HomeMy WebLinkAboutVI (A) Public Hearing Ordinance 2001-24, Recreational Parks Impact Fee Agenda 9-18-2001
Item VI A
"CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" m\1VR•wmii,,R,. �
Ocoee S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFT
CITY OF OCOEE
�ij a _ DANNY IIOWELL
V 4 COMMISSIONERS
150 N. LAKeSHORF.DRIVE SCOTT ANDERSON
0 OcoEE, FUARlnn 34761-2258
f.F o RUSTY J.JOHNSON
b) .: 4.• (407)905-3100 NANCY J.PARKER
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CITY MANAGER
JIM GLEASON
STAFF REPORT
DATE: August 24, 2001
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Kirsten McGinnis, Senior Planner /
THROUGH: Russ Wagner, AICP, Director of Planning
SUBJECT: Parks and Open Space Master Plan and Impact Fee Study
Ordinance 2001-24
ISSUE:
Should the Mayor and City Commissioners accept the Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master
Plan and the Impact Fee Study and adopt Ordinance 2001-24 to amend Sections 87-15 through
87-27, adopting a new Section 87-18, of Article II of Chapter 87 of the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Ocoee entitled Recreational Parks Impact Fees?
BACKGROUND:
Ocoee's Recreational Parks Impact Fee Ordinance was initially adopted in April of 1989 and
most recently updated in July of 1990. The impact fees are based on projected residential
development, needs identified by the Recreation and Open Space Element of the
Comprehensive Plan, and needs identified by the Ocoee Recreation Department through 1995.
The purpose of the Recreational Parks Impact Fee Ordinance is to ensure that new residential
development pays its fair share of the anticipated costs of required City recreational parks and
improvements to serve new residential development.
Recreational Parks Impact Fees are assessed per dwelling unit and are based on the
Neighborhood Park Impact Fee District in which the development occurs. Following is a list of
the City's Neighborhood Park Impact Fee Districts and associated fees:
• Northwest District--$96.00;
• Northeast District--$102.00; and
• Southern District--$90.00.
In addition to the Neighborhood Park impact fee, a Community Park impact fee of $120.90 is
assessed for all new dwelling units throughout the City.
POW
Page 2
Honorable Mayor and City Commission
August 24,2001
DISCUSSION:
Since the Recreational Parks Impact Fee Ordinance only reflects the Recreational Department's
needs through 1995, Staff has prepared the Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the
Impact Fee Study to identify the City's recreation needs through the year 2020. Accordingly,
Ordinance 2001-24 was drafted to update the Recreational Parks Impact Fee based on the
findings of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
The Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan (the "Master Plan") is divided into the following
sections:
• Introduction;
• Background;
• Analysis of Existing Facilities;
• Priorities, Goals, Objectives, and Policies;
• Projected Growth;
• Assessment of Needs;
• Funding Sources; and
• Conclusions.
The Master Plan contains an inventory of existing facilities and long-range population
projections for the entire Ocoee-Orange County Joint Planning Area, not just the City limits.
Area-wide population estimates were used to avoid unintended duplication in the provision of
parks and to contemplate the impact of future annexations. The Master Plan identifies
implementation strategies and prioritizes projects based upon the feasibility and desirability of
individual improvements. The Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan is consistent with the
data and analysis requirements of Chapter 163.3177 6 (e), Florida Statutes. Accordingly, it serves
as the basis for the Parks and Open Space Impact Fee Study and the update of the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
The long-range goal is for each portion of the City to fall within the service area of a linear park,
neighborhood park, and/or community park. In order to accurately assess the City's current and
future parks and open space needs, an inventory of existing parks and open space and facilities
was conducted. The assessment is based on the existing recreational facilities, population
projections, established goals and objectives, and level of service standard, and it demonstrates
future park and facility needs that exist for the planning period. The assessment discusses the
park and open space needs by park type, identifies the type of recreational facilities needed,
provides a cost estimate based on the future parks and facility needs, and recommends park
upgrades to existing City parks as well as the establishment of Natural Area Reservations and a
set of Recreational Development Standards.
In order to accurately assess the City's parkland and facility needs for the planning period, the
City was divided into twelve (12) Neighborhood Service Areas (NSA's). Neighborhood Service
Areas were chosen for the analysis because Neighborhood Parks form the basis for a
comprehensive park and open space network. The NSA's were geographically grouped based
on Traffic Analysis Zones and serve to provide a more detailed analysis of parkland and facility
deficiencies for each NSA. The twelve NSA's encompass the residential areas of the Joint
Planning Area. The population projections were based on the City's Future Land Use Map and
POW!
Page 3
Honorable Mayor and City Commission
August 24,2001
Joint Planning Area Map and were projected for each NSA to determine the projected growth
through the planning period. Each NSA was further analyzed to determine if any surplus or
deficiencies currently exist and to determine what deficiencies may exist by the end of the
planning period.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY
City Staff recently conducted a telephone survey of 17 cities in the tri-county area composed of
Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Of the 17 communities polled, 11 impose a type of
Parks and Open Space Impact Fee. Based upon the information received, there is a sizable
range of fees imposed depending upon the specific circumstances of each community. Of the
11 cities that impose a parks and open space impact fee, only two of the cities assess the fee
based on the type of residential unit. Ocoee is the only community that uses a section-based
fee system and the City of Oviedo assesses the fee based on the number of bedrooms per
dwelling unit. Six of the remaining seven cities assess the fee on a per dwelling unit basis. The
average recreation and open space impact fee assessed for the 11 cities is $296.15 per
dwelling unit. The highest impact fee is $397 per unit (City of Oviedo) and the lowest is $210
per dwelling unit (City of Ocoee), this being the impetus to reevaluate the Recreational Parks
Impact Fee Ordinance and amend it accordingly.
The Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study have demonstrated that
significant additional capital investment will be necessary to maintain the current Level of
Service standard for the community. The determination of the proportionate share of these costs
attributable to new growth has been undertaken using accepted methodology geared to the
unique circumstances of Ocoee. The final recommended fee rate is believed to be equitable
and legally defensible under the "rational nexus" test as well as under other generally accepted
legal criteria. Additionally, the recommended fee was ultimately set to ensure that no windfall of
revenue derived from the fee would benefit existing users or make up for any prior system
deficiencies.
ORDINANCE 2001-24 (RECREATIONAL PARKS IMPACT FEE)
Ordinance 2001-24 was drafted to amend the existing Recreational Parks Impact Fee
Ordinance based on the findings of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee
Study in accordance with all generally accepted legal criteria. It highlights the assumptions,
approaches, and findings included within the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the
Impact Fee Study to support its enactment. The Ordinance reflects Staffs recommendation to
adjust the impact fee and abolish the section-based impact fee structure, and instead adopt one
City—wide impact fee per dwelling unit.
The recommended Recreational Parks Impact Fee rate of $408.02 per dwelling unit is based
upon the best available information and careful analysis of the Ocoee Parks and Open Space
Master Plan and Impact Fee Study. It represents what is believed to be the most fair and
equitable fee which may be charged by the City of Ocoee to aid in providing needed capital
facilities and equipment required by new growth through the year 2020.
The recommended rate is a conservative estimate of the City's future Parks and Open Space
capital needs. Based on the methodology used for the determination of the fee and the
estimated costs of the recreation facilities assumed for the purpose of this calculation, it appears
that the proposed impact fee is reasonable. The City should continue to aggressively seek
Page 4
Honorable Mayor and City Commission
August 24,2001
grants, joint use partnerships and developer contributions to off-set the future escalating costs
of improvements to the Ocoee Parks and Open Space system.
DIRECTOR REVIEW:
On June 15, 2001, Directors from various Departments within the City met to discuss their
findings of the drafts of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study. The
following recommendations were made and the reports were amending accordingly:
• The creation of a section that addresses Natural Area Reservations;
• Reallocation of recreational facilities to create recreation complexes;
• Reevaluation of the Activity Based Recreation Guidelines; and
• Recommend mixed use fields in a few of the Neighborhood Service Areas.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:
On August 14, 2001, the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the Parks and Open
Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study at their regularly scheduled meeting. Discussion
of the reports included the proposed trail connections to the West Orange Trail and City Parks
as well as the type of methodology used in the Impact Fee Study.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD:
On August 21, 2001, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met to discuss the Parks and
Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study at their regularly scheduled meeting. After
discussion of the reports, they made the following recommendations:
• Include a Men's Softball Complex;
• Include a track;
• Include a Paw Park for dogs;
• Increase the cost for a new pool from 1 million to 2 million dollars; and
• Add ADA compatible playground equipment to City parks.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff respectfully recommends that the Mayor and City Commissioners accept the Ocoee Parks
and Open Space Master Plan and the Impact Fee Study and adopt Ordinance 2001-24 to
amend Sections 87-15 through 87-27, adopting a new Section 87-18 of Article II of Chapter 87
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee entitled Recreational Parks Impact Fees, with
consideration of the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Attachments: Ordinance 2001-24
O\CALEXANDER ALL_DATA\CAPDFILE\Staff Reports\SR2001\SR01048 CC.doc
•
ORDINANCE NO.2001-24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
RELATING TO RECREATIONAL PARK IMPACT FEES;
AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 87 OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OCOEE WITH
RESPECT TO RECREATIONAL PARK IMPACT FEES;
ABOLISHING THE DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED AND
ABOLISHING THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN
COMMUNITY PARKS AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS;
REVISING THE RECREATIONAL PARKS IMPACT FEE;
PROVIDING FOR THE TRANSITION OF THE
PREVIOUSLY COLLECTED DISTRICT TO DISTRICT
FEES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee is divided into three (3) districts for recreational parks
impact fee purposes with a different recreational park impact fee being charged for new dwelling
units located in each of the three(3) districts; and
WHEREAS, within each of the three (3) districts a different impact fee is charged for
community parks and neighborhood parks; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Ocoee desires to abolish the different
districts as they pertain to recreational park impact fees and desires to abolish the distinction
between community parks and neighborhood parks so that there is only one recreational park
impact fee that is applied uniformly throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has conducted a Parks & Open Space Impact Fee Study dated July
2001 and according to this study has made a determination as to the necessary uniform
recreational park impact fee for new dwelling units within the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OCOEE,FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS:
006.228623.1
SECTION 1. Authority. The City Commission of Ocoee has the authority to adopt this
Ordinance pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Florida and Chapter 166,
Florida Statutes.
SECTION 2. Amendment to Section 87-16.A. Section 87-16.A. of Article II of
Chapter 87 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby amended to read as
follows (with deletions stricken and additions underlined):
§ 87-16. Purpose: intent.
A. This Article is established to address the need for additional
capital funds to support the orderly expansion of the City of Ocoee
recreational parks facilities. The impact fees provide for the funding of
recreational parks facilities and improvements related thereto by imposing
fees upon new construction that are commensurate with or less than the
burdens reasonably anticipated to be imposed by them. "Re-.�reationca-parR
impact fees ' as sed in this Article ....fermi to both com... nit. -...... impa t
fee-an4-neighbefhood-park-impaet-fee-as-set-forth-hefent
SECTION 3. Amendment to Section 87-18. Section 87-18 of the Code of Ordinances
of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following
new Section 87-18:
§87-18 Assessment of Fees.
A recreational park impact fee in the amount of $408.02 per
residential dwelling unit is hereby assessed by the city and shall be
collected by the city prior to issuance of a building permit or any other
development permit for the construction of any structure to be used for a
dwelling unit. This fee is based on the City of Ocoee - Parks & Open
Space Impact Fee Study dated July, 2001.
SECTION 4. Amendment to Section 87-19. Section 87-19 of Article Il of Chapter 87
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby amended to read as follows
(with deletions stricken and additions underlined):
006.228623.1 -2-
§ 87-19. Basis for imposition.
The fees imposed in each district are is a result of the city's fee
calculation studies which were designed to ensure that the impact fees
imposed are is rationally related to the benefit received by the applicant.
The fees imposed are is calculated to be less than the new dwelling unit's
proportional share of the cost of the recreational parks bothvv[h in--tiID� ththe
and in the neighborhood
SECTION 5. Amendment to Section 87-25. Section 87-25 of Article II of Chapter 87
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby amended to read as follows
(with deletions stricken and additions underlined):
§ 87-25. Separate account to be kept.
The recreational park impact fees collected by the city pursuant to
this Article shall be kept separate from other revenue of the city. Funds
withdrawn from this account must be used solely in accordance with the
provisions of this Article. The disbursal of funds shall require the approval
of the City Commission. Funds for community recreational parks and
n ighbo-hood recreational parks .ha be kept i.. .eparate eeeunts within
the tr .nd
SECTION 6. Amendment to Section 87-26. Section 87-26 of Article II of Chapter 87
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ocoee, Florida, is hereby amended to read as follows
(with deletions stricken and additions underlined):
§ 87-26. Use of funds.
A. The funds collected by reason of establishment of the
recreational park impact fee in accordance with this Article shall be used
solely for the purpose of planning, acquisition, expansion and
development of oft-site improvements to the city's recreational system
determined to be needed to offset the impacts of new development within
the city. Off-site improvements are improvements to rw4rrsrro"ri L^va
neighborhoed-recreational parks which are not on the property upon which
dwelling units will be constructed.
B. All funds, except those for community parks, shall be used
exclusively within the arQ.t from which they were collected and in a
manner consistent with the principles set forth in Florida Statutes and case
006.228623.1 -3
law and otherwise consistent with all requirements of the Constitutions of
the United States and the State of Florida. Said funds shall not be used to
maintain or repair existing recreational facilities.
C. Any funds on deposit not immediately necessary for
expenditure shall be invested in interest-bearing accounts. All income
derived shall be deposited in the appropriate Recreational Park Impact Fee
Account. Applicants shall not receive credit for or be entitled to interest
from the investment of funds.
SECTION 7. Previously Collected Fees. All funds currently held by the City based on
the separate district fee schedule shall be reallocated to the city wide recreational parks impact
fee based upon the reevaluation of recreational parks needs contained within the Parks & Open
Space Impact Fee Study dated July, 2001.
SECTION 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or
portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent
provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion hereto.
SECTION 9. Codification. It is the intention of the City Commission of the City that
the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of Ordinances of
the City; and that sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the word
"ordinance" may be changed to "chapter," "section," "article," or such other appropriate word or
phrase in order to accomplish such intentions; and regardless of whether such inclusion in the
Code is accomplished, sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered or relettered and the
correction of typographical errors which do not affect the intent may be authorized by the City
Manager, without need of public hearing, by filing a corrected or recodified copy of same with
the City Clerk.
006.228623.1 _4
SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective on
August_, 2001.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2001.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
CITY OF OCOEE,FLORIDA
Jean Grafton,City Clerk
(SEAL) S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY
THE CITY OF OCOEE,FLORIDA; ADVERTISED September 6 ,2001
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND READ FIRST TIME September 4, 2001
LEGALITY this day of , 2001. READ SECOND TIME AND ADOPTED
, 2001
FOLEY &LARDNER UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO.
By:
City Attorney
006.228623.1 -5-
Copy of Public Hearing Advertisement
Date Published
K4 OYHand°Sentinel TAURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 672001'
Advertisement
CITY OF OCOEE
N09Cf OF MOO HEARING
TO C0NS100 AN ORDINANCE OF IRE
CITYI OF OCOEE.FLORIDA:RELATING TO
UTIONAL PARKS IMPACT FEES
NOTICE IS HERESY GIVEN our
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City Hall. 150 North LaAeshore
Drive,Ocoee,Florida.to consider
on ordinance 01 me ea.of Oeoee.
Florida. „wimp lo re„eoh„al
cords impart ORDINANCE NO.2001-24
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
OF OCOEE FLORIDA RELATING
TO RECREATIONAL PARK IM-
PACT FOEES; AMENDING ARTI-
CI IICHAPTER AT OF THE
CODE OFF ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF OCOEE WITH RESPECT
TO
RECREATIONAL
THE
ALSIEISTNIABOIHNc ESTABLISHED
BETWEEN COMMUNITY PARKS
ANRHOOD PARKS;
RE Ov,SINGG THE D RECREATIONAL
PROVID-
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THE PREVIOUSLY COLLECTED
DISTRICT TO DIPROVIDING FORS TRICT SEVERAPFEES,
I
i PROVIDNGFOR CODIFICA-
11HO1NI PROVIDING AN EFFEC-
I TIVE DATE.
The
complete Study and Ordinance
P .be inspected m the Ocoee
lanning Department. ISO North
Lakeshore Drive, between me
hour
s of R'.W arm.and 5,00 om_.
MondayInmuyn Friday.except le-
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Tne City Commission may continue
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905C10S.c
JEAN GRAFTON,CITY CLERK,
CITY Of OCOEE
1 CL5407710? g.Ml1
Copy of Public Hearing Advertisement
Date Published
I(4 OHando seohne1 TPDRSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6.']O01
Advertisement
- CITY OF OCOEE
Nana Of RIBUC HEARING
TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF TOE
CITY OF OCOEE,FLORIDA RELATING To
RECREATION&PARKS IMPACT FEES
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN our
suonl to Section theCode of die ED) ArCity li-
of.
OOI�II pp i on September 113in,2n01
at1:15 o m.,or as soon llumolter
as practical. Ina OCOEE CITY
COMMISSION will hold a PUBLIC
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City Nall, 150 NorthLakeshore
Drive,Ocoee,Florida.fIetnumr
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ORDINANCE NO.90o1.24
AN ORDINANCE 01. THE CITY
OF OCOEE,FLORIDA RFI ATING
TO RECREATIONAL PARK IM-
PACT FRRES, ?MENDING ART'
GCE II
OFI ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY On OCOEE WOK RESPECT
70 PACT E FEES; ABOLISHING THE
DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED AND
ABOLISHING THE DISTINCTION
BETWEEN COMMUNITY PARKS
AND NEHARKS,
REVVISING TWEE OD RECCREATIONAL
PARKS IMPACT FEE. PROVID-
ING FOP THE 1RANSITION OF
DISTRICt TO DISTRICT
COLLECTED
P ES
PROVIDING FOR SSEVERABILI-
FY. PROVIDING FOR CODI FICA
T ION: PROVIDING AN EFFEC-
TIVE DATE.
The mdl@o Study and Ordinance
may be inspected ate Ocoee
lnning Orlmen.Pie
North
LakeshoreDrive. between dine
hours of B':c o and 5:0
Monday IhrOuaiFriday,esceptHlo
gal holiMVs.
The CI'V Commission may continue
h e outdo heoriny to other dales
and limos as mey deem necessary.
onerosied!doylies olndeploe"es of
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Om continuation Public hearings heading`ond
Further notices
these matters will Be punushed.
Interested p
the meeting and be may
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CITYJEAN OF OO OEE CITY CLERK,
OLS4071075 p/G9I
Ocoee, Florida
1400 W V lis‘ I
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' Parks and Open Space
Master Plan
September 2001
I
Prepared by City of Ocoee
' Planning Department
I
I
•
TABLE OF CONTENTS
., INTRODUCTION 3
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 5
Community Profile 5
` Economy 5
Quality of Life 6
Transportation 6
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES 9
Level of Service 9
Parks and Open Space Guidelines 9
Analysis of Park Types 10
Indoor Recreation 15
Activity Based Recreation Guidelines 18
Additional Recreation Facilities 19
as PRIORITIES, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES 20
Introduction 20
Priorities 20
Goals, Objectives, and Polices 21
Recreation and Open Space Objectives and Policies 22
PROJECTED GROWTH 28
Background 28
Projection Methodology 28
Level of Service 29
Projections 31
ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS 32
Overview 32
Neighborhood Service Area Analysis 32
i Park and Facility Analysis 44
Overall Park Upgrades 48
Recreation Development Standards 48
FUNDING SOURCES 49
Introduction 49
Existing Non-Grant Local Revenue Sources 49
City Revenue Sources 49
so
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 50
CONCLUSIONS 52
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
oup LIST OF TABLES
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TABLE 1 OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE POPULATION GUIDELINES 10
TABLE 2 INVENTORY OF EXISTING FACILITIES 17
r 18
TABLE 3 ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES
TABLE 4 EXISTING AND HISTORIC POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT DATA 1997 OCOEE-ORANGE 29
COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
TABLE 5 YEAR 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS OCOEE-ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA 29
30
TABLE 6 ACREAGE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE ADOPTED LOS
r
TABLE 7 CURRENT AND FUTURE RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS 46
TABLE 8 PROJECTED PARK AND OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCIES BY 2020 47
r TABLE 9 ESTIMATED PARK AND FACILITY COST 47
LIST OF FIGURES
r 8
FIGURE 1 LOCATION MAP
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FIGURE 2 CITY AND AREA PARKS 16
33
FIGURE 3 NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE AREAS
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` OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
▪ INTRODUCTION
Orange County, Florida has become one of the most attractive areas in the United States
for those who seek warmth, sunshine, employment, and abundant recreational
opportunities. As one of Orange County's preferred municipalities, the City of Ocoee is
experiencing rapid growth and development. This combination of population growth and
rapid land development has increased park demand at the same time that vacant land is
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being developed quickly.
State law requires that the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive
Plan analyze park and open space facility needs over a 20-year planning period (2000-
�. 2020). The Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan (the "Master Plan") focuses on the
long-range recreational land area and equipment needs of Ocoee residents. Consistent
r. with this element, it contains an inventory of existing facilities and long-range population
projections for the entire Ocoee-Orange County Joint Planning Area, not just the City
limits. Area-wide population estimates have been used to avoid unintended duplications
in the provision of parks and to contemplate the impact of future annexations. The
Master Plan identifies implementation strategies and prioritizes projects based upon the
feasibility and desirability of individual improvements. The Ocoee Parks and Open Space
` Master Plan is consistent with the data and analysis requirements of Chapter 163.3177 6
(e), Florida Statutes. Accordingly, it will serve as a basis for the update of the City's
Comprehensive Plan and serves as the basis for the Parks and Open Space Impact Fee
Study.
` With Ocoee's accelerated growth, the demand for more and improved recreation facilities
and the need to protect valuable open space resources has become a principal concern
` among City officials and residents alike. Accordingly, this Master Plan identifies and
refines future parks and open space projects and identifies potential funding sources. It
` should be noted, however, that no recreational programs, activities, or goals are identified
in this Master Plan. Instead, this document discusses the land, equipment, and facilities
` requirements needed to facilitate recreation programs. There are several reasons for this
( approach. First, recreation activities and programs frequently change to accommodate
` shifts in recreational trends and the fluctuating characteristics of the population (e.g.,
age, activity levels, family size, etc.). Second, new program needs may be identified later
3
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
r that did not exist when the Master Plan was completed. Lastly, recreation programming
costs are generally small and do not involve large capital investments. Accordingly, the
day-to-day management and administration of recreational programs are the
responsibility of the Recreation Director, Recreation Advisory Board, City Manager, and
r City Commission. While specific recreation programs are outside of the scope of this
document, existing program demand has been considered in the analysis of existing and
` proposed parks and open space projects.
