooperation the neighborhood can acquire the creek area and reserve it for common open space. to be managed by a neighborhood group. These lands would be held as an undivided
interest by abutting property owners. Acquisition and development could be funded by a local improvement district, which would assess all benefiting property owners and allow the issue
of tax free bonds, thereby reducing the property's payment burden.
Dedications during Development
Open space may comprise only a portion of land largely suitable for development. Where no plan exists for integration into a natural park, the area can be integrated into a private development
as a common open, space. The City's ordinances reward developers with density bonuses for such inclusions. When a parcel contains land required for the community-owned open space, city
ordinances may require dedication and possibly development by the property owner. When this occurs, a credit for the required system development charge may be necessary, and if the
permitted number of units is reduced, compensation may be appropriate.
Section 8.11 New Natural Parks
The keystones of the open space plan are the large, contiguous parcels of land, which closely match the open space criteria. They include the following:
Ordsen Todd Woods - Clay Creek
The land designated for acquisition is the Clay' Creek, extending from the City limits to the Ordsen Todd woods, a conservation area owned by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy. This
land would provide public access from the City limits to the Woods, and further preserve the beauty of Clay Creek ravine.
Roca Canyon
This ravine runs from the T.I.D. ditch to SOSC campus, where it disappears into a culvert. The ravine is deep and wooded with abundant wildlife. The eight-acre park at the top of the
ravine would connect with a Conservation Area to the north that would preserve the ravine in its present state. Down zoning of this Conservation Area is appropriate to prevent development
from crossing the ravine, which would necessitate numerous culverts and fills to accommodate auto access to new lots. A trail would connect through the park and from the park down the
ravine to Prospect Street, providing neighborhood pedestrian connections where none now exist. The park would provide trail access to Siskiyou Mountain Park to the south.
Siskiyou Mountain Park
The City of Ashland currently owns 110 acres in the city limits just south of Lithia Park, and 1,000 acres outside the city limits surrounded by the Rogue National Forest. The areas
in the city limits were used for granite quarries, and that outside is for the Water Departments use associated with the water filtration plant and Reeder Reservoir. In addition, the
City is in the process of acquiring 160 acres currently owned by Superior Lumber Company. The proposal is to tie these parcels together with additional acquisitions, which would allow
for a large, 1,500 acre natural park that would extend from Clay Creek in the east to' Ashland Creek in the west. Accesses would be developed from the other parks and trails in the
City, and access provided through the park to the Forest Service land, which surrounds this area. Also, a trail across Siskiyou Mountain Park would further interconnect this area. These
lands also contain several old roads that provide excellent hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking and panoramic vistas of the City. Access would be available from Ashland Ditch Trail,
Lithia Park, Terrace Street Park, Roca Canyon Park, Paradise Lane, and Todd-Ordsen Woods.
One advantage of this park is that the City already owns or is purchasing 1300 of the 1500 acres. An additional 40 acres are owned by the State Division of Higher Education, and the
remainder is privately owned. While the area of land is large, the costs of acquisition is small.
Terrace Street
The small valley between Terrace Street and Long Way is a beautiful natural park potentially blending into a neighbor, hood park on Herbert Street. This land can be integrated with other
city-owned land adjacent to Crowson Reservoir and the water pumping station, providing access from the neighbor- hoods to the north to the Ashland Loop Road, Siskiyou Mountain Park,
and the National Forest to the south.
Scenic Park
The hilltop above Scenic Drive, a backdrop to the Plaza, is one of the most important views in Ashland. This is hilltop will certainly be developed, ruining its scenic quality and wildlife
habitat, unless it is acquired by the City. The Hilltop Park acquisition would require forty to forty-five acres of land and would extend from the Ditch Road to the top of the ridge
and beyond, and from Strawberry Lane to Grandview Drive. The Ditch Road would be closed to traffic, and would be used only for hiking, equestrian use, and biking.
Bear Creek Greenway and Mountain Avenue Natural Park
Major portions of this county-wide facility presently exist. The Jones-Bryant property is already a city park, and an important wetland. The plan would continue the greenway along Bear
Creek to Mountain Avenue, acquiring at least a 200 foot wide corridor on Bear Creek. This corridor includes significant riparian areas and associated wetlands, to be retained in a natural
state. At Mountain Avenue, the plan would encompass acquisition of an existing 18-acre parcel that was the site of a small sawmill in the 1940's. This property would serve as a trailhead
to the Bear Creek Greenway, and the un-vegetated portion of it could be added to the proposed active park to the south. The Bear Creek Greenway bikeway would be extended to Mountain
Avenue along the corridor.