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1 4
` OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I LR PLAN
✓
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Ocoee is located in Central Florida about ten miles west of downtown Orlando. It is in the
heart of West Orange County, adjoining the communities of Apopka, Windermere, and
Winter Garden. Ocoee's population has grown tremendously from a population of 7,803
r in 1980 to its current population of 24,391 as of April 1, 2000.1 Figure 1 illustrates the
location of the Ocoee Joint Planning Area in relation to Orlando and surrounding
r communities.
Much of the population growth has been attributed to easy access to downtown Orlando,
Walt Disney World, and the Florida Turnpike. Ocoee's recent growth rate has resulted in
a population increase of 91% between 1990 and 2000. Orange County's growth rate was
32%, Winter Garden's was 470/0 and Apopka's was 97°/o, over the same period.
r Although Ocoee is relatively small in comparison to Orlando, accelerated growth is
anticipated over the next five to ten years due to continuing national and regional growth
r patterns and migration trends. Apart from these general growth patterns, the City
anticipates that the addition of the West Oaks Mall, the Western Expressway, and the
recent popularity of West Orange County as a residential area will continue to spur further
population and employment growth in Ocoee.
ECONOMY
In 1990, the Ocoee area included 6,500 jobs and 12,788 people. Today, the Ocoee area is
r
an employment center that is home to approximately 8,900 jobs and 35,000 people.
Ocoee's largest employers are the West Oaks Mall, Sysco Food Services, Health Central
Hospital, and the Central Florida Auto Auction. Based on populations projections total
employment in the Ocoee planning area is expected to grow to 31,700 by the year 20203.
US Census, 2000
2
The Ocoee Joint Planning Area Population and Employment Numbers include portions of
unincorporated Orange County that are adjacent to the City of Ocoee as depicted in the 1994
Ocoee-Orange County Inlerlocal Agreement (1990 estimates include only the City).
Ocoee Master Transportation Plan, Table E-1, page vi.
W
5
to OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I tR PLAN
QUALITY OF LIFE
` Ocoee has many amenities to offer new residents including convenient schools, beautiful
lakes, a public golf course, and an active Recreation Department. Roughly two-thirds of
` Ocoee's elementary school students and one-third of Ocoee's middle school students walk
or ride their bikes to school. Of the fourteen lakes in Ocoee, Starke Lake is the largest at
' 203 acres and the City recently renovated its boat ramps and has constructed a new
• fishing pier. Forest Lake Golf Course is a par-72 championship public course featuring six
of the best finishing holes in the Orlando area. Ocoee Recreation Department activities
range from summer day camp to exercise classes and senior citizen activities.
Despite the rate of current development, Ocoee has managed to maintain a "hometown "
` character. The provision of high quality services, adequate schools, and community
aesthetics continue to be high priority issues with City leaders and citizens. The City of
r
Ocoee has five elected officials, including a mayor, elected on a city-wide basis, and four
district-based commissioners. It is a City-Manager form of government with a
approximately 250 employees. The City also provides central water and sewer services
r
and has emergency response times that range from three to five minutes. The provision
of quality City services has played an important part in Ocoee's continued growth.
TRANSPORTATION
` All roads lead to Ocoee, for example; Ocoee is located at the western terminus of the
East-West Expressway, Old Winter Garden Road, Clarcona-Ocoee Road and Silver Star
` Road. Other regional roads that pass through Ocoee include Maguire Road, Apopka-
Vineland Road and Ocoee-Apopka Road. Transportation access is another factor that
` encourages Ocoee's accelerated population growth. The East-West Expressway also
offers excellent access to Downtown Orlando, the Orlando Executive Airport, and the
' University of Central Florida. Additionally, Ocoee has a Florida Turnpike interchange at
State Road 50. Accordingly, local residents have easy access to Interstate 75, the
' Orlando International Airport, and Interstate 95. Most recently, the Orlando Orange
County Expressway Authority has completed the first leg of the Western Expressway (a
major downtown Orlando bypass). The Western Expressway includes three interchanges
6
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I tR PLAN
,. in Ocoee; State Road 50, Silver Star Road and West Road.
LYNX provides Ocoee's transit services. LYNX is the regional transportation company
r
serving the Orlando metropolitan area including Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties.
LYNX recently added public bus stops and four bus routes in Ocoee. Each of the four bus
kis
routes have stops at the West Oaks Mall. Ridership on the routes that serve Ocoee has
been on the rise since 1996 when they were established.
as
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES
The purpose of the Recreation and Open Space Master Plan is to develop a plan for a
,. system of parks and open space areas that are readily accessible to all residents within
the community. In order to adequately plan a parks system, the existing network of
locally available parks and open space facilities should be evaluated for surpluses and
deficiencies. Accordingly, this Section outlines the City's adopted level of service, parks
and open space guidelines, analysis of park types, activity based recreation guidelines,
and other recreation facilities.
` LEVEL OF SERVICE
"Level of service" is the term used for the measurement of community services. With
respect to parks and open space provided by local governments, it has been common
practice over the past forty years to measure services in terms of acres per population
r
rather than evaluating each park type or activity. The Ocoee Comprehensive Plan
includes levels of service for the various services that the City provides (i.e., water, sewer,
` roads, police, fire, and recreation). The adopted level of service for parks and open space
is four (4) acres per 1,000 population served. A supplemental set of parks and open space
` guidelines are identified for parks and open space areas in the following section.
` PARKS AND OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES
Although the City of Ocoee has adopted a level of service for concurrency purposes, it is
useful to establish population guidelines for each type of park facility. The population-
based parks and open space guidelines below are intended only to supplement the level
of service analysis, not replace it. These guidelines establish a set of general criteria for
determining the amount and types of parkland necessary to accommodate the
.. recreational needs of Ocoee. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
recommends that communities use national and state parks and open space guidelines as
sit a starting point and then adjust the guidelines to address local needs. DEP has classified
parks into six categories. Following is a description of each of the six park types and
- facilities that exists within the City. The City has added the category of Natural Area
Reservations to the list of park types as the preservation of natural areas are an
9
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
important component to any park and open space network. Accordingly, the guidelines
shown in Table 1 (below): Ocoee Parks and Open Space Population Guidelines were
prepared in accordance with DEP recommendations using the state and national
guidelines as a base. The following parks and open space guidelines are used later in this
report to evaluate and assess potential parks and open space deficiencies and surpluses.
TABLE 1.: OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE POPULATION GUIDELINES
` PARKS: ORIENTATION: POPULATION SERVED:
ORNAMENTAL PARKS RFSCYIRCE-BASED NO STANDARD
MINI PARKS USER-ORIENTED 3,000
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS USER-ORIENTED 7,500
COMMUNITY PARKS USER-ORIENTED 10,000
LINEAR PARKS PFSCY IRCE-RASED 15,000
So URBAN OPEN SPACE PARKS RESOURCE-BASED 25,000
NATURAL AREA RESERVATIONS RESOURCE-BASED NO STANDARD
` Each of the seven park types are classified as either: a "resource-based" or as a "user-
oriented" facilities. Resource-based parks primarily offer passive recreation opportunities
and conserve open space, natural resources, lakes, and wetlands (e.g. picnicking,
camping, or fishing). They may also provide active recreational opportunities at the same
location but the park is primarily geared toward its natural amenities. User-oriented
parks, on the other hand, may be located anywhere and are typically areas where "users"
can congregate to participate in sports or other active recreational activities, hence the
name"user-oriented."
r
ANALYSIS OF PARK TYPES
`„ The following section provides a brief description of each of the six park types. For each
park type, the description provides the following information: Typical equipment found;
Park orientation; Service areas; Park size; Population served; and Existing Ocoee parks
that fall within each particular category.
Ornamental Park
;.. Ornamental Parks are resource-based parks with passive elements such as fountains,
gazebos, commemorative structures, statues, works of art, clock towers, plazas,
sidewalks, benches, and landscaping. They are decorative community features typically
located along major roadways, near scenic spots, or locations that establish visual
10
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
connections between community edifices. Their size is generally dependent upon their
function, but they may be less than an acre in size in certain locations. Ornamental parks
'- are designed as urban accent features serving the community at-large and, as such; there
are no established standards for them. The Municipal Lakefront Park is the only
-- Ornamental Park, located between downtown Ocoee and Starke Lake. The park includes
the Withers Maguire House, City Hall, Community Center, boat docks, new fishing pier, a
•- gazebo, a local veteran's memorial, open space and parking.
Mini Park
A Mini Park is a small user-oriented park that adds park service to neighborhoods that
'- were originally developed without private recreation facilities. A typical mini park should
serve as a "walk to" park that might consist of a playground, swings, playground
b- equipment, play court, landscaping, parking area, perimeter fence, walkways, tables, and
benches. Often Mini Parks are located within three or four blocks of the population that
�- they are designed to serve, typically up to 3,000 persons. Generally, a mini park is up to
two (2) acres in size. Ocoee owns two mini parks that serve the abutting neighborhoods:
Y. (1) Forest Oaks Park; and (2) Palm Drive Park. Since 1992, the City has required all new
residential subdivisions to include private recreational facilities. Thus, the City has not
,. created any new mini parks since 1992. There are approximately 65 acres of private park
areas located within existing subdivisions.
Neighborhood Park
r A Neighborhood Park is a medium size user-oriented park, but a conservation component
may be included as an optional feature. Neighborhood Parks form the foundation for a
Community's park system. Generally, they are located within walking distance of homes.
Often neighborhood parks are located along local streets to avoid areas of traffic
Y- congestion. Equipment typically found in these parks include swings, playground
equipment, picnic areas, play courts, play fields, baseball and softball fields, parking
r areas, restrooms, walking/jogging trails, swimming pools, soccer, and tennis courts.
Parks range in size from two to ten acres and serve homes within a one-mile radius. It is
estimated that these parks serve up to 7,500 persons. Since neighborhood parks and
elementary schools serve roughly the same population, it is desirable for neighborhood
11
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
parks to abut elementary and middle schools. Ocoee has six neighborhood parks. Of the
six parks, five are established parks; Russell Drive Park, Parkside/Coventry Park, Tiger
Minor Park, the Sorenson Junior/Senior Baseball Fields, and Silver Glen Park. Hackney
Prairie Park is slated for development in the near future.
Community Park
A Community Park is a large user-oriented park that provides a variety of active
recreational facilities. Facilities usually included in such a park are recreation centers,
gymnasiums, swimming pools, sports fields, tennis courts, boat ramps, parking areas, and
restrooms. Optional community park elements are covered picnic areas, gazebos,
pavilions, playgrounds, multi-purpose trails, and separate natural areas or open space.
Community parks may be located anywhere within the City, but as a "drive to" facility,
- significant parking should be included in the site design. Community parks are
approximately 10 to 50 acres in size. They typically service homes located within two to
+. five miles and up to 10,000 people. The City has six community parks, four of which are
established parks; Vignetti Park, Beech Recreation Center, Central Park, and the Forest
Lake Golf Club. South Park and Lake Apopka Park are slated for development in the near
future.
Linear Parks
e n Linear Parks are usually developed around a natural resource such as a creek, river,
wetland, abandoned or active railroad, mass transportation corridor, utility easement, or
lakeshore. Linear parks are also often referred to as "greenways," "trails," or
"multipurpose trails;" however, these facilities have specific definitions, so the more
generic term of "linear park" is used. Linear parks may be located anywhere within the
community, but trailheads should include parking in the site design and layout to
o w accommodate users. Depending upon their location, linear parks may serve populated
areas ranging in size from a single neighborhood to an entire city. The benefits of a linear
�. park system are numerous. Not only can they preserve valuable open space and natural
habitat, they can also provide a natural environment for walking, jogging, and bicycling
trails. They often serve as a transportation corridor and provide inexpensive exercise
opportunities relatively free from automobile interference. Linear parks also create
12
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
natural buffers between incompatible land uses and provide corridors for underground
utility easements. Generally, portions of the land are reasonably priced due to existing
r natural resource development restrictions. The City of Ocoee does not own any linear
parks; however, Orange County has established the West Orange Trail. Four miles of the
r West Orange Trail passes through the Ocoee planning area.
Urban Open Space Parks
Urban Open Space Parks are areas containing ecosystems in a non-disturbed state with
r very few man-made intrusions. Within the urban environment, natural areas lend a
certain aesthetic and functional diversity to a park network and urban hardscape. The
r benefits of natural areas are numerous and include preservation of wildlife habitat and
opportunities for nature study. When flood plains are preserved as natural areas, they
r offer a resource to aid in the prevention of flooding. There are no space standards for
natural areas within a City. The normal approach of standardizing is not practical or
r productive in this instance since it is dependant upon the specific environment of the area
itself.
Cities should preserve urban open space that reflect the unique natural resources of the
community. Urban open space parks should be limited to recreational uses for passive
r
recreation, interpretation, and environmental education. It is important that natural areas
not be perceived as surplus land that may be sold at a later date for development. There
r
are a number of public and non-profit organizations that provide funding for the
development of these types of parks. The City recently purchased wetland property along
` the shoreline of Lake Apopka. This ±80-acre wetland area will ultimately classified as a
City-owned Urban Open Space Park (Lake Apopka Urban Open Space Park) in the future
and will be used for passive recreation only.
.. Natural Area Reservations (NAR's)
Natural Area Reservations are very similar to Urban Open Space Parks, but may be either
publicly owned or privately owned. NAR's can be defined as areas that offer:
independence; closeness to nature; a high degree of interaction with the natural
environment; and areas which require no organization, rules of play, facilities or
13
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
installation of equipment, other than those necessary to protect the environment.
Benefits of NAR's are numerous and include the preservation of wildlife habitat, riparian
�- habitat, opportunities for nature study, and provide buffers between uses. NAR's typically
include floodplains, wetlands, scenic vistas, fish and wildlife habitats, natural resource
428 areas, landmarks, and historic areas. The City's Land Development Code regulates
development in environmentally sensitive areas by prohibiting development in the 100-
,. year floodplain and strongly discourages development in wetlands. Should development
in wetlands be unavoidable, destruction of the wetland must be mitigated.
ism
Acquisition of NAR's can be accomplished through dedication, fee interest purchase,
conservation easement dedication, and conservation easement purchase. Conservation
easements provide two primary purposes: reduce the amount of development than can
occur on a property and assure that the property, environment, and open space values
are preserved. Conservation easements are tailored to meet the unique characteristics of
the property and run with the land in perpetuity.
The City has identified the remaining natural open space along shorelines of the Lake
y, Apopka, Lake Meadow, Lake Bennet, Prairie Lake, and Shoal Creek for preservation
through NAR's (Figure 2). Acquisition of these areas can be accomplished through
dedication, purchase, conservation easements or a combination thereof. Recreational
development in these areas should be restricted to trails and other amenities having little
or no impact on the natural environment. With regards to the shoreline along Lake
Apopka, the Avanti/West Groves subdivision (north the proposed Lake Apopka Urban
Open Space Park) will dedicate a conservation easement (±50-acre) for preservation of
the wetlands and riparian habitat upon final plat approval. In addition, the City was
awarded approximately $600,000 of grant money from the St. Johns Water Management
District for the acquisition and preservation of additional wetlands along the shoreline of
Lake Apopka (Crown Point ± 100 acres), just south of the proposed Lake Apopka Urban
Open Space Park. Staff has identified approximately 608 acres of area for Natural Area
Reservations (Figure 2). The City owns or controls approximately 170 acres, anticipates
dedication of or grant awards for approximately 238 acres, and purchase of the remaining
200 acres.
14
r OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
.. INDOOR RECREATION
In addition to providing outdoor recreation facilities, the City also provides indoor facilities
to for its residents. The City currently has three (3) existing and one (1) planned indoor
recreation facilities that offer a variety of programs. The three (3) existing facilities
include the Municipal Complex Community Center, Vignetti Park Recreation Center and
the Beech Recreation Center. Future plans for South Park include an indoor recreation
✓ center. Although Ocoee does not have established standards for indoor recreation
facilities, it is recommended that the City continue to provide additional recreation centers
✓ to meet the needs of the growing community.
Based on Citizen input, the following indoor recreational facilities have been
recommended: a Senior Center; a Cultural Arts Center; and an Environmental and
Recreation Center. These facilities would service all areas of the City.
As indicated above, the City of Ocoee has a total of fifteen existing parks and open spaces
✓ in its current inventory. These parks and opens spaces are shown on Figure 2: Ocoee
Parks and Amenities. In addition, Table 2: Inventory of Existing Parks(below) identifies
✓ each of the parks and open spaces by type, size, location, and provides an inventory the
existing amenities.
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✓
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
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I PARKS n ACRES FACILITIES
1. MUNICIPAL LAKeFROT PARK 10 1 COVERED PAVIUN;I STAGE SIZE GAZEBO;HISTORIC SENO-ERE;VETERANS
la RvES..AU AGES GRP.PS ILL;MEmIR 13 BENCHES:10 TARES ME I GEE_r R UN RC[-PasED 2 BOAT RAMPS,usK SOD FISHING PIER
:STARTS IDS 2 SHUFFLEBCM➢COURTS
RECREATION BEERNGEENCES
RESTROOM AND OFFICES _ _
l 2. FORERE Ova PARK 0.2 1/2 BAAEEmxL<wen
RvES:ALL AGES CR0.PS I SET OF SWINGS
TEGORR USEP-W;ENTEO (.W BEFCHU.TREES,Nct PNWNG)
e UTS: PRIZE LEE _._ _
3. PUI DOVE PARK 1 1/2 BP5m-BALL CCIRT
ALLAGES cxa.Ps 1 VWEYW1 COURT
VS RTEV15:Y, USERceENTE0 I Sr Of SWINGS
OG 1 SET OF IvYGRWND EaIPMErtf
I 3 B ENGN
PARKING
n. RUSSELL DRIVE PARK 3 I SET OF SWINGS&EQIIPMFUT
IS
E ES'ALL AGES GRO..'PS 2 PICNIC TABLES
'KAT4*Y. RESOURCE-BASED 5 BENCHES
IlkIA UTS:: LAKE PEACH _ (NO EIOAT RAMP)
S. PARu'mE/COVENrnv PARK 4 2 SETS OF SWINGS&EWIPmEUT
rI PAVIUCt/4 COVERED PICNIC TABLES
0.EE5'i ALL: USER
-C GROUPS
CATEGORY: S735/3/ NTEo I0ENNIS1COES/1GRILL
Nw:Luc SIwLI� I TENNIS COURT
C
BASE
• _ 1 SETS OF i _ _ _ _
6. TIGER Ninon PAAK 5 2 SETS OFrvnw&EQUIPMENT
SERVES'.Au AGES I PAVILION/2 COVERED PICNIC TABLES
us CATEGORY: USERSRIENrtD 9 BENCHES/I GEE
1BUTS'.SHOAL CREEK I RIGHTED PAvNT COURTS
- —
2 LGHTEDTENNIS COURTS
ons
EPICNC TABLES
]. SrtvFR GLEN PARK 5 4 GRILL TA
Ws ISETVES'AU AGES GREES 1GRILL AND BEx01
CATEGORY.RESOURCE-BASED 725 LINEAR FEET Of NATURE TRAIL
ABUTS:577:.58 LAKE I PARKING
I LIGHTED
_ ._
m 1
RAMP) __
e. SORENSON Iun R/SENIOR BASEBALL FIELDS 0 SENIOR FEED
km SERVES: 13 TO iB RURO:5 l JUNIOR NED
CEAR:VI. USER-OR:E.VT� 2PIa+ICTABLES
NfaR:VIGNETTE PAR( l CONCESSION STAND
PARKING AND
cnis
9. BEECH RECREATION CENTER 13 1 REGULATION G,N Um/ECRCISE AND DAME'DEE/SHCREAS
�' ERVES'AU AGES GROUPS 12 BASEBALL PRACTICE FIELDS
tATECERY: USER-CREWED l AQUATIC cwrtR
NE
AR: LEE MEUSE bPEKES AND CONFERENCE ROOM
. iRESTROCME AND PARKING
It SOCCER FIELD
` —
`I SET OF SWINGS&EW _IPMLNT -.- -.
t0. VIONETn PARK 22 Il SET OF SWINGS AND EEUIrnENT
SERVES:A.J.AGES GROUPS 8 PICNIC TABLES&2 GRIDS
CATE:O E: USER-C iEN:EO IO BENCHES
NEAR:SORC.vSJN FIELDS 2 UGHTED SOFTBALL FIELDS
.. 11 UNI!GEED BA«.I ALI COURT
12 LIGHTED TENNIS COURTS
jl VOLLEYBALL COURT
I2 THREE-WAD KADCALLOU CRTS
IRE[ BUILDING&CONCESSION STAND
OfF
i2ESETC AND Of
V
LIB ' ERuES: PARRAGES GREPS 23 2 COIOEE SWINGS&@ERMem
SATEGO.aIR COVEN
S AM)2 TABLESL
�•BES:LERY: MOXIE 16 BENCD ANDB GRLL FEL
• BOR'.LAN MOUE 12 CONNED NSTBAN FIELD
ills
12 LIG LIGHTED
AS STAND AND B:4[NEti
, 1 LIGHES VSmeeu COURT
2 COVERED PAVNONS
r 2 LIrTTED TENNR[DIETS
I _ PARKING AND RES:ROOMS
V II- '.FOREST LAKE GOLF CLUBOF OCOEE 60 18 HOLE PROFESSIONAL OW COURSE
SERVES:Au AGE
CA'E&P: USER-DOUESED rUB•CUsc w HREST uRANT
•
• ABUTS'. WEN ORANGE TER. DREEING RANCE AND pyrnis4 GREEN
FAEKING AND RES.-Rooms
Ss I 1. IIACINFRPRAIRIE PARK ID UNDENELLPED
IS. ROUTH PARK 10L OP ELED
1s LAKE APOPK. {.x. COKE P Rn). 40 WEEEL:r=.p -.
TOTAL ACRES 214.2
Ns
17
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I tR PLAN
ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES
Another guideline used to evaluate the Ocoee parks and open space system is the Ocoee
Activity Based Recreation Guidelines. Activity based guidelines help to prioritize each of
the various types of sports and activities within the system. They take into consideration
a variety of activities popular in the Ocoee area, such as: boating and fishing; baseball
and softball; golf; soccer; football; visiting historic sites; walking; cycling; skating; and
i.
horseback riding. The guidelines summarized in Table 3: Activity Based Recreation
Guidelines below have been updated to reflect current conditions and priorities.
r
t TABLE 3: ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES
OCOEE GUIDELINES* STATE GUIDELINES:
l
Acrwrry TYPE OF FACILITY: POPULATION MINIMUM MAXIMUM MEDIAN
SUPPORTED: SERVED: POPULATION: POPULATION: POPULATION:
BASEBALL 1 FIELD 7,500 2,000 10,000 5,000
LITTLE LEAGUE
WM
BASEBALL I FIELD 10,000 2,000 10,000 5,000
JUNIOR&SENIOR _
1 BASKETBALL 1 RASKETBALL COURT 5,000 500 20,000 5,000
-
No BICYCLING AND WALKING 1 LINEAR MILE OF 10,000 1,500 10,000 5,000
PAVED TRAIL
FISHING,POWER BOATING, 1 BOAT RAMP LANE 12,500 1,500 12,500 5,000
WATER-SKIING,SAILING
Ay FOOTBALL I FOOTBALL FIELD 25,000 4,000 25,000 6,000
GOLF 18 HOLES 62,500 ' 25,000 65,200 25,000
HORSEBACK RIDING 1 LINEAR MILE 10,000 r 5,000 10,000 - 5,000
CLEARED TRAIL
r JOGGING/PHYSICAL I EXERCISE/ 50,000 10,000 50,000 15,000
EXERCISE _ PARCOURSE TRAIL
' NATURE STUDY AND HIKING 1 LINEAR MILE OF 10,000 6,250 10,000 6,700
` _ NATURE TRAIL
PICNICKING PICNIC AREA(SEVERAL , 5,000 5,000 10,000 6,000
TABLES&GRILLS)
• PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT 1 PLAY AREA 5,000 500 15,000 10,000
No RACQUETBALL AND 1 RACQUETBALL/ 15,000
HANDBALL HANDBALL COURT __
SHUFFLEBOARD I SET COURTS 12,000 1,000 T 12,000 3,600
SOCCER 1 SOCCER FIELD 7,500 9,000 25,000 6,000
us
SOFTBALL FIELD(ADULT) 1 FIELD 10,000 2,000 10,000 5,000
SWIMMING POD'_ 4,800 5Q. FT. POOL 35,000 1,000 50,000 25,000
as TENNIS TENNIS COURT I5,000 1,000 10,000 2,000
VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL COURr 110,000 4,000 12,000 6,000
`Source'. Ocoee Recreation Department, 2001
•.
( 'The State Guidelines are those published rn Table 6A of the Outdoor Recreation 1994 by the 3epanment of Environmental
Protection.
S.
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASI ER PLAN
•
✓ ADDITIONAL RECREATION FACILITIES
There are a variety of private recreation facilities and County owned parks in the Ocoee
area that are used by Ocoee residents. Following is a list of both public and private parks
facilities located in the Ocoee area:
• West Orange Trail is a 23-mile multi-purpose linear park, which will ultimately
connect Wekiva Springs to the Lake County line through Ocoee.
• West Orange Park is a County Park, which includes a trail for skating, biking,
picnic pavilions, equestrian trial, playground equipment, and soccer fields.
• Clarcona Horseman's Park is a multi-purpose user-oriented park with show rings,
stables, parking, campsites, and a new AN racetrack.
r • Lake Whitney Park (a.k.a. Belmere Park)—recently approved plans for the park
include the addition of four ball fields and couple of pavilions.
• YMCA includes a recreation building, swimming pool, ball fields, and soccer fields.
r
• West Orange Girls Club is a private softball complex with five lighted softball fields,
stadium seating, a concession stand, restrooms, and parking.
✓
Additionally, there are four existing public schools, two proposed elementary schools, one
proposed middle school and one proposed high school in the Ocoee area. The City of
Ocoee has two Interlocal Agreements with the School Board to permit use of the
recreational facilities after hours; one for Citrus Elementary and one for the proposed
` Elementary School at South Park (to open August 2002). Staff intends to pursue
additional Interlocal Agreements for joint use facilities for the proposed High School and
` Elementary School near Lake Apopka. It is estimated that the public schools cumulatively
add another 30 acres of recreational facilities. Although these outdoor recreational
` facilities and open spaces are available to the general public and are sometimes included
in level of service calculations by other communities, the City of Ocoee has not included
them within our level of service calculation. We have only included private facilities to aid
in planning for specific activities and new parks and open space areas.
r
Ow
19
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
•
PRIORITIES, GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
m• INTRODUCTION
• Parks and open space planning incorporates a spectrum of interests, including growth
management, fiscal management, facility planning, transportation planning, and park
design. The planning process used in the development of this Parks and Open Space
• Master Plan officially began in 1998 with a workshop that included members of the City
Commission, Recreation Advisory Board, and the Evaluation and Appraisal Report advisory
• group (a representative group of citizens from throughout the City). In addition, a
community meeting was held to discuss recommend priorities. This process resulted in
• the creation of two new products; 1) a list of potential park projects that included new
parks and trail projects, and 2) modified and new Goals, Objectives, and Polices (GOPS)
• based on the adopted GOPS of the Recreation and Open Space Element of the Ocoee
Comprehensive Plan.
PRIORITIES
• These priorities address the needs of the overall park system and reflect a commitment
by the City to preserve the quality of life in Ocoee by maintaining a compressive network
r
parks and open space. Following is a summary of the priorities:
• Continue to provide 4 acres of parks and open space per 1,000 population.
• Preservation of natural open space areas.
• Offer a variety of recreational activities and events geared to all ages and
• abilities.
• Parks and open spaces should be accessible to the elderly, handicapped, and
,•• economically disadvantaged.
• Establishment of a Senior Citizens Center.
• Create a network of sidewalks connecting the City's historical sites.
• Develop connections to the West Orange Trail, and connections between historic
sites, parks, open spaces and residential areas.
• Establish five (5) new linear parks in the following areas: (a) Shoal Creek; (b)
Lake Bennet; (c) Starke Lake; (d) Lake Apopka; and (e) South Maguire Road.
• Avoid duplication of efforts and coordinate events and festivals with other
•
20
•
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASI ER PLAN
organizations.
• Create ornamental parks at key locations within the City.
• Provide handicap access parking and bicycle racks at all parks.
• Prioritize sidewalk projects that improve access to parks.
• Pursue funding for park and open space facilities, including County, State, and
Federal assistance programs and grants.
•.. • Offer incentives to developers to provide land for the development of identified
parks and open space areas.
.. The priorities are further defined in the objectives and policies section below.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICES
r
The following goals, objectives, and policies are provided to give direction for future
` community decisions regarding parks, recreation, and open space. These goals and
objectives were established based on the adopted Recreation and Open Space Element of
the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan. The adopted goals, objectives, and policies were
evaluated and revised based on input from the City Commission, Recreation Advisory
Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Evaluation and Appraisal Report advisory group,
and community meetings.
r PARKS AND OPEN SPACE GOAL
A goal is a statement of purpose intended to define an ultimate end or condition. It
•• reflects a direction of action, and is a subjective value statement. The following goal has
been taken from the adopted Recreation and Open Space Element and simplified.
GOAL
TI1L_ CITY SHALL ENSURE THE ACQUISITION. PROVISION.
rROTLCTION, AND ENHANCEMENT or COORDINATED. LLFICIF Nl
WELL-MAINTAINED. DIVEKSL, AND ACCLSSIhLL LARK LAND. OPLN
5PACL AND RECREATION LAC DESIGNED PO ML LT ThL
NEEDS or TL1L CITY'S CUKRENT AND FU LURE KLSIDL NT5 or ALL
ACL5 AND AblUTILS
r
21
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
An objective is a specific, measurable action that can be taken toward achieving the goal.
Goals are generally broken down into several objectives since there may be more than
one milestone necessary to achieve a goal. A policy is a specific activity or program that
is conducted to achieve a goal or objective. Policies include statements of priority for
action and/or mandates for actions that will be taken to achieve the goal or objective.
The following objectives and policies were derived from the objectives and policies in the
adopted Recreation and Open Space Element of the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan. Some of
`• the objectives have been simplified and others have been substantially modified to
address existing conditions and to reflect specific new parks and open space projects.
OBJECTIVE 1.1
THE CITY SHALL PROVIDE A SYS I EM OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES THAT MEET THE DEMANDS OF
CURRENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS.
POLICY 1.1.1
The City of Ocoee's adopted level of service standard shall be 4 acres of parks and open space
land per 1,000 residents.
r' POLICY 1.1.2
The City shall actively pursue the acquisition of available land for future park developments in
concert with the standards and priorities established in the Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master
Plan.
POLICY 1.1.3
In order to best serve the citizens, the following issues shall be considered prior to the purchase of
new land: (1) parks shall be located near the center of Neighborhood Service Areas (where possible);
• (2) parks shall be located near other public facilities (when possible); and (3) park design shall
maximize access and public safety and ensure that proposed parks are compatible with adjacent land
uses.
r, POLICY 1.1.4
Park and open space facilities shall not be converted to non-park uses except where the City
Commission finds such conversion essential to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
Where there is a reduction in area or facility capacity as a result of a conversion, additional
facilities necessary to restore lost capacity shall be provided within one (1) year. Should a
conversion be unavoidable in a Natural Resource Area, mitigation will follow the standards set forth
` in the Conservation Element and the Ocoee Land Development Code.
POLICY 1.1.5
r, Existing parks and open spaces should be maintained in a manner which promotes a safe, clean,
orderly, and aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere.
22
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
r
OJECTIVE 1.2
` PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR USERS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES.
POLICY 1.2.1
r
The City shall offer a variety of recreational activities, in connection with park and open space
facilities, by providing for (but not limited to) passive recreation, supervised recreation activities,
organized youth and adult sports, and special organized events and festivals.
POLICY 1.2.2
The City shall ensure that all park facilities meet the most current Consumer Product Safety
Commission park safety guidelines and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
POLICY 1.2.3
` The City shall provide accessible restrooms at all City parks in conformance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
✓ POLICY 1.2.4
Parks shall be located near or collocated with public elementary and middle schools, libraries,
community centers, and similar public facilities where the needs of such other facilities are
i compatible.
• POLICY 1.2.5
Parks and open space areas shall be accessible to the elderly, handicapped, and economically
disadvantaged.
POLICY 1.2.6
The City should establish a Senior Citizens Center providing activities and services needed and
desired by senior citizens.
✓
OBJECTIVE 1.3
THE CITY SHALL WORK WITH DEVELOPERS AND THE OCOEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION TO OBTAIN FUNDING
me TO IDENTIFY AND PRESERVE A NETWORK OF HISTORICAL SITES.
POLICY 1.3.1
` The City shall ensure that historic sites are preserved, restored, and held inviolate against diversion
to other uses except in instances of overriding public need, such as natural disasters.
POLICY 1.3.2
The City shall work in conjunction with the Ocoee Historical Commission and private developers to
preserve the historic resources identified in the Future Land Use Element of the Ocoee
` Comprehensive Plan.
POLICY 1.3.3
` The City shall preserve Maine Street a historic brick street that, at one time, was the major
thoroughfare connecting Ocoee to downtown Orlando.
• 23
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
010 POLICY 1.3.4
The City shall establish and maintain a pedestrian sidewalk network connecting the historical sites
identified in the Future Land Use Element of the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan.
OBJECTIVE 1.4
r
THE CITY OF OCOEE SHALL CREATE A NETWORK OF LINEAR PARKS.
POLICY 1.4.1
The City shall create new multi-purpose paved trails to serve the needs of pedestrians, cyclists,
skaters, and horseback riders within the City.
POLICY 1.4.2
r
The City shall promote and develop connections to the West Orange Trail from neighborhoods and
park and open space facilities.
°i POLICY 1.4.3
The City shall create a system of off-road connections between historic, recreational, and
r
residential areas where possible.
POLICY 1.4.4
The City shall work to establish five (5) new linear parks in the vicinity of: (a) Shoal Creek (a.k.a.
Maine Street area); (b) Lake Bennet; (c) Starke Lake; (d) Lake Apopka; and (e) South Maguire
Road.
OBJECTIVE 1.5
= THE Cm SHALL MAINTAIN A COORDINATED SYSTEM OF PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES THAT ARE
COMPATIBLE WITH LOCAL PRIVATE RECREATION RESOURCES.
POLICY 1.5.1
` The City shall avoid duplication in the provision of services and take into consideration the
availability of other resources before developing new facilities, including private and County parks
and open space facilities.
POLICY 1.5.2
The City shall encourage public participation in park and recreation planning, through the
continued existence of the Recreation Advisory Board.
11.
POLICY 1.5.3
The City, along with local businesses and non-profit organizations, shall coordinate events and
festivals with local art, cultural, and historical activities.
POLICY 1.5.4
The City shall create a coordinated and consistent appearance of parks facilities throughout the
community.
ta
24
r
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAN I ER PLAN
+� POLICY 1.5.5
The City shall work with private and non-profit organizations to develop plans for a new Senior
Citizens Center, Cultural Arts Center, and Environmental Center.
POLICY 1.5.6
The City shall create new ornamental parks at key locations within the City where possible
POLICY 1.5.7
The City shall continue to require that new residential developments provide private recreational
r facilities, which are available to all residents within the subdivision.
OBJECTIVE 1.6
THE CITY SHALL PROVIDE IMPROVED PUBLIC ACCESS TO PARKS.
POLICY 1.6.1
The City shall prioritize sidewalk improvements that create or improve pedestrian access/ safety as
well as those that connect City parks to neighborhoods, schools, institutional uses, and commercial
areas.
POLICY 1.6.2
r The City shall prioritize transportation improvements that create or improve off-road bicycle and
pedestrian connections to and from City parks, neighborhoods, schools, institutional uses, and
commercial areas.
POLICY 1.6.3
The City shall encourage the construction of bike lanes in new roadway construction improvement
projects where possible.
POLICY 1.6.4
Handicap parking facilities and bicycle racks shall be provided at all City parks.
to,
POLICY 1.6.5
•
The City shall coordinate with other governmental agencies by continuing its membership in the
r East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Bicycle
and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
OBJECTIVE 1.7
LANDS DESIGNATED AS CONSERVATION OR OPEN SPACE SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM ENCROACHMENT,
DEVELOPMENT, AND INCOMPATIBLE USES.
POLICY 1.7.1
Public access to City parks shall be strategically located to protect and ensure the integrity of
existing natural features.
25
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
r POLICY 1.7.2
The City shall acquire, protect, and maintain natural area reservations and conservation easements
to protect open space, wetlands, lakes, and natural vegetation from development and incompatible
land uses.
POLICY 1.7.3
r
The City shall adopt incentives to encourage the provision of open space to protect natural
resources areas within development projects.
` POLICY 1.7.4
Open space in parks shall be maintained to protect and preserve native habitats, provide passive
recreation opportunities, and public access to water bodies.
POLICY 1.7.5
The City shall enhance the recreational potential and aesthetic appeal of lakes, creeks, floodways,
utility easements, storm water ponds, and wetlands where possible.
POLICY 1.7.6
The provision of community access to shore lines shall be considered requisite to any and all
shoreline development or development adjacent to a water body. The City shall encourage public
access and exposure to lakes, significant physical features, and natural open space while
enhancing and preserving the natural characteristics of the areas as described in the Special
Development Plans and the Commercial and Industrial Development Standards of the Land
Development Code.
►
OBJECTIVE 1.8
THE CITY SHALL PROVIDE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES IN AN ECONOMICALLY EFFICIENT MANNER.
POLICY 1.8.1
The City shall pursue funding assistance for park and open space facilities, including County, State,
` and Federal assistance programs and grants.
POLICY 1.8.2
` The City shall preserve, maintain, and enhance existing parks through the use of adequate
operating budgets, user fees, and proper management techniques. All techniques used shall be
reviewed annually to ensure proper operation.
r
POLICY 1.8.3
The City shall continue to administer the Recreational Parks Facilities Impact Fee to provide for the
` elimination of future parks and open space deficiencies.
• POLICY 1.8.4
` Developer incentives, impact fee credits, density transfers, and tax incentives shall be used to
facilitate the acquisition and development of City parks identified in the Parks and Open Space
Master Plan, as appropriate.
• 26
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
r POLICY 1.9.5
The City shall include funds for the acquisition, development, or maintenance of City parks and
open space in its Capital Improvements Program.
WO
V
v
r
27
` OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
PROJECTED GROWTH
"' BACKGROUND
Ocoee's historic growth demonstrates a recent and substantial increase in population and
employment. Since 1990, the City has annexed about 2,500 acres, approved roughly
4,172 new homes, and recorded 29 new single-family subdivisions. The City of Ocoee and
` Orange County entered into a Joint Planning Area Agreement (JPAA) in 1994 that formally
identified areas suitable for future annexation and the corresponding land uses as
N. depicted in the Joint Planning Area Map. It is anticipated that all the areas within the
existing Joint Planning Area (JPA) will be annexed into the City by the year 2020. The
Comprehensive Plan (1991) projected the population of 22,357 for the year 2000, the
official 2000 Census Count was 24,391, a difference of 2,034. The 1991 population
projection for 2000 was extremely close and underestimated the projected population by
only 8.330/0.
PROJECTION METHODOLOGY
In 1997, the Planning Department developed population and employment projections for
the year 2020 for the purposes of planning future facilities. The methodology involved
W two steps; the first step was a land use analysis and the second step was to compile the
historic and 1997 population and employment figures shown in Table 5: Existing and
` Historic Population and Employment Data. The quantity and characteristics of 1997
development were authenticated against the 1997 population and employment data. This
✓
information formed the base model for projecting land use, population, and employment.
Once the projections were concluded, the City was divided into 97 geographic sub-areas
called "Traffic Analysis Zones" (TAZ). TAZ facilitate a more accurate existing land use
inventory, assessment of future growth, and validation method for comparisons to traffic
W data from other agencies. This method was also used for the City's 1998 Long Range
Transportation Plan update. The population for the entire JPA area in 1997 was
_ estimated to be 35,105. In addition, the City projected the population for the JPA for the
following years 2005 (±47,576), 2010 (±57,701) and 2020 (1.70,239).
28
W
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
TABLE 4: EXISTING AND HISTORIC POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT DATA
1997 OCOEE-ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
AREA 1980 1990 % CHANGE 1997 % CHANGE
OCOEE POPULATION 7,803 12,788 64% 35,105* 175%
•
OCOEE EMPLOYMENT N/A 6,534 N/A 8,892* 36%
ORANGE COUNTY POPULATION 470,865 677,491 44% 777,556 15%
ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYMENT N/A 350,953 N/A 515,412 47%
METRO AREA POPULATION 739,058 1,224,844 66% 1,428,620 17%
METROAREA EMPLOYMENT N/A 612,750 N/A 729,583 19%
Source: Ocoee Planning Department, 1997. 'The Ocoee area includes portions of unincorporated Orange County. (1980 and 1990
estimates include only the City)
ifs
• The JPA Map was amended in the Fall of 1999 which resulted in a change to the
boundaries of the original JPA Map. The 3rd Amendment to the JPA added property in the
northeast portion of the existing JPA and removed property from both the eastern and
r southwestern portions of the JPA. The boundary change to the JPA also resulted in a
change in the 1997 population projections for 2005, 2010, and 2020. In addition, the JPA
r• was again amended in January of 2001 with the City's purchase of the Coke Property.
The ‘It amendment to the JPA resulted in changes to land uses to the JPA Map resulting
in reduction of population in the northwestern area of the JPA. The net result is a
decrease in the anticipated population projections for the balance of the planning period.
The initial 2020 (anticipated build-out) population projection, based on the original JPA,
was 75,918. The revised 2020 population projection for the amended JPA is 68,200, a
ha, difference of 7,718.
TABLE 5: YEAR 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS
OCOEE-ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
AREA POPULATION 1997 2020 °/a CHANGE
OCOEE 35,105* 68,200** 94°/o
LI, ORANGE COUNTY 777,556 1,231,100 58%
METRO AREA 1,428,620 2,078,400 45%
source. Ocoee Planning Department, 1997.('Ocoee area based on original WA Map/ "Ocoee area based on amended]PA Map- both Include
portr°rs or unincorporated Orange County.)
LEVEL OF SERVICE
It should be noted that the level of service for parks and open space is generally based on
useable developed acres accessible to the public. Parks provided by other jurisdictions,
conservation areas, restricted access facilities, and private recreation areas are sometimes
considered in the level of service calculation. The City does not include private recreation
29
` OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
facilities, County facilities, conservation areas, or school sites in the level of service
calculation. Although these outdoor recreational facilities are used for recreation by the
general public, Ocoee has not included them within the level of service calculation. The
City has included approximately 60 acres of undeveloped park land in the calculation since
improvements for 20 acres of park land were included in the City's Capital Improvements
Budget for FY 2000 (South Park-10 acres and Hackney Prairie-10 acres) and has
- included an additional 40 acres of parkland, adjacent to Lake Apopka, in the LOS
calculation. In addition, a portion (60 acres) of the 240 acre Forest Lake Golf Course was
used in the level of service calculation since a fee is required to play the course.
Table 6 below identifies the numbers of acres of park land and open space the City will
need by the year 2020 to meet the adopted minimum level of service standard based on
the population projections.
TABLE 6: ACREAGE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE ADOPTED LOS
to YEAR POPULATION EXISTING LOS ACERS LOS ACRES NEEDED PROJECTED ACREAGE
DIFFERENCE
2000 I 24,391* 214.2 97.56 ! +116.46
.� 2005 46,973** 214.2 187.89 +26.13
I
2010 55,066** 214.2 220.26 -6.24
2020 68,200** 219.2 272.8 -58.78
u s Includes undeveloped park and open space/'City of Ocoee only/'•projected future population revised to reflect changes io 3'd&4 Amendment to JPA.
` Currently, the City has adequate parkland and open space to maintain the desired level of
service. The City has taken a proactive approach to purchasing land for parks and open
r
space, the currently 2000 LOS calculation is 8.77 acres per 1,000 population, double the
adopted LOS standard of 4 acres per 1,000 population. As evidenced in Table 6 above,
the City will be able to maintain the minimum level of service standard for the next nine
years without purchasing additional parkland and open space; however, as development
•
continues at an accelerated pace, it is critical to purchase additional land before the
s.
remainder of vacant developable land is developed.
Based on the desires of the community, the City will continue to provide a level of service
of not less than 4 acres of City-controlled and managed parks and open space per 1,000
residents in the future. It is anticipated that this level of service, in conjunction with
recreational facilities at schools and private recreational resources, will adequately supply
Wm
30
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
recreation and leisure opportunities to satisfy the demands of Ocoee residents. It should
be noted that the proposed level of service assumes continued cooperation between the
school districts, the private sector, and the City of Ocoee in the provision of leisure
activities and opportunities.
PROJECTIONS
The bulk of near-term residential growth is anticipated to continue to occur throughout
r the City, concentrating in the northeast, northwest and southern portions of the City.
Accordingly, a majority of the population growth will occur along the Clarcona-Ocoee
Road, Clarke Road, Ocoee-Apopka Road, and South Maguire Road corridors. Additional
commercial growth is anticipated along State Road 50, Ocoee-Apopka Road and Old
r
Winter Garden Road.