Reynolds Ponds
This small farm on Helman Avenue has beautiful ponds and associated vegetation, including cottonwoods and willows. The plan calls for acquisition and retention of approximately two acres
of this farm for a picnic area, and for retention and enhancement of the pond and surrounding wetland for wildlife habitat.
Normal Street Wetland
The extention of Normal Street from Hunter Park to East Main Street passes by one of the largest natural Wetlands in the City Limits. As this land would be poorly suited for development
and .may contain significant wildlife habitat, the plan calls for acquisition and retention of the wetland. The area should be enhanced as a wetland, with development limited to trails
that would provide f6r bird watching and the study of nature.
Section 8.12 Greenbelts
In addition to land in Ashland, the plan calls for acquiring land development rights on properties outside the Urban Growth Boundary currently zoned for exclusive farm use. These parcels,
while currently protected from development, are subject to changes in state and county land use laws. The City plans to acquire either the properties in their entirety or to acquire
conservation easements on the' three parcels to insure that future development does not threaten Ashland's compact city form. Allowable uses could be either to simply continue the agricultural
uses on the property or a recreational use that is compatible with the greenbelt ideal, such as a golf course.
Section 8.13 Connecting Links and Totals
Open space, park, and trail-use are greatly enhanced when they are linked. Linking neighborhoods with convenient, well placed trails that connect areas that cannot be accessed by automobile
not only promotes neighborhood interaction, it also encourages travel on foot and by bike, as many times as it is closer to walk on a well designed trail than to go by car. The emphasis
in this plan is on short, convenient trails that connect neighborhoods, and on three trails that connect larger areas of the City. These former trails have been in Ashland's Comprehensive
Plan since 1982, and are mentioned in plans as early as 1966.
Ashland, like many communities, lacks sufficient linear spaces (parkways, bikeways etc), but has abundant potentially useful areas. Ashland's creek corridors can constitute design element
for the community and for individual neighborhood areas. Al- though some areas are presently unfavorable for parkway and bikeway development because of existing residential dwellings,
other areas that are relatively undeveloped can serve to form some links and trails.
Ashland has many areas that are criss-crossed with informal trails, some of which have been in use for generations. Most of these trails are not legal easements in any sense, but they
still form an important community recreational 'facility. The City and the Parks Commission should work with the private property owners to help alleviate whatever inconvenience this
traditional use may cause. In addition, upon development or partition of the land, the trails should be identified and preserved, preferably granting an easement to the public for continued
use. Development should also respect the trails and buffer the effects of development from it.
A portion of the proposed Bear Creek Greenway is located within the Ashland city limits in the northern part of town, south of Nevada Street and west of Mountain Avenue. The proposed
trail location is within the Ashland Urban Growth Boundary south of the Ashland Airport. Any proposed developments located in these areas should consider the proposed greenway and its
completion. Land dedications should be required as conditions of approval for any proposed developments. The greenway project is extremely important for Jackson County, and Ashland
should cooperate in its completion.
The following trails are included in the open space program and are to be developed over the planning period.
Bear Creek Trail
The Bear Creek Trail is part of the county trail system, and extends from Mountain Avenue to the Ashland city limits on the western town boundary. The portion of the trail to Nevada
Street is currently planned for construction by Jackson County.
Ashland Ditch Corridor-Granite Street Reservoir to Grandview
This is one of the most beautiful, secluded trail sections in the system. A new trail would be created from the upper end of Lithia Park to the Ashland Ditch, and a corridor acquired
along the ditch trail. The corridor should be 100 feet wide to prevent development from encroaching on the ditch area. Any development within this corridor should undergo a special
review to assure that the quality of the trail are not endangered, and that the residences are adequately screened from the trail, both for the privacy of the residences, and the tranquility
of the trail user.
T.I.D. Corridor Ivy Street to Terrace
This unspoiled portion of the ditch trail contains both beautiful views and imposing woods. Recent home construction near the ditch has severely degraded the experience of walking the
ditch trail. The corridor, twenty-five to one hundred feet in width, would maintain a buffer along the T.I.D., protecting' vegetation and habitat. The City already has approximately
one half of the necessary easements to open the trail to pedestrian use. The trail would generally follow the T.I.D. ditch from Terrace Street to the end of the Park Estates subdivision.
From this point the trail would leave the ditch, and slowly climb to meet the terminus of the Ivy Street cul-de-sac. This should be developed so as to be separate from any new roads,
and have screening from any new homes in that area, as much as possible. The remaining portions of the Water Line Road and the T.I.D. ditch should be preserved as neighborhood trails
that link small areas together.
Neighborhood Trails
Several other short trails are designated on the map. These are to be required at time of development of the property by the implementing ordinances. Other sections will have to be obtained
by the consent of the property owner.