Based on the population projections and recent development submittals, Ocoee's
residential growth is expected to increase dramatically in the next five years with a steady
r increase for the balance of the planning period. Handling the needs of the existing and
future residents will become a major challenge to the City in providing required park and
r open space areas. As the City continues to make plans for roadway and utility expansions
to accommodate this influx of new residents, the City must also plan to meet the
additional recreational needs of new and existing residents. Accordingly, approximately
60 acres of required open space land will theoretically need to be acquired within these
rapidly growing residential areas of the community in proportion to projected population
needs and space necessary for required types of facilities. However; the following
" analysis will demonstrate that an additional 25 acres, for a total of 85 acres, will be
needed to physically accommodate the required facilities.
•
r
r
31
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS
OVERVIEW
The long-range goal is for each portion of the City to fall within the service area of a
linear park, neighborhood park, and/or community park. In order to accurately assess
the City's current and future parks and open space needs, an inventory of existing parks
and open space and facilities was conducted. The Assessment of Needs is based on the
existing recreational facilities, population projections, established goals and objectives,
level of service standard, and demonstrates future park and facility needs that exist for
the planning period. The assessment discusses the park and open space needs by park
type, identifies the type of recreational facilities needed, provides a cost estimate based
on the future parks and facility needs, and recommends park upgrades to existing City
parks and the establishment of a Natural Area Reservations and a set of Recreational
` Development Standards. The assessment has been divided into five sections: Overview,
Neighborhood Service Area Analysis, Park and Facility Analysis, Overall Park Upgrades,
` and Recreation Development Standards.
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE AREA ANALYSIS
•
In order to accurately assess the City's parkland and facility needs for the planning period,
the City was divided into twelve (12) Neighborhood Service Areas (NSA's) (Figure 3).
Neighborhood Service Areas were chosen for the analysis because Neighborhood Parks
r form the basis for a comprehensive park and open space network. Neighborhood Parks
are typically user-oriented, two to ten acres in size, and located along local streets. It is
•
critical that Neighborhood Parks be strategically located within walking distance from area
neighborhoods, thus making parks accessible to residents of all ages.
The NSA's were geographically grouped based on Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) and serve
•
to provide a more detailed analysis of parkland and facility deficiencies for each NSA. The
twelve NSA's encompass the residential areas of the amended Joint Planning Area (JPA).
The population projections were based on the City's Future Land Use Map and Joint
Planning Area Map and were projected for each NSA to determine the projected growth
through the planning period (2020). Each neighborhood service area was further
analyzed to determine if any surplus or deficiencies currently exist and to determine what
32
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASItR PLAN
deficiencies may exist by the end of the planning period.
NSA 1
NSA 1 is located east of Lake Apopka, north of Fullers Cross Road, south of McCormick
Road, and west of the Western Expressway. This area is basically undeveloped; however,
with the extension of Orange County utilities and the completion of the Western
_ Expressway, development in this area is imminent. The City has recently purchased ±358
acres of property (f.k.a. "Coke Property") to be developed as a multiple-use development.
The City anticipates selling ±115 acres of the property to the School Board. Plans for the
School Board include; the construction of a high school and elementary school, bus
parking and maintenance facility, and work force education facility. City plans for the
r balance of the property include; a large conservation area along the shoreline of Lake
Apopka, City park, public safety uses, residential uses, and commercial and professional
service uses. One of the City's largest subdivisions, Avanti/West Groves (±383 acres) is
currently under review and includes a 6-acre private recreational facility. In addition,
approximately 50 acres of wetlands along Lake Apopka will be dedicated to the City. The
City has plans to work with the School Board to develop an Interlocal Agreement
permitting City residents to use the Elementary School recreational facilities after hours
and weekends. Lake Apopka Park is proposed to be developed as a 40-acre combination
` resource-based and user-oriented Community Park, which will provide public access to
Lake Apopka and connect to the West Orange Trail. In addition, a large portion of the
` wetland area along Lake Apopka is proposed as the Lake Apopka Urban Open Space Park.
The population projection for this area is 5,814, which would require 23.26 acres of
parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, the City will have adequate parkland in this NSA to accommodate
future growth; however, the following recreational facilities are recommended, for Lake
Apopka Park, based on the park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and the
Recreation Department:
r
• Fields-1 football, 3 Sr./Jr. league, and 4 Little league
` • Courts-2 basketball, 1 volleyball, and 1 tennis
• Trails— bike, horseback, and nature to connect to the West Orange Trail
34
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
• Areas—play, picnic, and Natural Area Reservations—Crown Point (--100 acres) and
Magnolia Springs (±10 acres)
• 2 boat ramps to provide public access to Lake Apopka
• An environmental study center
NSA 2
•• NSA 2 is located east of the Western Expressway, north of the West Orange Trail, south
of McCormick Road, and west of Hobson Road. This area is undeveloped and is slated for
•• future residential development. Amenities in the area include Lake Sims, Trout Lake and
one Community Park—Forest Lake Golf Course. The golf course comprises approximately
240 acres, 60 of which are used for concurrency purposes, and services the entire
planning area. The projected population for this area is 5,636, which would require 22.54
.. acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
'• Based on the analysis, the City theoretically has adequate parkland to accommodate
future growth, but not adequate recreational facilities. Accordingly, a 20-acre park in the
`• vicinity of the West Orange Trail would provide the City with an opportunity to locate
additional recreational facilities in this area. Based on discussions with Orange County,
the City and County anticipate locating a new park and trailhead in this area, in the
vicinity of Lake Sims and the West Orange Trail. The following recreational facilities are
•• recommended based on the proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and
the Recreation Department:
` • Fields-1 soccer and 4 softball
• Courts-2 basketball, 1 volleyball, and 1 tennis
`• • Trails—bike, horseback, and nature to connect to the West Orange Trail
• Areas—play and picnic
NSA 3
NSA 3 is located east of Clarke Road, north of Hackney Prairie Road, south of the West
Orange Trail, and west of Apopka-Vineland Road. The area is characterized by residential
development, with half of the area slated for future residential development. Currently, a
new subdivision is under construction along Clarcona-Ocoee Road and another is under
35
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASI tit PLAN
` review north of Clarcona-Ocoee Road. There are no City owned parks in this NSA;
however, Clarcona Horseman's Park is located to the north and offers picnicking and
rental facilities. The projected population for this area is 5,004, which would require
20.02 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard. Land for a park was
dedicated to the City adjacent to Lake Addah; however, the land is unsuitable for a
development as a park.
Recommendations
As this area contains no City parks, it is recommended that a 20-acre park be located in
this area to meet the needs of future residents. The following recreational facilities are
recommended based on the proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and
` the Recreation Department:
• Fields-1 soccer and Sr./Jr. league
• Courts-2 basketball
• Trails—bike, horseback, and nature to connect to the West Orange Trail
• Areas—play and picnic
•• NSA 4
NSA 4 is located north of A.D. Mims Road, south of Hackney Prairie Road, east of Clarke
` Road, and largely west of the CSX Rail Road. This area is approximately 1/3 developed
with residential development and is slated for future residential development with a small
` pocket of neighborhood commercial at the intersection of A. D. Mims Road and Clarke
• Road. The NSA contains two City owned parks; one Neighborhood Park—Hackney Prairie
(± 10 acres undeveloped) and one Mini Park—Forest Oaks. Together the parks comprise
•
10.2 acres and contain 1/2 a basketball court and playground equipment. It is anticipated
` that Hackney Prairie Park will be developed as a user-oriented park used for active
recreation and will provide public access to Prairie Lake. The projected population for this
` area is 2,778, which would require 11.11 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS
standard.
r.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, this area largely has enough land, but is in need of additional
recreational facilities. Conversely, the City will need another 10 acres of parkland to
36
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
accommodate the additional facilities needed in this area and the proposed Natural Area
Reservation adjacent to Prairie Lake. The following recreational facilities are
recommended based on the proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and
• the Recreation Department:
• Fields-1 softball and 1 soccer
• Courts-1 basketball
` • Areas—play, picnic, and Natural Area Reservation—Prairie Lake (± 80 acres)
In addition, upgrades to Forest Oaks Park are recommended which include the addition of
a sign, benches, a grill, covered picnic pavilion, and upgraded playground equipment.
.• NSA 5
NSA 5 is located south of Clarcona-Ocoee Road and the West Orange Trail, east of
Lakeview Avenue, west of Clarke Road, and north of A.D. Mims Road and Wurst Road.
This area is half developed with scattered pockets of residential and neighborhood
commercial. The area is slated for future residential development with some
neighborhood commercial. This area is fortunate to have Lake Meadow and three City
parks; two Community Parks—Beech Recreation Center and the Vignetti Community
Center, and one Neighborhood Park—Sorenson Field. Together the three City parks
.. comprise ±43 acres and contain the following amenities: 4 ball fields, 2 practice fields,
soccer field, basketball court, volleyball court, 2 tennis courts, playground equipment, and
,. an Aquatic Center. Future plans for the Beech Center include a soccer/tennis complex
which will include the addition of 4 soccer fields and 4 tennis courts. The projected
population for the area is 9,945, which would require ±39.75 acres of parkland meet the
adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, this NSA is well served by existing City parks. No new City parks
.. are recommended for this area; however, a 1.5 mile multipurpose trail and environmental
boardwalk (to the West Orange Trial and provide access to Lake Meadow) and a
soccer/tennis complex are recommended for the Beech Recreation Center. The
recommended upgrades are listed below:
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASItR PLAN
` • Fields-4 soccer
• Courts-4 tennis
` • Trails—bike, horseback, and nature to connect the Beech Center to the West
Orange Trail
• Areas—play, picnic, and Natural Area Reservation—Lake Meadow (± 200 acres)
In addition, upgrades to Vignetti Park are recommended which include upgraded
playground equipment and a sign.
NSA 6
as, NSA 6 is located south and east of the Western Expressway, north of Silver Star Road,
and west of Lakeview Avenue. This area is undeveloped with a few scattered pockets of
_ residential communities and commercial development along Silver Star Road and the
southern portion of Ocoee-Apopka Road. The majority of the area is located within
unincorporated Orange County and is slated for future residential development with some
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neighborhood commercial areas. The City has received many inquiries for land use
changes in this area as a result of the completion of the Western Expressway, based on
the number of inquires, a small area study of this area is recommended before any land
use changes are recommend. This NSA contains one City owned Mini Park—Palm Drive
Park. Palm Drive Park is 1 acre in size and contains playground equipment, a volleyball
court, and 1/2 a basketball court. In addition, the West Orange Girls Club is located on
Ocoee-Apopka Road and is a privately owned softball complex. The projected population
for this area is 3,884, which would require approximately 15.5 acres of parkland to meet
r
the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
As this area remains to be developed, it is recommended that a 15-acre park be located
in this NSA for future residents. The following recreational facilities are recommended
based on proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and Recreation
Department:
• Fields-1 Sr. /Jr. league, 1 baseball practice and 2 multiple use fields
• Courts-2 basketball and 1 volleyball
• Areas—play and picnic
38
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
In addition, upgrades to Palm Drive Park are recommended which include the addition of
a grill, upgraded landscaping, a covered picnic table, and upgraded playground
equipment.
NSA 7
NSA 7 is located north of Silver Star Road, south of A. D. Mims Road and Wurst Road,
east of Lakeview Avenue, and west of Clarke Road. This area is mostly developed with
residential communities and scattered neighborhood commercial located along Silver Star
Road and Clarke Road. Amenities in this area include Lake Moxie, Peach Lake, Spring
Lake, and three City owned parks; one Community Park—Central Park and two
Neighborhood Parks—Silver Glen Park and Russell Drive Park. Together the three parks
comprise ±31 acres and include 3 ball fields, 1 basketball and 2 tennis courts, playground
equipment and a natural trail. The projected population for the area is 6,737, which
would require ±26.95 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, this NSA is well served by existing City parks and facilities. No
new City parks or facilities are recommended for this area; however, it is recommended
that the City continue to require that new residential developments provide private
recreational facilities for their residents. In addition, upgrades to Central Park Complex
are recommended which included an ADA accessible restroom, new sign, and resurfacing
•. of the tennis courts and parking lot.
NSA 8
NSA 8 is located south of A. D. Mims Road, north of Silver Star Road, east of Clarke Road,
and west of Lake Stanley. The majority of the area is developed with residential
communities and slated for future residential development and neighborhood commercial
,,, along Silver Star Road. Currently, a grocery store with complementary retail uses and a
new subdivision are under construction at the intersection of Clarke Road and Silver Star
Road. Amenities in this area include Lake Johio and one Neighborhood Park—
Parkside/Coventry. Parkside/Coventry Park comprises 4 acres and contains 1 basketball
court, 1 tennis court and playground equipment. The projected population for this area is
3,999, which would require t16 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
•
39
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, it is recommended that a 10-acre park be located in this area for
future residents. The following recreational facilities are recommended based on the
proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and the Recreation Department:
• Fields-1 practice/multiple use field
•
• Courts-1 volleyball
• Areas—play and picnic
` NSA 9
NSA 9 is located north of the West Oaks Mall, east of Clarke Road, south of Silver Star
Road, and west of the Rose Hill Subdivision. The area is characterized by residential
development with a neighborhood commercial corner at the intersection of Clarke Road
kft
and Silver Star Road and pockets of undeveloped neighborhood commercial along Silver
Star Road and Clarke Road. There are no City owned parks in this NSA; however, the
City does have an Interlocal Agreement with the School Board to use the recreational
facilities at Citrus Elementary (±3-4 acres) after hours and weekends. Facilities at Citrus
Elementary include; 4 basketball courts, 1 ball field, 1 play field, and playground
equipment. The projected population in this area is 1,838, which would require ±7.35
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acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
As there is not much vacant land available in the area, it is recommended that the City
_ work closely with the School Board to ensure that the facilities at Citrus Elementary are
utilized to their maximum potential.
` NSA 10
NSA 10 is located north of Maine Street, south of Silver Star Road, west of Clarke Road,
and east of Bluford Avenue and Bowness Road. This area is mostly developed with
established residential communities and scattered commercial uses along Silver Star
Road, Clarke Road, McKey Street, Bluford Avenue, and Bowness Road. Only a few
pockets of residential areas remain to be developed. Amenities in the area include Starke
Lake, Lake Prima Vista, Lake Olympia and two City owned parks—Municipal Lakefront
Park (Ornamental Park) and Tiger Minor Park (Neighborhood Park). The two parks
im
40
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
1.0 comprise ±15 acres and contain the following relational facilities; 2 boat ramps, dock,
fishing pier, basketball court, 2 tennis courts, and play ground equipment. The City and
School Board have discussed plans to leave the recreation facilities at Ocoee Middle
• School open after hours for general use. The projected population for this area is 5,907,
�• which would require ±23.62 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
The majority of the area is already developed and little land is available for additional
parkland; however, 10 acres of additional parkland is recommended in this general area
to accommodate future residents, some of which should be added adjoining the Municipal
Lakefront Park. In addition, Natural Area Reservations are recommended adjacent to
Starke Lake, Lake Bennett, and Shoal Creek. The following recreational facilities are
recommended based on the proposed park size, Activity Based Recreation Guidelines, and
the Recreation Department:
. Fields-1 Little league
• Courts-1 volleyball and 1 tennis
` . Trails—bike, horseback, and nature along Starke Lake, Lake Bennett, and Shoal
Creek
` • Areas—play, picnic, and Natural Area Reservations—Starke Lake, Lake Bennett (±8
acres), and Shoal Creek (±80 acres)
In addition, the following parks and facilities are recommended for this area: a Senior
.. Center; Linear Park and trailhead at Maine Street, to preserve the historic brick street;
and a Cultural Arts Center and Ornamental Park in the downtown area, within the vicinity
.. of the City Municipal Lakefront Park.
The City recently hosted a Planning Charette to create a Master Plan for the Municipal
Lakefront Park. The Master Plan includes plans for an amphitheater, improved boat trailer
parking, a park area, and relocation of City Hall to the southeast intersection of Bluford
Avenue and McKey Street with a war memorial and fountain at the entrance.
41
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
NSA 11
NSA 11 is located north of Seminole Road, east of the East—West Expressway, south of
SR 50, and west of Old Winter Garden Road. The area is characterized by commercial,
institutional (Health Central Hospital), and professional service uses with established
residential communities located south of Old Winter Garden Road. The character of this
area is rapidly changing as the Hospital continues to hasten the trend in the area toward
professional services uses. No City owned parks are located within this NSA. The scant
amount of residential development in this area is located in unincorporated Orange
County. The balance of undeveloped property in this area, located within the City, is
slated for future commercial or professional services development.
Recommendation
Based on the analysis, no City parks or recreational facilities are recommended for this
imp
NSA.
NSA 12
NSA 12 is located south of the Florida Turnpike, north of Gotha-Parkridge Road, west of
Moore Road, and east of Windermere Road. This area is characterized with residential
development with commercial and professional service uses at the intersection of Maguire
Road and Roberson Road. The balance of the undeveloped land is slated for future
residential development with complementary neighborhood commercial uses. Three new
subdivisions are under construction in this area. Amenities in the area include Lake
Whitney, and one City owned Community Park—South Park. South Park comprises ±13
acres (10 acres City park and 3 acres Elementary School park), and is proposed to be
developed with 2 ball fields, soccer field, and playground equipment. The School Board
has plans to build a new Elementary School adjacent to South Park. As with Citrus
Elementary, the City has Interlocal Agreement with the School Board to use the
recreational facilities after hours and weekends. Future plans for South Park include a
5,000 square foot indoor recreational facility. The County has just approved plans to
develop Lake Whitney Park (±20 acres) in Belmere. Lake Whitney Park is located
adjacent to Lake Whitney Elementary School and will include six ball fields. In addition to
to
Lake Whitney Park, the West Orange YMCA is located at the intersection of Windermere
Road and Roberson Road, and West Orange Park (±40 acres) is located on Windermere
42
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
Road, just south of the YMCA. The projected population for this area is 11,572, which
• would require ±46.29 acres of parkland to meet the adopted LOS standard.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, the area is well served by City owned, County owned, and private
parks and recreational facilities thus no additional parks or facilities are recommended for
this area; however, plans for South Park include the following:
• Fields-1 softball*, 1 Little league, and 1 soccer
• Trails—bike, horseback, and nature to connect area neighborhoods with schools
• Areas—play and picnic
'Orange County Public School softball field-not regulation size
NSA Summary
` The analysis demonstrates a need for additional Neighborhood Parks in Neighborhood
Service Areas 2,3,4,6, 8, and 10. These NSA's roughly encompass the Clarke Road
Corridor and the Ocoee-Apopka Road Corridor, north of Silver Star Road. In addition,
• recreational facilities are recommended for NSA's 1,2,3,4,5,6,8, 10 and 12 to
•• accommodate future residential growth. Finally, Natural Area Reservations are
recommended for NSA's 1, 4, 5, and 10.
The facilities recommended for each NSA were based on the size of the existing/proposed
r
parks and the location of the NSA within the City. Logistically, it is feasible to locate
more than one large recreational facility (i.e., ball fields and soccer fields), in one area
_ grouped together to create a complex, as opposed to scattering them through out the
City, as demonstrated in the recommendations for NSA's 1,2, and 5. Practice/Multiple Use
fields were recommended for NSA's 6 and 8 due to their close proximity to area soccer
r
and baseball fields. Practice/Multiple Use fields give area residents' the opportunity to
_ play pick-up baseball and soccer games while scheduled league games take place on the
official fields.
Based on the 2020-projected population for the Joint Planning Area (68,200) and an
analysis of the City owned parks, the City will require an additional 58.78 acres of park
and open space land by 2020 (Table 6:Acreage Need to Maintain the Adopted LOS). As
development continues to occur at an accelerated rate in Ocoee, it is recommend that the
43
•
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
City acquire the additional park and open space land in the near future.
The 2020 population projection for the twelve NSA's is approximately 63,000 and
demonstrated a need of approximately 252 acres for parkland. The population
projections for the Joint Planning Area differ from population projections used for the
NSA's, because the NSA's only include those areas that are primarily residential in nature
and do not included the scattered residential areas throughout the JPA and the
Commercial and Industrial areas of the City. Conversely, the amount of park and open
space land required to meet the adopted LOS is proportionate to the population
projection. Thus a projected population of 68,200 will require approximately 272 acres of
park and open space land.
Although the projected acreage deficit is approximately 60 acres, the additional
+� recreational facilities needed to accommodate future growth can't be located within the
existing parks. For example, 60 acres of the Forest Lakes Golf Course is used for
concurrency proposes; however, the City can't place additional recreation facilities on
those 60 acres. Based on the analysis, an additional 25 acres, for a total of 85 acres, is
.. needed to accommodate the additional recreational facilities needed to meet the needs of
future growth.
r
PARK AND FACILITY ANALYSIS
The following tables; Table 7: Current and Future Recreation Facility Needs, Table 8:
Projected Park and Open Space Deficiencies by 2020, and Table 9: Estimated Park and
Facility Cost form the basis for the Park and Facility Analysis.
Table 7 identifies the number of existing facilities, current deficit, theoretical needs by
2020, and additional facilities needed by 2020. The Ocoee recreation system currently
needs two (2) additional soccer fields. The need for two additional soccer fields is based
on new growth and remains un-funded. This need is a carry-over from the previous
impact fee update and is legitimate for consideration for funding with the Parks and Open
` Space Impact Fee.
` Table 8 identifies the projected park needs by type and the existing population served.
The new park needs are as follows: 3-4 Neighborhood Parks, 1 Community Park, 4-5
44
iss
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
Linear Parks, and 2-3 Urban Open Space Parks. The Ocoee Land Development Code
requires all new subdivisions to provide private recreation facilities, thus City does not
'• anticipate constructing any new Mini Parks. Although there are no established standards
for Ornamental Parks, it is anticipated that the City will create several new Ornamental
Parks in order to reinforce community design standards. Ornamental parks are needed
within the Downtown Redevelopment Area, Activity Center, Interchange Impact Areas,
and along the State Road 50 Corridor. In addition, the City anticipates developing an
Urban Open Space Park adjacent to Lake Bennet to preserve shoreline, create a public
�. walkway, and enhance the environment both aesthetically and functionally. This Master
Plan also identifies the following five locations for new linear parks: Maine Street; Starke
Lake; Beech Center; South Maguire Road; and Lake Apopka. The majority of the older
and developed portions of the community are well served by existing parks; however,
there are two primary areas that are under-served: (1) the Clarke Road corridor, north of
Silver Star Road; and (2) the Ocoee-Apopka Road corridor, south of the Western
Expressway (a.k.a. NSA's 2,3,4,6 and 8).
Table 9 below illustrates the estimated cost to provide the additional parks and
` recreational facilities needed by 2020 to accommodate future growth through the
planning period. The estimate includes the facility costs, land costs for additional acreage
' and proposed Natural Area Reservations (NAR's), and basic infrastructure costs. The
• estimated per acre costs for the NAR's was based on the appraised value of wetlands
` conducted for the City's recent purchase of the Coke Property. The basic infrastructure
costs include such things as: parking, driveways, walkways, bike racks, drinking fountains,
basic lighting, restrooms, pavilions, landscaping, and irrigation. The estimate is based on
a conceptual cost estimate conducted as part of the Master Plan for South Park, February
2001. This cost estimate has been slightly modified to more accurately reflect the costs
the City will incur with the development of South Park. The estimated infrastructure
costs will be allocated on a per acre basis for the balance of the City's undeveloped parks
and proposed parks. The estimated cost of improvements to the Ocoee recreation system
is $7,532,108.96 (estimate does not take into account the increased cost that may occur
over the next 20 years).
45
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I ER PLAN
TABLE 7: CURRENT AND FUTURE RECREATION FACILITY NEEDS
ACTIVITY EXISTING CURRENT THEORETICAL ADDITIONAL
r SUPPORTED: FACILITIES: DEFICIT: NEED BY FACILITIES NEEDED
_ 20205: BY 2020:
BASEBALL 2 FIELDS II - 7 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
✓ JUNIOR/SENIOR LEAGUE _
BASEBALL 3 FIELDS I - 9 FIELDS 6 FIELDS
LITTLE LEAGUE
BASKETBALL 5 COURTS 14 COURTS 9 COURTS
✓ —_.
BICYCLING AND 4 LINEAR MILES - 7 MILES 3 MILES
WALKING
BOATING ETC. 2 RAMPS - 5-6 LANES 3-4 RAMPS
r
FOOTBALL 1 FIELD - 2-3 FIELDS 1-2 FIELDS
GOLF 18 HOLES - - -
N. HORSEBACK RIDING 4 LINEAR MILES - 7 MILES 3 MILES JOGGING/ PHYSICAL 1 EXERCISE/ - 1 COURSE EXERCISE PARCOURS TRAIL
✓ NATURE STUDY AND 725 FEET UNPAVED - 7 MILES 1 7 MILES
HIKING
, PICNICKING FACILITIES 8 PARKS WITH 42 - 14 AREAS 1 6 AREAS
TABLES& 14
as GRILLS
PLAYGROUND 10 PLAY AREAS - 14 AREAS 4 AREAS
EQUIPMENT
is RACQUETBALL AND 2 COURTS - 4-5 COURTS 2-3 COURTS
HANDBALL _ ttt _ _
SHUFFLEBOARD 2 COURTS 1 6 COURTS 4 COURTS
✓ SOCCER 1 FIELD' 2 FIELDS 9 FIELDS 8 FIELDS
SOFTBALL FIELD 2 FIELDS - 17 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
_ .. .
SWIMMING
POOL 8,580 SQ. FT. POOL - I 1-2 POOLS 1-2 POOL
L. TENNIS 7 COURTS - 114 COURTS 7 COURTS
VOLLEYBALL 2 COURTS - 17 COURTS 5 COURTS
r
is
r
✓
r
Tne facilities needed by 2020 includes current needs resulting from prior development that remains on funded
The Beech Center soccer field has been included since it is a programmed Improvementme
46
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
als
TABLES:PROJECTED PARK AND OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCIES BY 2020
TYPE OF PARK OR OPEN SPACE: EXISTING NUMBER OF PARKS AND DEFICIENCIES
Km POPULATION SERVED: BYTNE YEAR 2020:
ORNAMENTAL PARK 1 PARK AND NO ESTABLISHED STANDARDS NrA __
MINI PARK 2 PARKS AND 6,000 POPULATION N/A _
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 6 PARKS AND 45,000 POPULATION 3-4 PARKS AND 25,000 POPULATION
_O_ .
COMMUNITY PARK 6 PARKS AND 60,000 POPULATION 1PARK AND 000 POPULATION
LINEAR PARK _NO PARKS AND 0 POPULATION _ 4-5 PARKS AND 70,000 POPULATION
URBAN OPEN SPACE PARK NO PARKS AND 0 POPULATION 2-3 PARKS AND 70,000 POPULATION
NATURAL AREA RESERVATIONS No PARKS AND co ESTABLISHED STANDARDS N/A
V
TABLE 9: ESTIMATED PARK AND FACILTTY COST
myACTIVITY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES* PER UNIT COST ESTIMATED COST"
NEEDED BY 2020
BASEBALL JUNIOR/SENIOR LEAGUE 5 FIELDS 50,000 $250,000
BASEBALL LITTLE LEAGUE 6 FIELDS 20,000 $120,000
B. BASKe(BALL 9 COURTS 12,500 $112,500
BICYCLING AND WALKING 3 MILES 167,000 $501,000
BOATING ETC. 3-4 RAMPS 35,000 $105,000
Br.
FOOTBALL 1-2 FIELDS 80,000 $aomoo
GOLF - - -
to HORSEBACK RIDING 3 MILES 10,000 $30,000
JOGGING/ PHYSICAL EXERCISE -
NATURE STUDY AND HIKING 7 MILES 10,000 $70,000
Is PICNICKING FACILITIES 6 AREAS 3,500 $21,000
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT 4 AREAS 16,500 $66,000
RACQUETBALL AND HANDBALL 2-3 COURTS I 20,000 $40,000
so
SHUFFLEBOARD 4 COURTS 5,000 $20,000
SOCCER 8 FIELDS 50,000 $400,000
Son FIELDS 25,000 $125,000
a.
BALL FIELD
SWIMMING POOL 1-2 POOL 1,000,000 $2,300,000
TENNIS 7 COURTS 25,000 $175,000
L" VOLLEYBALL 5 COURTS 2,000 $10,000
PROJECTED FACILITY COST: 54,425,500.00
PROJECTED ADDITIONAL LAND NEEDS: 85 ACRES I $25,000 62,125,000.00
is,
PROJECTED TYPICAL BASIC 35 ACRES $22,331.68 5 701,608.96
INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS:
NATURAL AREA RESERVATIONS: 200 ACRES $1,000 5 200,000.00
Imo TOTAL PROJELI o COSTS: $7,532,108.96*
Source:Ocoee Recreation Department
'Estimated cost is based on the lower range of additional facilities needed
-
Io "Estimated Costs are based On year 2001 dollars.
"" Estimated costs do not take into account the increased cost that may occur over the next 20 years.
Note. The City Commission may consider building the extra facilities(a track,paw park.ADA accessible playground equipment.
and men s softball complex)based on the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board The City
would not use revenue generated by the Parks and Open Space Impact Fees to provide these extra facilities but would
Instead pursue alternative funding sources for these facilities.
47
t..
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I SR PLAN
OVERALL PARK UPGRADES
The City's existing parks and facilities require upgrades. With few exceptions, the
` playgrounds in existing parks need to be renovated to meet the rapidly changing safety
guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Additionally,
some existing park facilities do not meet accessibility standards established by the
•
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All of the playgrounds in the Ocoee Park System
` require renovations to comply with the industry-accepted safety standards developed by
the CPSC. In some instances, the remedy will require only minor modifications such as
the addition of safety surfaces beneath existing play equipment, while other swing sets
• and play sets will need to be replaced.
In addition, the existing baseball and softball facilities in the Ocoee park system should be
modified to accommodate expanded growth in baseball, girls softball, and adult softball.
Also, additional practice fields are needed to accommodate Ocoee Little League, girls
•
softball, and adult softball teams. The City should ensure that any new lighted ball field,
E. or any light fixture replacement use light fixtures that reduce or eliminate light glare into
surrounding neighborhoods.
RECREATION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
` A final recommendation is to develop Recreation Development Standards with a common
• theme that can be incorporated throughout Ocoee's Park System. The standards will
` facilitate the development of a consistent appearance of parks facilities throughout the
•
• community. It is recommended that Recreation Developments Standards be applied to all
new City parks and facilities and that all existing parks and facilities be renovated in a
manner consistent with the Recreation Development Standards. Recommendations for
` Recreation Development Standards include:
• THE PLACEMENT OF DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AT THE NEAREST INTERSECTION TO THE PARK;
r
• ENTRY FEATURES, WHICH INCLUDE WOODEN IDENTIFICATION SIGN AND LANDSCAPING, LOCATED
AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARK OR IN THE PARKING LOT
• PAINT ALL BUILDINGS, GAZEBOS, AND PICNIC SHELTERS IN A CONSISTENT COLOR THEME; AND
• NEW SWINGS AND PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OF SIMILAR MATERIALS
` AND BE PAINTED IN ONE, OR A COMBINATION OF, THE PRIMARY COLORS (RED, GREEN, BLUE, AND
YELLOW).
48
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•
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I tR PLAN
FUNDING SOURCES
INTRODUCTION
There are a variety of funding strategies that may be used by the City of Ocoee to
implement this Parks and Open Space Master Plan. This Plan identifies two types of
recreation; user-oriented and resource-based. In order to effectively plan for needed
capital improvements, and to systematically arrange for necessary financing through the
budget process, a logical preliminary step is to inventory the various major sources of
` funding available to the City.
�. The only park and open space facilities that may be funded through the Recreational
Parks Facilities Impact Fees or facilitated by granting impact fee credits are those
associated with new residents and growth. All other parks and open space projects would
need to be funded in other ways. Accordingly, this section also identifies potential local
rm. and non-local funding sources.
EXISTING NON-GRANT LOCAL REVENUE SOURCES
The following is a list of revenue sources which comprise a working inventory from which
the City's capability to appropriate the needed revenue for capital improvements is
r
assessed. It should be noted that the list includes all major financial resources available
to the City and is not limited to revenue sources set aside for capital improvements
r
exclusively.
• Property Taxes
• Franchise Taxes
r
• Utility Taxes
• Licenses And Permits
• • Intergovernmental Revenue
• Charge For Services
• • Fines And Forfeitures
r
CITY REVENUE SOURCES
.. • Property Taxes (Ad Valorem)
• User Charges
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OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN
• Special Sources of Revenue
• Impact Fees
• Borrowing
• General Obligation Bonds
• Revenue Bonds
• Certificates of Obligation
` • State Revenue Sources
• Revenue Sharing Trust Fund
• Other Shared Revenue
• Sales Tax
• Mobile Home Licenses
r
• Motor Fuel Tax
• Local Option Taxes
• County Local Option Gas Tax
• Federal and State Grants and Loans
to. • Pay As You Go
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
r
DIVISION OF RECREATION AND PARKS BUREAU OF DESIGN AND RECREATION SERVICES PROGRAMS
The Bureau of Design and Recreation Services functions within the Division of
Parks and Recreation assist local agencies in meeting, maintaining and
enhancing public recreation opportunities by providing financial assistance to
Florida's local government leisure service agencies.
FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP)
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program is a competitive program
which provides grants for development or acquisition of land for public outdoor
recreation opportunities and are available to Florida's county governments,
incorporated municipalities and other legally constituted local governmental
entities.
�• FLORIDA GREENWAYS AND TRAILS ACQUISITION PROGRAM
The Florida Greenways and Trails Program was developed to acquire lands to
`in facilitate the establishment of a statewide system of greenways and trails. The
Florida Recreational Trails Program was created in 1979, and in 1987 the Florida
50
` OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAEILR PLAN
Rails-to-Trails Program was created to acquire abandoned railroad rights of way
and additions to the Florida National Scenic Trail for recreational purposes.
DIVISION OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES MUSEUM GRANT
The Historical Resources Museum Grant provides matching funds to assist Florida
` history museums with annual operating expenses and to support the
development of educational exhibits relating to Florida history.
RTFP
RTFP is a competitive program which provides grants for projects that provide or
maintain recreational trails. The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) of 1991 included the National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA) and
established the National Recreational Trails Funding Program (NRTFP).
FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST
` Florida Communities Trust (FCT) provides State funding for the acquisition of
community-based projects, urban open space, parks, and greenways that
` implement local government Comprehensive Plans. FCT grants are available
through the Florida Forever Act.
r
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
•
The Trust For Public Land provides grants for the protection and preservation of
land for natural, historic, cultural, and recreational purposes.
FLORIDA BOATING IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Florida Boating Improvements Program (FBIP) is administered through the
` counties, but with State funds. FBIP assists in providing boating-related
resources such as ramps, restrooms, and trailer parking.
S
51
S s
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAS I tit PLAN
CONCLUSIONS
Over the last forty years, Ocoee has systematically built a balanced park system that
addresses the passive, active, indoor, and outdoor recreational needs of the citizenry.
In order to satisfy these needs, the City should continue to expand its park system and
recreation programs offered to the community. Additionally, the City should work closely
with the private sector to further identify and provide facilities to accommodate the
special leisure-time needs of the corporate community.
This plan is to be utilized as a flexible tool that should be reviewed annually and updated
every five years to continue to reflect the unique recreational needs of the City.
a.
With the proposed additions to the park system outlined in this plan will come additional
a. maintenance and operational needs in order to best utilize, manage, and care for both the
new facilities and those that exist today. The proposed improvements contained in this
be plan will enhance the quality of life in Ocoee and help ensure that the City is able to keep
pace with the growing recreational needs of its citizens.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 BACKGROUND 3
1.2 NEED FOR IMPACT FEES 3
1.3 EXISTING RECREATION IMPACT FEES 3
1.4 AUTHORIZATION 4
SECTION TWO: BASIS FOR IMPACT FEES 5
2.1 LEGAL CRITERIA 5
2.2 REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE USE OF IMPACT FEES 7
SECTION THREE: IMPACT FEE METHODOLOGY 9
3.1 BACKGROUND 9
3.2 POPULATION PROJECTION 9
3.3 SERVICE STANDARDS 9
N O
3.4 METHODOLOGY APPROACHES 10
3.5 NEEDS ASSESSMENT 10
3.6 DISTRIBUTION OF CosTs 11
✓ 3.7 OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 11
3.8 PERSONNEL CONSIDERATIONS 11
3.9 FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 11
3.10 SPECIFIC METHODOLOGIES 12
r SECTION FOUR: POPULATION AND LAND USE 15
4.1 BACKGROUND 15
4.2 HISTORICAL COMMUNITY GROWTH 16
4.3 GROWTH PATTERNS 16
r 4.4 GENERAL POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS 21
4.5 POPULATION AND DWELLING UNIT PROJECTIONS 21
SECTION FIVE: RECREATION SERVICES 23
` 5.1 OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND 23
5.2 SERVICE ACTIVITY 23
5.3 PERSONNEL LEVELS 23
5.4 ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES 23
NO 5.5 RECREATION IMPACT FEE DETERMINATION 34
SECTION SIX: CONCLUSIONS 35
RECOMMENDED RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE RATE 35
r
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 1
r
✓ CITY OF OCOEE
r LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE COMPARISON BY COMMUNITY 8
TABLE 2 GENERALIZED PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE METHODOLOGY 14
✓ TABLE 3 1997 EXISTING POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT JPA 17
TABLE 4 YEAR 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS IN JPA 21
TABLE 5 YEAR 2020 DWELLING UNIT PROJECTIONS IN JPA 22
✓ TABLE 6 POPULATION GUIDELINES 24
TABLE 7 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE DEFICIENCIES BY 2020 25
r TABLES ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES 28
TABLE 9 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE EXISTING FACILITY INVENTORY 30
TABLE 10 CURRENT RECREATION FACILITY DEFICIENCIES 31
✓ TABLE 11 NUMBER OF ACRES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE ADOPTED LEVEL OF SERVICE 32
TABLE 12 OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECTED FACILITY NEEDS FOR 2020 33
r
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 EXISTING LAND USE MAP 18
r
FIGURE 2 FUTURE LAND USE MAP 19
r FIGURE 3 1999 AMENDED JPA 20
r
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 2
r
CITYOFOCOEE
SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
` The City of Ocoee is located in the heart of West Orange County. In 1990, Ocoee comprised
approximately 12.5 square miles and the U.S. Census Bureau count estimated the population
of Ocoee at 12,778. Since 1990, the City has population has increased 90 percent to
24,391(2000 Census), annexed more than 2,500 acres, and increased the land area to
approximately 16.4 square miles. Large tracts of developable land, excellent quality of life,
proximity to employment centers and area attractions among other amenities will continue to
�. make Ocoee an attractive area for residential and employment growth.
1.2 NEED FOR IMPACT FEES
During the past several years, many local governments have been faced with the problem of
funding significant infrastructure improvements necessitated by rapid growth. In order for
i communities to maintain historical levels of service, sizable capital expenditures must be made
to support operations. The combined need to construct facilities, purchase equipment, and add
manpower to operational budgets has outstripped the financial abilities of both small and large
communities.
Local governments in Florida have used impact fees to help off-set the cost capital facilities and
•
equipment caused by rapid growth. Impact fees are a one-time charge imposed on new
i development as a means of contribution toward the proportionate cost of new public facilities
and equipment necessary to maintain adequate level of service standards within a community.
The purpose of the impact fee is to impose growth-related capital costs to those users creating
.., the need for such costs. Thus, not to impose a financial burden upon existing residents.
Ocoee currently imposes impact fees for roadways, police, fire, recreation, water, and
wastewater to assist in maintaining adequate public facilities within the City.
i
1.3 EXISTING RECREATION IMPACT FEES
•
The Mayor and City Commissioners adopted Ocoee's first Recreational Park Facilities Impact
Fee Ordinance in April 1989, as Ordinance 89-14 (the "Ordinance"). The Ordinance was
updated in July of 1990 to revise the fee schedule for Community and Neighborhood
Recreational Park Impact Fees. The Ordinance is section-based and divided the City into three
Neighborhood Park impact fee areas; North East, North West, and South. The impact fee
differs for each of the areas.
Over the past several years, the City has experienced substantial increases in service
requirements for the Recreation Department. This increase in service requirements caused the
Recreation Department to share its responsibilities with the Public Works Department. The
.. Recreation Department administers a multitude of programs and coordinates special events
while the Public Works Department maintains the park facilities.
Ocoee is meeting the basic needs within the current framework of the existing Ordinance.
However, based on unprecedented growth and population projections, the Ordinance will not
produce revenue sufficient to continue to meet the City's needs in the future. Recreational
i
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 3
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CITY OF OCOEE
facilities and equipment are now being utilized near capacity levels, and the City anticipates that
additional significant capital expenditures will be necessary in the future to maintain historical
service standards.
Since the inception of the Ordinance through 2000, the City has collected $1,325,670 in
recreation impact fees. During this period, impact fees have been used to help offset the cost
.. of providing recreation facilities for new residential development. The fees collected have been
used to pay debt service, finance additional recreation facilities for existing parks, acquisition of
property for new parks, and provide recreation facilities for new parks. The City currently has
$647,500 in the recreation and open space impact fee account. These funds are used to pay
for capital items and to help service capital improvement bonds. A significant portion of the
account balance will be used this year to pay for the new aquatic center at the Beech
Recreation Center and pay the debt service.
Based on a survey of 17 cities in the tri county area, Ocoee is the only City to assess a section-
based recreation impact fee. The Cities surveyed assess recreation impact fees one of three
ways—by the type of dwelling unit (i.e., single-family, multi-family or mobile home), the number
of bedrooms, or per dwelling unit. Staff recommends that the amended Ordinance abolish the
section-based recreation impact fee and instead assess one City-wide fee per dwelling unit.
1.4 AUTHORIZATION
The Ordinance established the framework for periodic review of the impact fee schedule, as the
City Commissioners deems necessary to reflect changes in growth patterns within the City.
Periodically adjusting the impact fee will assist in obtaining the capital necessary to acquire
additional parks and open space lands and provide additional recreation facilities to meet the
needs generated by new residential development. This study is based on the Ocoee Parks and
Open Space Master Plan and is intended to provide the necessary data and analysis needed to
update the Parks and Open Space Impact Fee Ordinance. This study will explore the basis for
Impact Fees, Impact Fee Methodology, Population and Land Use, Recreation Services, and
Conclusions.
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CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 4
` CITY OF OCOEE
as
SECTION TWO: BASIS FOR IMPACT FEES
2.1 LEGAL CRITERIA
In Florida, three landmark court cases serve as the primary basis for setting impact fees and
administering the way in which moneys are utilized. These legal citations are as follows:
• Contractors and Builders Association of Pinellas County v. City of Dunedin 329 So. 2d 314
(Fla. 1976);
• Hollywood, Inc. v. Broward County 431 So. 2d 606 (Fla. 4th DCA), cert. denied, 440 So. 2d
352 (Fla. 1983); and
• Home Builders and Contractors' Association of Palm Beach County v. Board of County
Commissioners of Palm Beach County, 446 So. 2d 140 (Fla. App. 4th DCA 1983).
.. Florida statutes do not specifically govern impact fees. These cases are used as precedents to
enable local governments to levy fees for specific capital needs caused by growth. Such fees
are limited to those services where a direct relationship can be shown between the amount
,. charged and proportionate public facilities received.
In addition to Florida case law, there are numerous landmark cases that have been heard in
other states which also help guide the administration of impact fees. A summary of significant
legal criteria which is used to develop Ocoee's Parks and Open Space Impact Fee is as follows:
"RATIONAL NEXUS" TEST
There must be a reasonable relationship or connection between community growth generated
by new development and the need for additional facilities to accommodate that growth. In
addition, the expenditure of any funds collected from new development must bear a reasonable
•. relationship to the resulting benefits which accrue to that development.
WINDFALLS
,N The system of impact fees should be set up to ensure that there is no intentional windfall of
revenue to benefit existing residents or users. New users should pay only their proportionate
share of any new facilities which benefit the entire community.
IMPROVEMENTS TO SERVICE LEVELS
New users can not be required to pay to correct existing service capacity deficiencies unless all
users pay an equitable proportion of the cost.
EXCESS CAPACITY
Impact fee funds collected for new facilities and equipment must only be used to cover the
�. costs of increased capacity necessary to reasonably satisfy the incremental service needs
caused by growth. If excess service capacity is planned, which will benefit other existing or
future users, another revenue source or payment method must be used to support the extra
costs.
• CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 5
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CITY OF OCOEE
OPERATIONAL COSTS
•
Impact fees must only be used for capital facilities and equipment costs. Continuing operational
and maintenance costs must be derived from other sources. Typically maintenance costs for
` capital facilities and equipment are paid for from general revenue funds.
TRUST FUNDS
Revenue generated by impact fees must be set aside in specific trust funds to ensure that
moneys collected are properly accounted for and used for the lawful purposes in which they
were intended.
` UNIQUENESS PRINCIPAL
Impact fee rates must be established based upon the unique physical and economic attributes
of individual communities. Each local government is required to analyze its own development
and projected growth-related needs within the context of historical service levels leading to
impact fees specifically tailored to fit those requirements.