As designed, the trail system consists of several segments of trail, most of it surrounded by urban development, but secluded, wooded, and full of wildlife. Many of these trails currently
exist within the city but is threatened with extinction. The Open Space Program will preserve these resources for the future.
Section 8.14 Urban Forestry
Ashland's environment and appearance are often noted as important parts of the general livability of the City, and are frequently cited as reasons for' residents remaining in the area
and for tourists coming to Ashland. Early pioneers planted trees along the streets and boulevards, that have grown into majestic specimens. Many of these trees remain today in the older
sections of the City. The maintenance of civic pride and of visitor's favorable impressions depend especially on the scenic quality of major access routes and thoroughfares. Also, the
appearance of private property has an effect on one's impression of Ashland.
A significant portion of this impression is created by trees and intact plant communities. Areas such as Winburn Way and Siskiyou Boulevard, have greater scenic value due to the presence
of large trees and a variety of shrubs. Ashland's backdrop as viewed from the Southeast and Northwest entries, and from I-5 is forest. covered hills and mountains. This setting, Ashland
nestled in among the forested hills creates a strong positive impression. The existing, intact native plant communities in riparian areas and on steep slopes re-enforces this impression.
The Urban Forest Interface at the southern boundary of Ashland presents challenges and opportunities. Its aesthetic value, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities have been well-
documented by citizens. This interface also presents problems for fire prevention and control.
Trees, especially large trees, enhance the quality of life in Ashland in many ways, providing shade, protection from wind, erosion control, wildlife habitat, sound barriers, air pollution
removal and play areas for children, among other things. Ashland land has a long history of honoring and protecting its trees, including being named a Tree City, USA each year since
1986. Trees are a fragile resource. The proven benefits of trees can only be maintained through favorable consideration in the political process.
Ashland has a Tree Commission. The Commission is charged with the enhancement of the urban forest in Ashland. The commission works with public funds and on public lands, and also advise
the city staff and planning commission on landscaping of new projects. This role is extremely valuable and has had a marked improvement on new landscaping quality in developments.
Section 8.15 Visual Resources
As previously mentioned, vegetative cover, particularly mature trees, adds much to the beauty of Ashland and its surroundings, enhancing the views out of the city and from the gateways,
like I-5, looking into the city. The forested hills and mountains directly behind the city as seen from the freeway, act as a back-drop and from for the city.
There are a number of prominent features and dramatic vistas visible from the city, in addition to vegetation, that add to the beauty of Ashland's setting. These include, Pompadour Bluff,
Grizzly' Peak, Wagner Butte, Mt. Ashland and the Bear Creek Greenway.
Numerous smaller, but no less important features exist within the city. The riparian zones along the many creeks that dissect the city are perhaps the 'most noticeable examples.. Steep
hillsides with mature conifers are other examples.
Both the privately owned and the City owned granite quarries on upper Granite Street is an example of the consequences of not protecting features within the city. Lithia Park and the
Ashland Creek canyon are marred by this development. In the recent past, the proposed clear cutting of the Superior Lumber Co. land above the city, and the proposed development of a
gravel pit on upper Nevada Street are the kinds of activities that if accomplished, would be detrimental to the present beautiful views from and around Ashland.
The Ashland's view shed is an irreplaceable asset to the community and deserves protection. Protection will require that the view shed be defined. and mapped. Continued and expanded
cooperation with other jurisdictions, including the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Jackson County, will also be necessary to ensure its protection.
Section 8.16 Implementation
The plan outlined here is an ambitious one. Accomplishing it will require community vision and resolve -- and funding for land acquisition. In contrast to prior comprehensive plans for
Ashland, this element requires specific action by the City and the Parks Commission for implementation and demands both a regulatory approach and an acquisition program.
Regulation
Dedication of land during development
Many open space lands constitute only part of a property. They do not contribute greatly to the development potential of a parcel, and often encompass only a particular feature of limited
development potential, such as the T.I.D. ditch or a ravine. In this instance, dedication to the public can be required during development. This can be accomplished without compensation
if the portion of the property dedicated does not substantially affect the development and if the project will benefit from the open space project.
Preservation of land privately owned
At times, a parcel identified for open space is not required to be in public ownership. Simply preserving the land in a natural state will accomplish the goals of the open space program.
When no access by the public is required, simple preservation of the land can be accomplished by dedication of easements. If reasonable use of the land remains with the open space parcel
preserved, it is legal to require that the land not be developed until acquisition can occur.
Many major pieces of land required for this project must be acquired by the public during the planning period. While trails and open space corridors, can be acquired by dedications,
the development of major parks and open space areas allows no private use of the land. Therefore, when most or all of the useable part of the parcel is to be acquired, or when a physical,
public invasion, such as a trail easement is required and no development is proposed, the city should acquire the land or the necessary easement at fair market value.