CREDITS
To ensure that new development does not pay twice for community facilities, consideration
should be given to how new development has possibly contributed to the payment of existing
facilities and how it will potentially contribute to the payment of future capital improvements.
OFF-SETTING CONTRIBUTIONS
Large-scale projects typically provide certain on or off-site capital improvements which may limit
the extent of impacts created or eliminate the impacts generated by the development. Impact
fee ordinances are generally structured to permit individual review of such cases to ensure that
` impact fees are reduced or eliminated in recognition of off-setting contributions.
EXTRAORDINARY COSTS
In situations where capital facilities or acquisitions are proportionately greater than normal, due
to unique circumstances, extraordinary costs may be passed on to selected users. Where
specific facilities or equipment is required to maintain service standards for a particular user,
group of users, or area, impact fees may be adjusted to reflect that need. Many communities
.o, establish specific "benefit zones" to more equitably apportion capital costs based upon similar
needs.
SUFFICIENCY OF BENEFIT
Impact fees must be expended in a manner which reasonably benefits the contributors.
Depending upon the type of fee and the capital facilities provided, a rational relationship must
be established between the contribution made and the benefit received. Typically, distance is
tie
used as the main determinant of benefit with the assumption that the farther an improvement is
from the user, the less substantial the relationship. In some cases, impact fee improvements
must be constructed in close proximity to a development to ensure sufficiency of benefit. For
other types of impact fees, it is sufficient to demonstrate community-wide benefit which also
favorably impacts the contributing development. As with extraordinary costs, "benefit zones"
may be established for certain types of improvements to ensure that funds are expended in
"s close proximity to the contributors.
TIMING OF EXPENDITURES
.. It is important to establish a capital improvements program which provides for expenditure of
funds within a reasonable time frame of when the moneys are collected. The greater the time
period between collection and actual expenditure of funds, the less likely that reasonable
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 6
CITY OF OCOEE
relationship may be demonstrated. Even though there are no specific guidelines, many
communities limit the expenditure of funds to a six-year period from time of collection to
correspond to their general Capital Improvements Program. Any funds which have remained in
as the trust fund of more than six years are typically refunded with interest to the fee payer or
successor in title.
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
A.
The basic requirement of a legally defensible impact fee ordinance is its "fairness".
Communities which have gone to all reasonable lengths to ensure that impact fees have been
imposed in an equitable and pragmatic manner have the least likelihood of being challenged in
court. It is important to consider 'fairness" aspects not only within the methodology used to
establish the impact fees, but also within the actual ordinance itself which establishes the
manner in which fees will be administered.
2.2 REGIONAL AND STATEWIDE USE OF IMPACT FEES
It is important to recognize the regional and statewide use of recreation and open space impact
fees. By understanding the extent of impact fee usage and the individual associated costs, a
more reasonable basis may be established to help guide the development of fees in Ocoee.
,. Even though impact fee usage is based upon the unique characteristics of each community, it
may be assumed that fees levied for the same purposes at rates similar to those imposed in
• comparably sized areas would be less likely to be challenged.
City Staff recently conducted a telephone survey of 17 cities in a tri-county area composing of
Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. Of the 17 communities polled, 11 impose a type of
Parks and Open Space Impact Fee. Table 1 provides a detailed comparison of the specific
fees charged in each of these communities. Based upon the information presented, it is
apparent that there is a sizable range of fees imposed depending upon the specific
circumstances of each community. Of the 11 cities that impose a parks and open space impact
ids fee, only two of the cities assess the fee based on the type of residential unit. Ocoee is the only
community that uses a section-based fee system and the City of Oviedo assesses the fee
• based on the number of bedrooms per dwelling unit. Six of the remaining seven cities assess
Y. the fee on a per dwelling unit basis. The average recreation and open space impact fee
assessed for the 11 cities is $296.15 per dwelling unit. The highest impact fee is $397 per unit
(City of Oviedo) and the lowest is $210 per dwelling unit (City of Ocoee). Overall Ocoee's
r, Parks and Open Space Impact Fee is the lowest in the tri-county area. Thus, exists the need to
conduct an impact fee study and revise the impact fee accordingly.
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CI IY of OCOEE-PARKS B OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PACE 7
ism
CITY OF OCOEE
TABLE 1
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE COMPARISON
BY COMMUNITY
es COUNTY/CITY RECREATION IMPACT FEES
UNITS OF MEASURE OCOEE(AREA) NE NW S
WINTER GARDEN(TYPE) SF MF MH
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS(TYPE) SF MF
es
OVIEDO(# BDR.) UP TO 2BDR. 3 BDR. +
ORANGE COUNTY
APOPKA 241.05/DU
BELLE ISLE N/A
MAITLAND N/A
OAKLAND 350/DU
OCOEE 222/DU 216/DU 210/Du
ORLANDO N/A
WINTER GARDEN 320 285 215
WINTER PARK N/A
an
OSCEOLA COUNTY
KISSIMMEE 300/DU
JIM
ST. CLOUD 220/DU
SEMINOLE COUNTY
as ALTAMONTE SPRINGS 311.21 334.71
CASSELBERRY 390/DU
LAKE MARY 335/Du
LONGWOOD N/A
OVIEDO 288/DU 397/DU
tio SANFORD 297.61 /DU
WINTER SPRINGS N/A
so
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE
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CITY OF OCOEE
SECTION THREE: IMPACT FEE METHODOLOGY
3.1 BACKGROUND
Numerous methods are used to determine the proportionate or fair share impact fee rates to be
imposed on new development within a community. Generally, the complexity of the analysis
and rate formulation is related to the size of the community. The needs analysis of a large
r county may be more involved than that of a small city. Nonetheless, the same basic legal
tenants must be considered, although to a more limited degree, as community size diminishes.
The following points identify the major assumptions and approaches used in the development of
this Parks and Open Space Impact Fee analysis. Most methodology considerations are
applicable to any type of impact fee determination; however, many assumptions have been
tailored to fit Ocoee's unique circumstances and accelerated pattern of growth. It is the intent
to develop a methodology which is straight forward and easy to administer.
r 3.2 POPULATION PROJECTION
Regardless of the approach taken to formulate impact fee rates, a basic starting point is the
determination of an optimum horizon year population projection to which growth may be
projected. Typically, a ten to twenty year time frame is utilized to ensure that capital
improvement needs and costs are apportioned over a suitable growth segment.
✓ Impact fee rates established by this study are based upon a twenty-year planning period, which
is consistent with comprehensive planning periods and other impact fee studies. To ensure that
there is a reasonable benefit demonstrated to those who were the initial contributors, a portion
✓ of the moneys collected will typically be expended within five to six years from collection.
Population projection techniques vary from simple arithmetic extrapolations of historical growth
` rates to complex formulas which project increases based upon numerous growth indicators. To
ensure consistency and credibility, it is preferable to use projections contained within Ocoee's
Comprehensive Plan, Ocoee's Master Transportation Plan, other impact fee studies, and
Census data.
For the purposes of this study, it is presumed that the residential and growth projections
generated for the Ocoee Transportation Master Plan, Road Impact Fee Update, and 2000
Census data are the best available forecast of residential growth for Ocoee. The growth
projections developed in the studies were a result of a comprehensive inventory of developed
and undeveloped land within the Ocoee Joint Planning Area. These projections were found to
▪ be consistent with Ocoee's Comprehensive Plan and have been used by other regional
agencies for long range planning studies.
S. 3.3 SERVICE STANDARDS
The standard by which a community measures its effectiveness in maintaining a certain degree
` of performance is called Level of Service (LOS). Various types of LOS standards are used
based on the type of capital improvements planned. The State of Florida requires communities
to adopt specific LOS standards for such things as roadways, drainage, wastewater, water, and
OTY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 9
CITY OF OCOEE
recreation facilities, among others, as part of their Comprehensive Plan. Typically, the same
LOS standard would be used as the basis for measurement for any related impact fee rate
study and was used as the basis for th Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan.
The State of Florida does not mandate a specific or minimum LOS standard for recreation
services. Thus, the current LOS standards used by a community for this service has been used
era as the basis of measurement. The LOS for a particular type of function can be raised if a
community believes its standards fall below an acceptable norm; however, the elimination of
any deficiencies proportionate to existing development within the community would need to be
paid from sources other than impact fees. For the purposes of this study, it is presumed that
Ocoee will maintain the historic level of service standard.
In addition to the adopted LOS acreage-based standard, the City used two other measures to
project the City's future recreation needs in the Parks and Open Space Master Plan: Parks and
Open Space Guidelines and Activity Based Recreation Guidelines. The Parks and Open Space
Guidelines and Activity Based Recreation Guidelines were used as a supplement to the LOS
standard and establish a set of general criteria for determining the amount and types of park land
and outdoor recreation facilities necessary to accommodate the recreational needs of Ocoee.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) recommends that communities use
�. national and state parks and open space guidelines and outdoor recreation guidelines as a
starting point and to address local needs.
•
▪ 3.4 METHODOLOGY APPROACHES
Even though there are numerous methods utilized for the calculation of impact fees, the
Standards-Driven and Improvements-Driven approaches are used most frequently. As with any
methodology, both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. In many cases, impact
fee methodology actually uses both methods to determine charges, but relies on one approach
more than the other depending upon the type of impact fee and the base data available.
✓ A Standards-Driven approach is used when it is more difficult to project specific capital needs to
maintain service standards over time. The Impact Fee determination is based instead on the
gar theoretical proportionate share of the cost for capital improvements necessary to accommodate
incremental growth. Rates may be based on the historical capital investment made to support
• current service levels, projections of need based upon theoretical increments of future capital
▪ costs, or a combination of the two. This approach provides a significant amount of
administrative flexibility, although it is important to ensure that the types of capital facilities and
equipment acquired correspond to appropriate improvements to LOS standards provided.
r
An Improvements-Driven approach is used when it is relatively easy to project specific capital
improvements which will be necessary to maintain the service standards of the community over
time. It is also valuable in cases where projected capital costs to accommodate new growth are
disproportionately higher than historical capital investment rates. This approach is relatively
easy to administer and provides a direct relationship between community needs and the fees
charged to acquire appropriate facilities or equipment.
3.5 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
▪ Regardless of the type of method used to calculate an impact fee, it is necessary to inventory
existing facilities and equipment to determine community investment relative to current
development. The inventory also forms the basis to assess future needs. The inventory
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS S OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 10
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CITY OF OCOEE
conducted for this study is based on the Parks data contained in the Parks and Open Space
Master Plan.
his The inventory of capital items typically includes land and buildings used for activities, all general
administrative and operational equipment, recreation facilities and vehicles. This inventory
would not include items which require periodic replacement or minor equipment items with a
r useful life of less than three years. All capital items are estimated at their current replacement
values.
Based upon an analysis of existing facilities and equipment and how these capital items are
used in relation to various service standards, it is possible to project with some accuracy the
future capital needs of the community caused by anticipated growth.
` 3.6 DISTRIBUTION OF COSTS
In order to more equitably distribute the costs of growth relative to the impacts generated, some
▪ apportionment between different types of users is generally desirable. Depending upon the
type of impact fee and the size of the community, this apportionment may range from individual
fees for a wide variety of land uses to a simpler split between residential and non-residential
✓ uses. Typically, residential apportionment's are based upon the number of dwelling units within
that category, and non-residential apportionment's are based upon the square footage of the
structures situated within this category. These ratios are, in turn, related to projected
community growth to the horizon year of the study period.
Typically, commercial development is exempt from recreation and open space impact fees.
Thus, is not necessary to consider non-residential growth in this impact fee analysis. For the
` purposes of this study, only single family, multi-family, and mobile homes will be included in the
analysis.
` 3.7 OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Impact fee rate determinations are based primarily on the ability of the community to maintain
.. the same LOS as historically provided which requires an understanding of the operational
aspects of the Recreation Department. Service is dependent upon the ability of the City to
• reasonably respond to particular needs created by new residential growth.
3.8 PERSONNEL CONSIDERATIONS
The Recreation Department has a permanent staff of eleven full-time positions and ten
permanent part-time positions. A part-time summer staff composed of Recreation Aides is
necessary to administer additional programs for the children out of school for the summer.
` 3.9 FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
For the purposes of this study, it is presumed that there is no excess operating capacity
available within the Recreation Department. In addition, the remaining impact fees are
committed to projects. In order to expand services, added capital expenditures will be
necessary. Without the use of impact fees to help fund the added costs caused by growth,
✓ existing residents would otherwise be required to pay an increased and disproportionate
amount of taxes to support these development related needs.
I CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 11
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CINOFOLOEE
New residential development, to a large degree, will benefit from the existing capital facilities
and equipment historically provided by the City of Ocoee. All the existing resources within the
City are immediately available to the new residents in the new growth areas. Alternatively, any
new facilities paid by new growth will be available to help serve existing development. This type
of overlapping service is inherent with community-wide services provided by parks, open space
• and recreation facilities.
To maintain the LOS in new growth areas will require the community to incur substantial capital
costs over time which otherwise would be unnecessary if growth had not occurred. Thus, it is
assumed that no credits should be considered for overlapping services areas, nor should future
new growth taxes be presumed to support any additional capital expenditures beyond those
specifically being funded by impact fees.
` To the extent that any additional capital facilities are acquired in the future which improve LOS
city-wide, it is presumed that new growth will pay its proportionate share through general
taxation. In no case shall new growth be required to pay twice for any proportionate share of
community facilities provided. It is also presumed that costs associated with providing parks
and open space and recreation services to persons who do not reside in the community are
shared equitably as part of an existing agreement with Orange County.
The time/value aspects of money, in theory, also have some potential credit implications when
• developing impact fee rates. This concept assumes that, due to inflation, money collected
today is worth more than the same amount collected in the future. Accordingly, the assumption
is that funds should be prorated or discounted by some percentage to create an equitable fee.
` In reality, costs for capital facilities and equipment generally rise faster than inflation. This can
be especially true where extraordinary costs are incurred due to circumstances beyond the
control of the community. Rather than attempt to estimate future costs of capital items, impact
fee rates are established based upon current needs and prices using the assumption that
` interest on collected funds will hopefully keep up with escalating costs. Thus, it is important for
the City to review impact fee rates periodically and adjust them based upon the actual growth
rate experienced and revised costs for facilities. This approach will help ensure that all
contributors are paying an equitable proportion of new facility costs over time.
3.10 SPECIFIC METHODOLOGIES
a
As previously mentioned, there are many approaches that may be utilized to determine the
proportionate share of impact fees. For a community such as Ocoee, it is important to evaluate
only substantial components of change to develop a rate formula that is valid, yet direct and
unencumbered by data of limited value. Table 2 identifies the general determinations which
were and continue to be used to evaluate the Parks and Open Space Impact Fee Ordinance
and corresponding impact fee rate.
In addition, the Ocoee Parks and Open Space Master Plan (the "Master Plan"), was used as
the foundation for this Impact Fee Study. The Master Plan focuses on the long-range
recreational land area and equipment needs of Ocoee residents. It contains an inventory of
existing facilities and long-range population projections for the entire Ocoee-Orange County
• Joint Planning Area, not just the City limits. Area-wide population estimates were used to avoid
unintended duplications in the provision of parks and to contemplate the impact of future
annexations. The Master Plan is consistent with the data and analysis requirements of Chapter
163.3177 6 (e), Florida Statutes.
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 12
W CRY OF OCOEE
The premise of the section-based Parks and Open Space Impact Fee Ordinance is that certain
areas of the City will experience more growth than other areas and will require more parks and
facilities. However, since the inception of the Ordinance, the City has experienced tremendous
growth and growth has occurred in areas of the City sooner than anticipated. In addition, most
of the revenues generated from the impact fee were used to upgrade and create new
Community Parks (i.e., Beech Recreation Center). Community Parks are available to the entire
population, not just one neighborhood or section. The City of Ocoee is a relatively small
community where most neighborhood and community park service areas overlap, thus Staff
recommends amending the Ordinance to abolish the three sections and create one Community-
` wide impact fee for the entire City. Adopting a Community-wide parks and open space impact
fee would permit the City the ability and flexibility to use impact fee revenues in areas of the
City experiencing growth sooner than anticipated. It also takes into account existing un-funded
deficiencies that have been carried over from the last impact fee update that are the result of
new growth.
r
r
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 13
r CITY OF OCOEE
✓ TABLE 2
GENERALIZED PARK AND OPEN SPACE
IMPACT FEE METHODOLOGY
TASK
• INVENTORY THE EXISTING RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE FACILITIES.
r • PROJECT THE ACREAGE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE ADOPTED RECREATION AND OPEN
SPACE LOS STANDARD BASED ON THE POPULATION PROJECTION FOR THE PLANNING AREA
FOR 2020.
r • PROJECT THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF RECREATION FACILITIES NEEDS BASED ON OCOEE'S
RECREATIONAL GUIDELINES AND POPULATION ESTIMATE FOR THE PLANNING PERIOD.
r • DETERMINE THE EXISTING SURPLUSES AND/OR DEFICIENCIES WHICH MAY EXIST RELATIVE TO
THE ADOPTED ACREAGE-BASED LOS STANDARD AND ESTABLISHED RECREATION GUIDELINES.
• DETERMINE THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE ADOPTED RECREATION
r AND OPEN SPACE ACREAGE-BASED LOS STANDARD AND FACILITY NEEDS BASED ON THE
RECREATIONAL GUIDELINES.
• DETERMINE THE PROJECTED POPULATION FOR THE PLANNING AREA THROUGH THE PLANNING
✓ PERIOD(2020).
• INVENTORY THE EXISTING DEVELOPABLE RESIDENTIAL LAND WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA.
• DETERMINE THE PROJECTED NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS TO BE ADDED TO THE CITY
THROUGH THE PLANNING PERIOD BASED ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS AND LAND USE
ENTITLEMENTS.
• DETERMINE THE COST OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE ADOPTED
LOS STANDARD ESTABLISHED BY RECREATIONAL GUIDELINES.
• ESTIMATE THE PER ACRE COST OF LAND REQUIRED TO MEET THE ADOPTED ACREAGE-BASED
LOS STANDARD.
r • COMPARE THE PROJECTED COSTS IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING IMPACT FEE.
• EVALUATE THE CURRENT SECTION-BASED IMPACT FEE STRUCTURE AND RECOMMEND AN
ALTERNATIVE
• COMPARE THE PROJECTED IMPACT FEE RATE TO RATES ASSESSED BY SIMILAR COMMUNITIES.
Ir • DEVELOP AN EQUITABLE IMPACT FEE RATE WHICH CONSIDERS ALL STUDY PARAMETERS.
its
tio
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 14
am
CITY OF OCOEE
SECTION FOUR: POPULATION AND LAND USE
4.1 BACKGROUND
The population projection through the planning period forms the basis from which growth is
determined. A corresponding projection of land necessary to support the anticipated population
.. forms the basis for determination of numbers of dwelling units related to operational
requirements. It is important to project these growth determinants as accurately as possible to
ensure that impact fee rates are realistic and equitable.
In 1994, the City and Orange County entered into a Joint Planning Area Agreement (JPAA).
The Joint Planning Area was mutually agreed to and based on the logical extension of the City
for the following 20 years. This Agreement permits the City to annex all areas within the Joint
` Planning Area (JPA) without objection from the County, provided it meets the State criteria for
annexation. Accordingly, the City plans for its future growth (the "planning period") for the
entire JPA. Thus, the population and dwelling unit projections used in the study are based on
the area contained within the JPA, not just the City limits. Planning for the entire JPA permits
the City the ability to: avoid the duplication of services, and more accurately estimate the cost
for providing services in the future.
►
Typically, the use of projections contained within the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan would be
used for this exercise; however, the data used to develop this analysis was based upon 1987
., population estimated by BEBR in the, Florida Estimates of Population and projected to the year
2010. In order to derive the best data and population projections, in 1997 the Ocoee Planning
Department projected population and employment growth to the year 2020 for the entire Ocoee
Joint Planning Area. These projections were the result of a comprehensive review of numerous
data sources related to population and employment, including:
• A DETERMINATION OF FUTURE ZONING AND PERMITTED USES, CONSISTENT WITH THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE
OCOEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, INCLUDING PERMITTED DENSIITES;
• AN INVENTORY OF ALL UNDEVELOPED LAND;
►
• AN INVENTORY OF ALL WETLANDS, FLOODPLAINS AND CONSERVATION AREAS;
► • AN INVENTORY OF ALL APPROVED AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS, SUBDIVISION PLANS AND PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENTS(PUDs);
•
• • INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERS(ITE) DATA;
►
• TRENDS IN POPULATION GROWTH;AND
► • CONSULTATION WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD (FOR FUTURE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND
CONSTRUCTION).
Where possible, the 1997 employment and population data was updated using the 2000
Census population estimate for Ocoee.
►
►
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 15
✓ CITY OF OCOEE
4.2 HISTORICAL COMMUNITY GROWTH
Ocoee is one of the fastest developing communities in Central Florida, with recent growth rates
greater than that of both Orange County and the entire metropolitan region. From 1980 to
1990, the City experienced a population growth rate of 64 percent, roughly equivalent to that of
✓ the metropolitan area. However, between 1990 and 1995 the City's population grew from just
under 13,000 to approximately 18,500, an increase of 45 percent. This five year growth rate
was almost three times that of both Orange County and the entire metropolitan area, which had
population growth rates of 12 and 14 percent. Over the same time period, employment in
Ocoee grew from just under 5,400 to almost 6,800, a 25 percent increase. This compares to
population employment growth rates of 15 and 17 percent in Orange County and the Orlando
metropolitan area.
r
Subsequent to 1995, the City's population has grown at an even faster rate. According to a
voter redistricting study conducted for the City in June of 1997, Ocoee's population was
., estimated at just over 21,000, almost 14 percent larger than it was two years earlier. Four
years later, the 2000 Census population figures were released, which estimated Ocoee,
population to be 24,391—an increase of 16 percent for the subsequent three years. Ocoee's
✓ phenomenal growth in relation to Orange County and the region is driven by both the availability
of inexpensive developable land and easy access to other regional activity centers.
Historically, the City of Ocoee's economy was predominately agriculture, livestock and related
✓ activities. However, the series of crop freezes in the 1980s virtually eliminated Ocoee's status
as an agricultural center. The subsequent abundance of developable land, coupled with
excellent access to regional transportation facilities, paved the way for rapid residential growth
within the City. In addition to its role as a suburban community serving major employment
centers such as downtown Orlando and Disney, Ocoee has also experienced growth in
commercial, service and industrial land uses, as evidenced by the recent opening of the West
✓ Oaks Mall and Health Central Hospital.
4.3 GROWTH PATTERNS
r
A majority of Ocoee's population has historically been located in a relatively small geographic
area oriented toward the City's traditional center along Bluford Avenue. This area is roughly
` defined by White Road to the south, Clarcona-Ocoee Road to the north, Bowness Road and
Bluford Avenue to the west, and Clarke Road to the east. Subsequent to this traditional
residential development pattern, a shift toward the northeast occurred along Silver Star Road
(SR 438), Apopka Vineland Road, and A.D. Mims Road in the form of new subdivisions. More
recently, the extension of Clarke Road from SR 50 to Clarcona-Ocoee Road has spurred a
significant portion of the City's new subdivision construction. Another significant source of
recent population growth in Ocoee has been the construction of new subdivisions along
Maguire Road to the south, between Tomyn and Roberson Roads.
Although the residential development patterns in Ocoee have traditionally consisted of single
r family homes, more multi-family developments are anticipated to occur. Recent estimates by
the Ocoee Planning Department place the 1997 population of the Ocoee/Orange County Joint
Planning Area (JPA) at just over 35,000. This population consisted of approximately 10,736
.. single family residential units and 967 multi family units. The 1997 Ocoee JPA is shown on
Figure 1, which is Ocoee's Existing Land Use Map as depicted in the Comprehensive Plan.
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 16
r
e CITY OF OCOEE
Employment in Ocoee was traditionally supported by citrus, cattle and other activities related to
agriculture, as well as small businesses in and around the town's historic center offering goods
and services to the local population. As residential land uses have begun to rapidly replace
previously agricultural land uses, employment in the City has grown as well, although at a
lesser rate. The evolution of SR 50 into a major commercially oriented roadway has been a
major source of this growth. Commercial centers have begun to develop where north-south
roads, such as Maguire Road, intersect with SR 50. This growth continues to occur along the
SR 50 corridor, highlighted by the opening in 1996 of the West Oaks Mall, a regional shopping
center at the intersection of Clarke Road. The West Oaks Mall has a market area which
extends throughout much of Central Florida, including Lake and Orange counties.
w
In addition, Health Central Hospital, a regional health care facility, opened just west of the mall
on SR 50. West of the town's center, along Story Road and Bowness Road, the City has
developed a relatively strong industrial base, highlighted by such businesses as the Central
Florida Auto Auction, and SYSCO, a food distributor. A commercial activity center has recently
developed at the intersection of Clarke Road and Silver Star Road, with the opening of two
to
shopping centers in recent years. A summary of estimated population and employment
characteristics in the Ocoee /Orange County Joint Planning Area is shown in Table 3.
TABLE3
1997 EXISTING POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT
OCOEE/ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
AREA 1980 1990 CHANGE 1997 CHANGE
•
POPULATION
OCOEE 7,803 12,788 64% 35,105" 175%
ORANGE COUNTY 470,865 677,491 44% 777,556 15%
es, METRO AREA 739,058 1,224,844 66% 1,428,620 17%
EMPLOYMENT
OCOEE N/A 6,534 N/A 8,892` 36%
ORANGE COUNTY N/A 350,953 N/A 515,412 47%
METRO AREA N/A 612,750 N/A 729,583 19%
r
SOURCE. OCOEE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1997.
*THE OCOEE AREA,AS IT PERTAINS TO 1997 POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDES PORTIONS OF UNINCORPORATED
ORANGE COUNTY. (1980 AND 1990 ESTIMATES INCLUDE ONLY THE CITY)
Ss
•
ima
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 17
1 , FIGURE 1
ExistingMap Land Use 1997
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Prepa-a6m d Ills document was aided through fn rdal assistance received from the State ofCO
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for any errors cr omissions contained be-eon. Created by:Ocoee Planning Department with assistance from the Information Systems Department
IFIGURE 3
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is
CITY OF OCOEE
4.4 GENERAL POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS
The historic growth discussed in the previous sections demonstrates Ocoee's substantial
increases in population and employment over the last several years. It is projected that the
same growth patterns will continue in the future as depicted on the Future Land Use Map of the
Comprehensive Plan (Figure 2). Although, most near-term residential growth is anticipated to
continue to occur in the northeast, northwest, and southern sections of the City, with the
completion of the Western Expressway and the extension of Orange County utilities in the
northern portion of the JPA.
As mentioned previously, the projections were the result of a comprehensive review of
numerous data sources related to population and employment, including: future zoning and
permitted uses, the Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Open Space master Plan, an
inventory of all undeveloped land, an inventory of all wetlands, floodplains and conservation
areas, an inventory of all approved and proposed developments, subdivision plans and planned
unit developments (PUDs), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) data, trends in
` population growth, information provided by the Orange County School Board (for future school
enrollment and construction) and 2000 Census data. The results of the data analysis and
individual forecasts for population and employment are discussed below.
4.5 POPULATION AND DWELLING UNIT PROJECTIONS
Since the inception of the JPAA in 1994, the original JPA Map has been amended three times;
via the 1st , 3ra & 4th Amendments to the JPAA, the 2nd Amendment was a text change to the
JPA. The 3id Amendment to the JPA added property in the northeast portion of the existing
JPA and removed property from both the eastern and southwestern portions of the JPA. The
boundary change to the JPA also resulted in a change in the 1997 population projections for
2005, 2010, and 2020. In addition, the JPA was again amended in January of 2001 with the
` City's purchase of the Coke Property. The 4'" amendment to the JPA resulted in changes to
land uses to the JPA Map which resulted in a reduction of population in the northwestern area
of the JPA (Figure 3). The net result is a decrease in the anticipated population projections for
the balance of the planning period. The initial 2020 population projection, based on the original
JPA, was 75,918. The revised 2020 population projection for the amended JPA is 68,200, a
difference of 7,718. The population projections used in the Parks and Open Space Master Plan
were revised and reflect the changes in the 3r° & 41h Amendments to the JPAA. Accordingly,
the revised population and dwelling unit projections are used in this study as well. The results
of the Ocoee population projections for 1997 and 2020 can be seen in Table 4.
r TABLE 4
YEAR 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS
OCOEE/ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
AREA
POPULATION 1997 2020 CHANGE
OCOEE 35,105* 68,200— 94%
L. ORANGE COUNTY 777,556 1,231,100 58%
METRO AREA 1,428,620 2,078,400 45%
SOURCE:OCOEE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1997.
Ss 'THE OCOEE AREA,AS IT PERTAINS TO 1997 POPULATION PROJECTIONS
"THE OCOEE AREA,AS IT PERTAINS TO THE 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS,BASED ON THE 34°8 d"AMENDMENTS TO THE JPA.
r
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 21
Cm OF OCOEE
Based on the projections in Table 4, the majority of the population growth will occur in the north
and south portions of the study area. The most dynamic growth areas are located along the
Clarcona-Ocoee Road, Clarke Road, Ocoee-Apopka Road and Maguire Road corridors, while
pockets of population growth are also projected to occur adjacent to SR 50, and Old Winter
Garden Road. The prevailing pattern of single family subdivisions will likely continue into the
future. However, some growth will occur in multi-family residences as well.
Based on the 1990 census data, BEBR's 1997 population estimate and the inventory of existing
land uses, Ocoee has an average of 3.03 persons per single family dwelling unit and 1.72
.. persons per multi-family dwelling unit. Assuming that these historic numbers will remain
consistent into the future, the number of future dwelling units were projected using the amount
of available developable land, permitted densities (using existing zoning, the Comprehensive
` Plan and Land Development Code), known permitted subdivisions, Planned Unit Developments
(PUD's) and Development of Regional Impacts (DRI's). The projected number of dwelling units
are shown in Table 5 below.
TABLE 5
YEAR 2020 DWELLING UNIT PROJECTIONS
_ OCOEE/ORANGE COUNTY JOINT PLANNING AREA
AREA 1997 2020 CHANGE
SINGLE FAMILY 10,736* 20,963" 10,227
MULTI-FAMILY 967 4,436 3,460
TOTAL 11,703 25,399 13,687
SOURCE:OCOEE PLANNING DEPARTMENT, 1997
'THE OCOEE AREA,AS IT PERTAINS TO 1997 POPULATION PROJECTIONS
y •'THE OCOEE AREA,AS IT PERTAINS TO THE 2020 POPULATION PROJECTIONS,BASED ON THE 39O&4'."AMENDMENTS TO THE JPA.
The 1997 dwelling units projections used in this study are based on the data collected for the
` Ocoee Transportation Master Plan (1998), the data used for the Transportation Master Plan
was gathered in 1997 and included projections for portions of unincorporated Orange County,
but within the Ocoee-Orange County Joint Planning Area (JPA). As the City can assemble the
data need to update the number of building permits issued for single-and-multi-family dwelling
units since 1997, this cannot be easily done for those portions of unincorporated Orange
County within the JPA. Therefore, the 1997 dwelling unit projections have been utilized for this
study.
OS
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 22
Gin'OF OCOEF
SECTION FIVE: RECREATION SERVICES
• 5.1 OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Recreation Department works closely with the community and the Recreation Advisory
Committee in assessing current and future recreation needs and wants of the community. The
primary goal of the Recreation Department is to deliver the highest quality facilities and
programs available. For example, the Department uses independent instructors which are
qualified in their field of expertise for the various programs offered by the Recreation
Department. The Recreation Department is divided into two divisions; the Recreation Division
and the Athletic Division. Each Division's supervisor is responsible for the operation of each
activity within their division. The supervision and coordination of special events is a shared
responsibility of the Recreation Staff. In addition to Recreation Staff, other City departments
▪ contribute their assistance for special events on an as needed basis.
5.2 SERVICE ACTIVITY
Most of the Recreation Department's programs are initiated within the City boundaries and are
offered to citizens from Ocoee and the surrounding communities. Participants ages range from
three and four year olds in the Tiny Tot program to senior citizens in the West Orange Senior
` Citizens Association. Programs are offered seven days a week, during the workday and
evening hours until approximately 10:00 p.m. The number of participants per program range
from three or four to over 400 in the adult softball program. The after school and summer day
camp programs are only offered to City residents. All other programs are offered to Ocoee
residents as well as citizens from surrounding communities.
5.3 PERSONNEL LEVELS
The Recreation Department staff currently includes eleven full-time and ten part-time staff
members. The Department also relies on several independent instructors and volunteers to
organize and operate the programs. Staff includes; one Director, three Supervisors, one
Administrative Assistant II, one Athletic Groundskeeper, three Recreation Leaders, seven
Aides, two Athletic Aides, one Teen Coordinator, and two Custodians. In addition to the
permanent staff, the Recreation Department employs fifteen part-time seasonal aides to assist
with the additional recreational programs offered during the summer months.
` 5.4 ANALYSIS OF EXISTING RECREATION FACILITIES
The facility analysis used several guidelines contained in the Ocoee Parks and Open Space
Master Plan to evaluate the existing park and open space system and determine future needs.
These guidelines include: the adopted acreage-based LOS standard; the Parks and Open
Space Population Guidelines; and the Activity Based Recreation Guidelines. Following is a
▪ description of the guidelines used in both the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and in this
study.
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 23
Gin'or OCOEE
LEVEL OF SERVICE
"Level of service" is the term used for the measurement of community services. With respect to
,. parks and open space provided by local governments, it has been common practice over the
past forty years to measure services in terms of acres per population rather than evaluating
each park type or activity. The Ocoee Comprehensive Plan includes levels of service for the
r various services that the City provides (i.e., water, sewer, roads, police, fire, and recreation).
The adopted level of service for parks and open space is four (4) acres per 1,000 population
served. Supplemental guidelines are identified for parks and open space areas below.
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE GUIDELINES
Although the City of Ocoee has adopted a level of service for concurrency purposes, it is useful
to establish population guidelines for each type of park facility. The population-based parks
` and open space guidelines below are intended only to supplement the level of service analysis,
not replace it. These guidelines establish a set of general criteria for determining the amount
and types of park land necessary to accommodate the recreational needs of Ocoee. The
es Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends that communities use national and
_ state parks and open space guidelines as a starting point and then adjust the guidelines to
address local needs. DEP has classified parks into six categories. Following is a description of
each of the six park types and facilities that exists within the City. The City has added the
category of Natural Area Reservations to the list of park types as the preservation of natural
areas are an important component to any park and open space network. Accordingly, the
guidelines shown in Table 6 (below): Ocoee Parks and Open Space Population Guidelines
were prepared in accordance with DEP recommendations using the state and national
guidelines as a base. The following parks and open space guidelines are used later in this
` report to evaluate and assess potential parks and open space deficiencies and surpluses.
TABLE 6
_ OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
POPULATION GUIDELINES
PARK ORIENTATION POPULATION NUMBER OF
TYPE SERVED EXISTING
CITY PARKS
ORNAMENTAL PARK RESOURCE-BASED NO STANDARD 1
MINI-PARK USER-ORIENTED 3,000 2
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK USER-ORIENTED 7,500 6
COMMUNITY PARK USER-ORIENTED 10,000 6
LINEAR PARK RESOURCE-BASED 15,000 1�
` URBAN OPEN SPACE PARK RESOURCE-BASED 25,000 0*
NATURAL AREA RESERVATION RESOURCE-BASED NO STANDARD 0`
THIS FOUR MILES ARE THE WEST ORANGE TRAIL WHICH IS AN ORANGE COUNTY MOUSY
PROPOSED AT LAKE APOPKA PARK
r
Table 7 below illustrates the number of and type of parks that the City will be needed to
accommodate the projected growth by 2020.
CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 24
CITY OF OCOEE
` TABLE 7
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
DEFICIENCIES BY 2020
` PARK TYPE POPULATION SERVED DEFICIENCIES
BY THE YEAR 2020
ORNAMENTAL PARK N/A N/A
MINI-PARK N/A N/A
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 7,500 3-4
COMMUNITY PARK 10,000 1
LINEAR PARK 15,000 4-5
` URBAN OPEN SPACE PARK 25,000 2-3
NATURAL AREA RESERVATION N/A N/A
The City currently has fifteen parks in its existing inventory. Below, each of the City parks are
categorized into one of the following types of parks: Ornamental Parks; Mini Parks;
Neighborhood Parks; Community Parks; Linear Parks; and Urban Open Space Parks. The City
has three undeveloped parks in the existing inventory, Hackney Prairie, South Park, and Lake
Apopka Park. Improvements to these parks are scheduled within the next five years, thus
these parks have been included in the inventory of existing parks.
ves ORNAMENTAL PARK
Ornamental Parks are resource-based parks with passive elements such as fountains,
gazebos, commemorative structures, statues, works of art, clock towers, plazas, sidewalks,
benches, and landscaping. They are decorative community features typically located along
major roadways, near scenic spots, or locations that establish visual connections between
community edifices. Their size is generally dependent upon their function, but they may be less
than an acre in size in certain locations. Ornamental parks are designed as urban accent
features serving the community at-large and, as such; there are no established standards for
them. The Municipal Lakefront Park is the only Ornamental Park, located between downtown
Ocoee and Starke Lake. The park includes the Withers Maguire House, City Hall, Community
Center, boat docks, new fishing pier, a gazebo, a local veteran's memorial, open space and
parking.
MINI PARK
A Mini Park is a small user-oriented park that adds park service to neighborhoods that were
originally developed without private recreation facilities. A typical mini park should serve as a
` "walk to" park that might consist of a playground, swings, playground equipment, play court,
landscaping, parking area, perimeter fence, walkways, tables, and benches. Often Mini Parks
are located within three or four blocks of the population that they are designed to serve,
typically up to 3,000 persons. Generally, a mini park is up to two (2) acres in size. Ocoee
owns two mini parks that serve the abutting neighborhoods: (1) Forest Oaks Park; and (2) Palm
Drive Park. Since 1992, the City has required all new residential subdivisions to include private
recreational facilities. Thus, the City has not created any new mini parks since 1992. There are
approximately 65 acres of private park areas located within existing subdivisions.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
A Neighborhood Park is a medium size user-oriented park, but a conservation component may
be included as an optional feature. Neighborhood Parks form the foundation for a Community's
park system. Generally, they are located within walking distance of homes. Often
neighborhood parks are located along local streets to avoid areas of traffic congestion.
Equipment typically found in these parks include swings, playground equipment, picnic areas,
his
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS 8 OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 25
OTT OFOCOEE
` play courts, play fields, baseball and softball fields, parking areas, restrooms, walking/jogging
trails, swimming pools, and tennis courts. Parks range in size from two to ten acres and serve
homes within a one-mile radius. It is estimated that these parks serve up to 7,500 persons.
Since neighborhood parks and elementary schools serve roughly the same population, it is
desirable for neighborhood parks to abut elementary and middle schools. Ocoee has six
neighborhood parks. Of the six parks, five are established parks; Russell Drive Park,
to, Parkside/Coventry Park, Tiger Minor Park, the Sorenson Junior/Senior Baseball Fields, and
Silver Glen Park. Hackney Prairie Park is slated for development in the near future.
COMMUNITY PARK
A Community Park is a large user-oriented park that provides a variety of active recreational
facilities. Facilities usually included in such a park are recreation centers, gymnasiums,
swimming pools, sports fields, tennis courts, boat ramps, parking areas, and restrooms.
` Optional community park elements are covered picnic areas, gazebos, pavilions, playgrounds,
multi-purpose trails, and separate natural areas or open space. Community parks may be
located anywhere within the City, but as a "drive to" facility, significant parking should be
- included in the site design. Community parks are approximately 10 to 50 acres in size. They
typically service homes located within two to five miles and up to 10,000 people. The City has
six community parks, four of which are established parks; Vignetti Park, Beech Recreation
✓ Center, Central Park, and the Forest Lake Golf Club. South Park and Lake Apopka Park are
slated for development in the near future.
LINEAR PARKS
Linear Parks are usually developed around a natural resource such as a creek, river, wetland,
abandoned or active railroad, mass transportation corridor, utility easement, or lakeshore.
Linear parks are also often referred to as "greenways," "trails," or"multipurpose trails;" however,
` these facilities have specific definitions, so the more generic term of "linear park" is used.
Linear parks may be located anywhere within the community, but trailheads should include
parking in the site design and layout to accommodate users. Depending upon their location,
linear parks may serve populated areas ranging in size from a single neighborhood to an entire
city. The benefits of a linear park system are numerous. Not only can they preserve valuable
open space and natural habitat, they can also provide a natural environment for walking,
✓ jogging, and bicycling trails. They often serve as a transportation corridor and provide
inexpensive exercise opportunities relatively free from automobile interference. Linear parks
also create natural buffers between incompatible land uses and provide corridors for
underground utility easements. Generally, portions of the land are reasonably priced due to
existing natural resource development restrictions. The City of Ocoee does not own any linear
/ parks; however, Orange County has established the West Orange Trail. Four miles of the
- West Orange Trail pass through the Ocoee planning area.
URBAN OPEN SPACE PARKS
Urban Open Space Parks are areas containing ecosystems in a non-disturbed state with very
` few man-made intrusions. Within the urban environment, natural areas lend a certain aesthetic
and functional diversity to a park network and urban hardscape. The benefits of natural areas
are numerous and include preservation of wildlife habitat and opportunities for nature study.
- When flood plains are preserved as natural areas, they offer a resource to aid in the prevention
of flooding. There are no space standards for natural areas within a City. The normal
approach of standardizing is not practical or productive in this instance since it is dependant
✓ upon the specific environment of the area itself.
Cities should preserve urban open space that reflect the unique natural resources of the
community. Urban open space parks should be limited to recreational uses for passive
r
CITY of OcoEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 26
r
•
•
CITY OF ocoEE
` recreation, interpretation, and environmental education. It is important that natural areas not be
perceived as surplus land that may be sold at a later date for development. There are a
number of public and non-profit organizations that provide funding for the development of these
types of parks. The City recently purchased wetland property along the shoreline of Lake
Apopka. This wetland area will ultimately be classified as a City-owned Urban Open Space
Park (Lake Apopka Urban Open Space Park) in the future and will be used for passive
.. recreation only.
NATURAL AREA RESERVATIONS(NAR's)
Natural Area Reservations are very similar to Urban Open Space Parks, but may be either
publicly owned or privately owned. NAR's can be defined as areas that offer: independence;
closeness to nature; a high degree of interaction with the natural environment; and areas which
require no organization, rules of play, facilities or installation of equipment, other than those
` necessary to protect the environment. Benefits of NAR's are numerous and include the
preservation of wildlife habitat, riparian habitat, opportunities for nature study, and provide
buffers between uses. NAR's typically include floodplains, wetlands, scenic vistas, fish and
wildlife habitats, natural resource areas, landmarks, and historic areas. The City's Land
Development Code regulates development in environmentally sensitive areas by prohibiting
development in the 100-year floodplain and strongly discourages development in wetlands.
.. Should development in wetlands be unavoidable, destruction of the wetland must be mitigated.
Acquisition of NAR's can be accomplished through dedication, fee interest purchase,
conservation easement dedication, and conservation easement purchase. Conservation
easements provide two primary purposes: reduce the amount of development than can occur
on a property and assure that the property, environment, and open space values are preserved.
• Conservation easements are tailored to meet the unique characteristics of the property and run
with the land in perpetuity.
The City has identified the remaining natural open space along shorelines of the Lake Apopka,
Lake Meadow, Lake Bennet, Prairie Lake, and Shoal Creek for preservation through NAR's
` (Figure 2). Acquisition of these areas can be accomplished through dedication, purchase,
conservation easements or a combination thereof. Recreational development in these areas
should be restricted to trails and other amenities having little or no impact on the natural
environment. With regards to the shoreline along Lake Apopka, the Avanti/West Groves
subdivision (north the proposed Lake Apopka Urban Open Space Park) will dedicate a
conservation easement (±50-acre) for preservation of the wetlands and riparian habitat upon
final plat approval. In addition, the City was awarded approximately $600,000 of grant money
from the St. Johns Water Management District for the acquisition and preservation of additional
wetlands along the shoreline of Lake Apopka (Crown Point ± 100 acres), just south of the
r. proposed Lake Apopka Urban Open Space Park. Staff has identified approximately 608 acres
of area for Natural Area Reservations (Figure 2). The City owns or controls approximately 170
acres, anticipates dedication of or grant awards for approximately 238 acres, and purchase of
the remaining 200 acres.
r
Crtt OF OcoEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE SNADY PAGE 27
es
CITY OF OCOEE
` ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES
Another guideline used to evaluate the Ocoee parks and open space system is the Ocoee
Activity Based Recreation Guidelines. Activity based guidelines help to prioritize each of the
various types of sports and activities within the system. They take into consideration a variety
. of activities popular in the Ocoee area, such as: boating and fishing; baseball and softball; golf;
soccer; football; visiting historic sites; walking; cycling; skating; and horseback riding. The
` guidelines summarized in Table 3: Activity Based Recreation Guidelines below reflect current
conditions and priorities.