This program will require a funding source dedicated exclusively to land acquisition needs, as the project will probably take many years to accomplish. The acquisition portion of the
plan may not be implemented until the funding source has been secured.
The properties that the City has designated as Parks are to be acquired by the City throughout the planning period. The effect of this designation will not affect the property's ability
to develop.
When the property owner wishes to develop the property, and the property is ripe for development (that is, it has all the necessary city services nearby for development) the City should,
at that point, offer to purchase the land. The offer should be for the fair market value, without considering any effect that its designation for park would have. If the offer is accepted,
the property can be converted to park. If the City can not make the necessary funds available, the property can develop according to the underlying zoning. However, some of the property
can be set aside as a Conservation Area in this process, as long as the effect of the reduction in the number of units is no more that 20%.
Obviously, it is in the City's interest to negotiate with the property owner and purchase the land before it is ripe for development. In any case, land shall be purchased without resorting
to direct condemnation. The only exception to this rule would be to acquire access to a City owned parcel. The area where this may be necessary would be to gain access to the Siskiyou
Mountain Park.
Section 8.17 Goal
To Provide the People of Ashland with a Variety, Quantity and Quality of Parks, Park Facilities, Open Spaces, Trails, and Visual Resources Sufficient for Their Needs.
Section 8.18 Policies
1. Develop a parkland acquisition and development plan in accordance with community growth and projected park demand. Accomplish acquisition according to a plan developed by the City
and the Parks and Recreation Commission;
2. Assist in the development of the Bear Creek Greenway, including the Ashland Creek portion of the city park system.
3. Encourage school-park joint developments.
4. Coordinate parkland acquisition and design with other agencies involved with park usage. Agencies should include Jackson County and the public school system.
5. Encourage the development of private, common open-space areas in new residential developments to offset the demand for additional public parks.
6. The City shall adopt an official map that will identify the planned areas for parks, new natural areas, conservation areas and trails. Where only a portion of the property is required
for park or open space use, development can occur on the remainder of the property. When only a small portion of the property is required for a public purpose, and the new development
will benefit from the public area, dedication may be required. Otherwise, the City will purchase the property, paying fair compensation. When development is possible, if the City does
not have the funds available for the intended purchase within a reasonable amount of time, the City shall release the land from the Parks designation and allow the development consistent
with other plan policies.
7. Develop the system of corridors, linear park routes and trails outlined in the Park and Open Space map. Encourage interconnections between parks, open spaces, bicycle paths, easements,
irrigation ditches, scenic roadway routes, railroad rights-of-way, etc. Require that commonly used trails across private property be preserved when developed.
8. Establish, where possible, trails along non-urbanized sections of stream corridors, ensuring that stream ecology and any residences are protected. Prohibit development that would
prohibit stream corridors from being utilized for trails.
9. Require all new residential, commercial and industrial developments to be designed and landscaped to a high standard to complement the proposed site and the surrounding area.
10. Encourage improvement programs for existing areas with consideration to such items as exterior maintenance, landscaping, signs, and underground placement of utilities.
11. Require high standards of design and landscaping for development adjacent to major arterials, and encourage dividers in any new access routes into Ashland.
12. Require, where possible, that the original vegetation be retained and require the restoration of new vegetation if it is removed.
13. Require street trees in all new residential, commercial and industrial developments.
14. Views of Pompadour Bluff, Van Dyke's Cliffs, Mt. Ashland, Grizzly Peak, and the surrounding ridges are irreplaceable assets to Ashland and should be protected through cooperation
with Jackson County.
15. Insure that the Tree Commission has an opportunity to review and comment on all significant landscaping in the city, public or private.
16. Develop an urban forest plan for the City including a street tree and a non-street tree section, a tree resource inventory, a plan for preservation and renewal of trees of stature
and native species, long range maintenance plan, a plan to promote the greater use of trees and shrubs on both public and private land, and plan to educate the public regarding benefits
of trees on public right-of-ways.
17. Take necessary steps to annually be a Tree City, USA.
18. Establish a Plant Arboretum and/or a directory of notable trees in the City.
19. Increase the portion of the city covered by a tree canopy, especially parking lots and other paved areas
20. Develop an urban forest interface plan to enhance the aesthetic and recreational opportunities created by this resource. The plan will also include wildlife enhancement measures
and a fire control plan.
21. Establish criteria and map the visual resources of Ashland, from selected points outside the city looking in, and from strategic points within the city looking out.
22. The City will cooperate and when necessary, negotiate with the county, USFS and BLM concerning activities within the view shed that would impact the visual integrity of the area.
ASHLAND COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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