`r
TABLE 8
ACTIVITY BASED RECREATION GUIDELINES
OCOEE GUIDELINES I STATE GUIDELINES2
` ACTIVITY TYPE OF POPULATION MINIMUM MAXIMUM MEDIAN
SUPPORTED: FACILITY: SERVED: POPULATION: POPULATION: POPULATION:
BASEBALL 1 FIELD 7,500 2,000 10,000 5,000
I LITTLE LEAGUE
BASEBALL 1 FIELD 10,000 2,000 10,000 5,000
" SENIOR/JUNIOR LEAGUE
` BASKETBALL 1 BASKETBALL 5,000 500 20,000 5,000
COURT
, BICYCLING AND WALKING 1 LINEAR MILE OF 10,000 1,500 10,000 5,000
PAVED TRAIL
` FISHING, POWER 1 BOAT RAMP LANE 12,500 1,500 12,500 5,000
BOATING, WATER-
SKIING, SAILING
r FOOTBALL 1 FOOTBALL FIELD 25,000 4,000 25,000 6,000
GOLF 18 HOLES 62,500 25,000 65,200 25,000
• HORSEBACK RIDING 1 LINEAR MILE 10,000 5,000 10,000 5,000
I. CLEARED TRAIL
JOGGING/ PHYSICAL 1 EXERCISE/ PAR- 50,000 10,000 50,000 15,000
EXERCISE COURSE TRAIL
NATURE STUDY AND 1 LINEAR MILE OF 10,000 6,250 10,000 6,700
is. HIKING NATURE TRAIL
PICNICKING PICNIC AREA 5,000 5,000 10,000 6,000
(SEVERAL TABLES&
✓ GRILLS)
PLAYGROUND 1 PLAY AREA 5,000 SOO 15,000 10,000
" EQUIPMENT
✓ RACQUETBALL AND 1 RACQUETBALL/ 15,000
HANDBALL HANDBALL COURT
, SHUFFLEBOARD 1 SET COURTS 12,000 1,000 12,000 3,600
SOCCER 1 SOCCER FIELD 7,500 4,000 25,000 6,000
` SOFTBALL FIELD(ADULT) 1 FIELD 10,000 2,000 10,000 5,000
, SWIMMING POOL 4,800 SQ. FT. 35,000 1,000 50,000 25,000
POOL
` TENNIS TENNIS COURT 5,000 1,000 10,000 2,000
, VOLLEYBALL VOLLEYBALL COURT 10,000 4,000 12,000 6,000
I OCOEE RECREATION DEFAPv4ENT
1ai 2 THE STATE GUIOELMES APE 810.9E PUBLISHEO!N TABLE 6..4 OF THE OUTDOOR RECREATION. 1994 Ov mg DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION•
IMO
• CITY OF OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 28
CITY or ocoEE
- The City's Activity Based Recreation Guidelines were tailored to meet the City's unique
recreational needs and meet the State's recommended population served. The City believes
that the Forest Oaks Golf Club will adequately meet the needs of the community through the
- planning period. In addition, there are numerous golf courses within a few minutes drive from
the City limits. The West Orange Trail is used in the same capacity as a jogging / physical
exercise trail. Thus, only one course will be needed through the planning period. It is proposed
I„ that the Ocoee Linear Park system will tie into the West Orange Trail and provide additional
opportunities for jogging and physical exercise trails.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
- Currently, the City of Ocoee has the fifteen parks at its disposal to utilize for a multitude of
activities and programs. Table 9 provides a list of amenities for each of the parks. Of the City's
fifteen parks, there are three main facilities; the Community Center, Vignetti Recreation Center
- and the Beech Recreation Center. The Community Center is used for a variety of programs for
the seniors. The Vignetti Recreation Center once served as a City fire house. The remodeled
fire house now offers several recreation programs to children and seniors alike, with the before
- and after school programs being the most widely used. The newest addition to the City's
inventory is the Beech Recreation Center. The Beech Recreation Center was designed as a
multi-use facility, which includes conference rooms, dance and exercise rooms, a regulation
gymnasium and an Aquatic Center. It is also used as the Recreation Department's
headquarters.
Os
-
-
-
•
—
CITY OE OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 29
imp
CITY OF OCOEE
TABLE 9
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
EXISTING FACILITY INVENTORY
PARKS ACRES FACILITIES
MuNIarAL lu3n0M PARK 10 1 COvERED PAERIMI STAGE SIZE4Aza;HISTORIC STRUCTURE;VETERAN'S
SmVEs:Au Ares GRCUPs NEvuu; 13 n004rs;10 lams Am l GALL
CREGORE: RESOJRa-ASm 2 ear RAMPS,m MD F@11PC PIER
Pans:STARD LANE 2 SlUFFUWWMD coURES
_ RECREAllati BuRnIwJDfFKES
2. FOREST OAKS PEAK 0.2 1/2 MSVFBwcaRT
SERVES::ALL AGEE GRaes 1 sir CIF rvwNGS
CATEGORY: USER-ORIENTED (NO BERL-HES,YA®-ES,OR PMIHO)
Aims: PRAIRIE Um
ENE3. PALM Dam PARK 1 1/2 Eiseman.COURT
SERVES:AU AGES GROUPS Ivo1FaU1 COURT
CATEGLPY: USERSN EMFO I SET OF SWDUCS
1 SET of P,AYOSwND EQUIN+EA'T
3 BERMES
mem
RussEU DRm PARK 3 1 SET OF 9N1•CS&EQUIPMENT
SERVES:ALL AGES GROUPS 2 PICNIC TABLES
CATEGORY: RE. RCE-BASED 5 BEICNEs
Patin: LAKE PEACH Srq BOAT Rnro)
5. PWSIDE/COMMIT PARK 9 a SEn or swore.9 mummer
SERVES:Au AGES GROUPS 1 PAVILION/4 COVERED PICNIC TOES
CATEOnv: MR-oRi MED IC BERMS/1 GRILL
RNA:Luce STAMEY 1 TENNIS COURT
1 ea COMT
fi. TIGER MINOt PARK 5 25ER OF SOAKS&EQUIPMENT
SERVss:Au.AGES Game 1 PAVIUON/2 COVERED PICNIC TABLES
CATEGORY: USER-1ENTED 9 BENCHES/I mu
YIP Aran:SUCUL CREEX I UGNRD BADamm COURT
2 LIGHTED TERMISCOURTS
• oot4S
T. SILVER GLEN PARK 5 9 PICNIC TAmts
SERVES:Au AGES GROUPS 1 GRILL AND 1 BENCH
CATEGcgr:REsouRCE-SASED 725 UNEww FEET GF KATRE TRAIL
ABUTS:SmuNG LAKE PARING AREA
(NO BOAT MMP)
B. SORENSON JUNIOR/SENIOR BASEBALL FIELDS B uoRTED sENI011 FIELD
SPREES:13 TO 18 YEAR OLDS mom FARR
CATEGORY: USER-mat-Go Emu TRIM
OsNEAR:VIGNEn PARR
AREING AND s. 6[Ea RKREATION CENTER 13 �IuM/EXERCISE MID DANCE ROOM/SNORERS
SERVES:ALL AGESGRO PS ammo U FIELDS
CATEGORY: USER-OR/arm AQJATICCENTER
NEAR'. LAKE Mumw a0]N
RESTmO}IS AND RAKING
1 soccER FlEI)
1 SET OF PLAYCROONO EgmIPMEM
10. Via/inn PARK 22 1 SET O moos AND EQUIPMENT
SERVES:Au AGES GROPS 8 PICNIC TANKS&2 GRILLS
CATEGORY: USERwENnD 10 RENDRE
` NE/a:co; SON FIELDS 2 LIGHTED YFlmi FIELDS
1 UGYTED PASRT ALL COURT
2 UGMEO TENNIS CORRR
1 murex'COURT
2 THREE-vim NµOBALL CORRE
RECREATION WILDING&COOE55IOI STAND
rRESTROM AND OFFICES
II. CENmLL PARK COMPLEX 23 25ETCF MING5&EOUIP1FNT
SERVES:ALL AGES Game a coven PICNIC TABLES
CATEGORY: USERCUEMED 6 EENOL ES AND 2GRILL5
Amos:Um Mom 1 uGMT€D FOOTBALL FIELD
2 CGKESSION STAND AND REMORAS
i 3 RECANTED BASEBALL FlELDs
1 uGNTED BASKETBALL CaRT
2 COVERED PAVILIONS
2 UGHTED TENNIS COURTS
ESTROMS
ST` 12. FORE UM Goo CLUB OF OCDEE 60 lB• Rion PROESSIoau Geo COURSE
SERVES:ALL AGES GROUPS PRIVATELY OPERATED PRO SHOP
CATEGORY: USER-ORIENTED axe House Gm REsou
AatIS'. WEST ORANGE TRAIL DRIVING WARE AND PUTTING GREEN
_ PARING AND REDRoo+S
U. NACKNEV-PRAIRIE PARK 10 UNDEVELOPED
✓ 19. SOUTH PARA 10 UNDERGO-ED
I5. LAn MOPKA PARK(A.K.A.COKE PRLERTY) GO UNDEVELOPED
TOTAL ACRES 214.2
• CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 30
✓
` CITY OF OCOEE
Based on the Activity Based Recreation Guidelines and the current inventory of recreation
facilities, the City exceeds or meets most of the established guidelines; however, a few
deficiencies exist.
Table 10 identifies current and future recreation facility deficiencies. The majority of these
deficiencies are not true deficiencies, rather the City's inability to keep pace with the
accelerated growth in the past ten years. Based on the established guidelines, the City is
deficient one soccer field. The Master Plan identifies the need to place additional baseball and
• softball fields at the Beech Recreation Center and South Park. The Beech Recreation Center
has plans for a football field and a 1.5 mile hiking trail to connect to the West Orange Trail.
its Plans for South Park include a baseball field, play field, hard court, basketball court, soccer
field, and play area. It is anticipated that the existing needs will be corrected within the next ten
years.
TABLE 10
CURRENT RECREATION
FACILITY DEFICIENCIES
ACTIVITY EXISTING FACILITIES: CURRENT THEORETICAL NEED BY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES
SUPPORTED: NEED: 20203 : NEEDED BY 2020:
los BASEBALL 2 FIELD 7 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
JUNIOR/SENIOR LEAGUE
• BASEBALL 3 FIELD 9 FIELDS 6 FIELDS
r LITTLE LEAGUE
BASKETBALL 4 COURTS 14 COURTS 9 COURTS
BICYCLING AND WALKING 4 LINEAR MILES 7 MILES 3 MILES
BOATING ETC. 2 RAMPS 5-6 LANES 3-4 RAMPS
FOOTBALL 1 FIELD 2-3 FIELDS 1-2 FIELDS
GOLF 18 HOLES - -
`. HORSEBACK RIDING 4 LINEAR MILES 7 MILES 3 MILES
JOGGING/ PHYSICAL 1 EXERCISE/ 1 COURSE -
EXERCISE PARCOURSE TRAIL
NATURE STUDY AND HIKING 725 FEET UNPAVED 7 MILES 7 MILES
PICNICKING FACILITIES 8 PARKS WITH 42 14 AREAS 6 AREAS
TABLES& 14 GRILLS
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT 10 PLAY AREAS 14 AREAS 4 AREAS
` RACQUETBALL AND 2 COURTS 4-5 COURTS 2-3 COURTS
HANDBALL
SHUFFLEBOARD 2 COURTS 6 COURTS 4 COURTS
SOCCER 1 FIELD 4 2 FIELDS 9 FIELDS 8 FIELDS
• SOFTBALL FIELD 2 FIELDS 7 FIELDS 5 FIELDS
SWIMMING POOL 8,580 SQ. FT. POOL 1-2 POOLS 1-2 POOL
TENNIS 7 COURTS 14 COURTS 7 COURTS
VOLLEYBALL 2 COURTS 7 COURTS 5 COURTS
✓ ' THE FACILITIES NEEDED BY 2020 INCLUDES CURRENT NEEDS RESULTING FROM PRIOR DEVELOPMENT THAT REMAINS
UN-FUNDED.
THE BEECH CENTER SOCCER FIELD HAS BEEN INCLUDED SINCE IT IS A PROGRAMMED IMPROVEMENTtam
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 31
CITY OF OCOEE
TABLE 11
NUMBER OF ACRES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN
THE ADOPTED LEVEL OF SERVICE
YEAR POPULATION EXISTING LOS LOS ACRES NEEDED PROJECTED ACREAGE
ACRES BALANCES
2000 24,391* 214.2 97.56 +116.46
f m' 2005 46,973** 214.2 187.89 +26.13
2010 55,066** 214.2 220.26 -6.24
2020 69,941** 214.2 272.80 -58.78
r
'CITY CF OCOEE ONLY/"PROJECTED FUTURE POPULATION REVISED TO REFLECT CHANGES IN 3HP 8 4TH AMENDMENTS TO JPA
Table 11 identifies the numbers of acres of park land and open space the City will need to meet
the adopted level of service standard for the next twenty years. Based on the population
projections, the City will be deficient approximately 60 acres of park and open space land by the
end of the planning period. In addition, the findings in the Neighborhood Service Area Analysis
of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan indicate the need for additional recreation facilities.
The majority of the facilities recommended can't be located within the existing parks. For
example, 60 acres of the Forest Lakes Golf Course is used for concurrency proposes; however,
r the City can't place additional recreation facilities on those 60 acres. Based on the
Neighborhood Service Area Analysis, an additional 25 acres, for a total of 85 acres, is needed
to accommodate the additional recreational facilities needed to meet the needs of future
growth.
Table 12 below illustrates the estimated cost to provide the additional parks and recreational
facilities needed by 2020 to accommodate future growth through the planning period. The
` estimate includes the facility costs, land costs for additional acreage and proposed Natural Area
Reservations (NAR's), and basic infrastructure costs. The estimated per acre costs for the
NAR's was based on the appraised value of wetlands conducted for the City's recent purchase
of the Coke Property. The basic infrastructure costs include such things as: parking,
driveways, walkways, bike racks, drinking fountains, basic lighting, restrooms, pavilions,
landscaping, and irrigation. The estimate is based on a conceptual cost estimate conducted as
�F part of the Master Plan for South Park, February 2001. This cost estimate has been slightly
modified to more accurately reflect the costs the City will incur with the development of South
Park. The estimated infrastructure costs will be allocated on a per acre basis for the balance
✓ of the City's undeveloped parks and proposed parks. The estimated cost of improvements to
the Ocoee recreation system is $7,532,108.96 (estimate does not take into account the
increased cost that may occur over the next 20 years).
r
Gin'OF OCOEE- PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 32
✓ CITY OF OCOEE
✓ TABLE 12*
OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
PROJECTED FACILITY NEEDS FOR 2020
✓ ACTIVITY ADDITIONAL FACILITIES NEEDED BY PER UNIT COST E577MA TED COST***
2020**
BASEBALL 5 FIELDS 50,000 $250,000
JUNIOR/SENIOR LEAGUE
r BASEBALL LITTLE LEAGUE 6 FIELDS 20,000 $120,000
BASKETBALL 9 COURTS 12,500 $112,500
BICYCLING AND WALKING 3 MILES 167,000 $501,000
BOATING ETC. 3-4 RAMPS 35,000 $105,000
FOOTBALL 1-2 FIELDS 80,000 $80,000
GOLF
r - - -
HORSEBACK RIDING 3 MILES 10,000 $30,000
JOGGING/ PHYSICAL - - -
EXERCISE
NATURE STUDY AND HIKING 7 MILES 10,000 $70,000
PICNICKING FACILITIES 6 AREAS 3,500 $21,000
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT 4 AREAS 16,500 $66,000
r RACQUETBALL AND 2-3 COURTS 20,000 $40,000
HANDBALL
SHUFFLEBOARD 4 COURTS 5,000 $20,000
SOCCER 8 FIELDS 50,000 $400,000
SOFTBALL FIELD 5 FIELDS 25,000 $125,000
SWIMMING POOL 1-2 POOL 1,000,000 $1,000,000
TENNIS 7 COURTS 25,000 $175,000
VOLLEYBALL 5 COURTS 2,000 $10,000
PROJECTED FACILITY COST: $4,425,500.00
r PROJECTED LAND NEEDS: 85 ACRES 25,000 $2,125,000.00
PROJECTED TYPICAL BASIC 35 ACRES 22,331.68 $ 781,608.96
INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS:
NATURAL AREA
RESERVATIONS: 200 ACRES 1,000 $ 200,000.00
TOTAL PROJECTED COSTS: $7,532,108.96****
Source:Ocoee Recreation Department
•TABLE 12 IS THE SAME AS TABLE 9 IN THE OCOEE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN AND IS USED AS THE FINANCIAL BASIS
FOR THE IMPACT FEE CALCULATION.
✓ ESTIMATED COST IS BASED ON THE LOWER RANGE OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES NEEDED.
'ESTIMATED COSTS ARE BASED ON YEAR 2001 DOLLARS.
ESTIMATED COSTS DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASED COST THAT MAY OCCUR OVER THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
M. NOTE: THE CITY COMMISSION MAY CONSIDER BUILDING THE EXTRA FACILITIES(A TRACK, PAW PARK, ADA ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
EQUIPMENT, AND MEN'S'SOFTBALL COMPLEX) BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY
BOARD. THE CITY WOULD NOT USE REVENUE GENERATED BY THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEES TO PROVIDE THESE
EXTRA FACILITIES,BUT WOULD INSTEAD PURSUE ALTERNATIVE FUNDING SOURCES FOR THESE FACILITIES.
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 33
Cry OF OCOEE
5.5 RECREATION IMPACT FEE DETERMINATION
Having gathered, analyzed, and projected all of the foregoing information, it is possible to
determine the theoretical proportionate share impact fee rates using the methodology outlined
below.
to, 1997 JPA Population: 35,105 (based on the 1997 JPA)
Year 2020 JPA Population: 68,200 (based on the 3r° & 4th Amendments to the JPA)
"' New Population Growth: 33,095
Value of Capital Items Needed: $7,532,108.96
Number of Residential Dwelling Units to be added in the JPA: 13,687 DU
• (based on the 3n° & 4th Amendments to the JPA)
r
Value of Parks and Open Space Impact Fee Account: $647,475 (Less Value Of Capital Items
Needed) = $6,884,633.96
Capital Investment Need per Dwelling Unit: $503.01
This City will continue to seek ways to off—set the increasing costs of providing parks and open
` space land and facilities for City residents. Following are a few ways cities typically off-set the
cost of land and facilities.
GRANTS
Various types of grants are available to cities which are exclusively dedicated towards the
acquisition of land and the construction of recreational facilities. The City has historically been
�. awarded grants from various agencies.
JOINT USE FACILITIES
The City has partnered with Orange County Public Schools to provide joint use park and school
recreation facilities at the Citrus Elementary and South Park. The City plans to continuing to
work with the School Board to provide additional joint use facilities in the future.
mai DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS
Developer contributions are another source cities use to off-set the costs to residents.
Developer contributions typically come in the form of land. The dedicated land creates an
✓ amenity for the new development as well as for the community.
For the purpose of this cost analysis, it was assumed that the City would continue to
r aggressively seek grants, partnerships, and developer contributions for the future construction
of recreational facilities.
CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 34
CITY OF OCOEE
` SECTION SIX: CONCLUSIONS
This study of the Ocoee Recreation Department's future needs has demonstrated that
` significant additional capital investment will be necessary to maintain the current Level of
Service standard for the community. The determination of the proportionate share of these
costs attributable to new growth has been undertaken using accepted methodology geared to
the unique circumstances of Ocoee. The final recommended fee rate is believed to be
equitable and legally defensible under the "rational nexus" test as well as under other generally
accepted legal criteria.
It has been demonstrated that the City of Ocoee has enough Parks and Open Space capacity
available to accommodate the immediate needs of the City. Additional land and recreation
facilities are required to keep pace with the accelerated growth and meet the needs of future
development, and that new growth will, at a minimum, proportionately add to community service
requirements. These requirements correspondingly must be supported by large scale capital
expenditures. It has been shown that the collection and use of these funds will reasonably
benefit the contributors by providing comparable service at levels currently enjoyed by existing
users. Additionally, the recommended fee was ultimately set to ensure that no windfall of
revenue derived from the fee would benefit existing users or make up for any prior system
deficiencies.
The Ordinance which is drafted to implement Parks and Open Space Impact Fee should be
structured in accordance with all generally accepted legal criteria. It should also specifically
highlight the assumptions, approaches, and findings included within this study to support its
enactment. Adequate public involvement and hearings prior to adoption of the Ordinance are
., necessary to ensure that all parties have had the opportunity to respond to the proposed
regulations. Staff recommends that the Ordinance be amended to adjust the impact fee and
abolish the section-based impact fee structure, and instead adopt a City—wide impact fee per
dwelling unit.
The following recommended impact fee rate for the Parks and Open Space Ordinance is based
upon the best available information and careful analysis of the Ocoee Parks and Open Space
` Master Plan. It represents what is believed to be the most fair and equitable fee which may be
charged by the City of Ocoee to aid in providing needed capital facilities and equipment
required by new growth through the year 2020.
RECOMMENDED RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE RATE
r Fee per residential dwelling unit: $500.00
• This recommended rate is a conservative estimate of the City's future Parks and Open Space
r capital needs. Based on the methodology used for the determination of the fee and the
estimated costs of the recreation facilities assumed for the purpose of this calculation, it
appears that the proposed impact fee is reasonable. A survey of local recreation impact fees
demonstrated that Ocoee's current Parks and Open Space Impact Fee is the lowest in the tri-
county area while the recommended rate is similar to that of other communities. Based on the
• projected number of dwelling units to be added to the City, the proposed recreation impact fee
will generate approximately 6.84 million dollars through the planning period. The City should
continue to aggressively seek grants, joint use partnerships and developer contributions to off-
set the future escalating costs of improvements to the Ocoee Parks and Open Space system.
CITY OF OcoEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 35
CITY OF OCOEE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. City of Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, City of Ocoee, Florida, 1991.
2 The Calculation of Proportionate-Share Impact Fees, James C Nicholas, American
Planning Association, Chicago, Illinois, 1988.
3 Development Impact Fees, Arthur C. Nelson, .Planners Press, American Planning
Association, Chicago, Illinois, 1988.
4. General Population Estimates, U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census,
1990.
5. City of Ocoee Recreation and Open Space Impact Fee Study, Ocoee Planning
Department, 1990/Updated 1991.
6. 1991 Florida ACIR Impact Fee Survey, Florida Advisory Council on Intergovernmental
Relations, Draft Report, 1991.
7. Projections of Florida Population by County, Bureau of Economic and Business
Research, College of Business Administration, University of Florida,1991.
8. Draft Parks and Open Space Master Plan, City of Ocoee, May 2001.
9. Outdoor Recreation, 1994, State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• 10. Winter Garden Police and Fire Impact Fee Study, 1992, Dyer, Riddle, Mills, Precourt.
11. Ocoee Master Transportation Plan, 1998, City of Ocoee
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CITY OF OCOEE-PARKS& OPEN SPACE IMPACT FEE STUDY PAGE 36