CORONA CITY PARK REUTILIZATION PLAN
ANALYSIS - Bringing Families Back to City Park
310 North Joy Street I Corona, CA 92879 T: 951.737.1124 I F: 951.737.6551 www.bmla.net
City of Corona
400 S. Vicentia Ave. Corona, CA 92882 T: (951) 736-2400 June 8th, 2010
Acknowledgments
City of Corona City Council Steve Nolan Karen Spiegel Eugene Montanez Jason Scott Stan Skipworth Richard O. Haley Parks Commission Edward Carrillo Mike Hickey Brian Lenning Nancy Martin Dave McDougall City Project Team Gabe Garcia Steve Lawson Mark Wills Ray Cota Henry Esqueda Eileen Harter Cynthia Lara Tracy Martin Jason Moquin Nelson Nelson
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
table of contents
Executive Summary
1
Introduction
2
Project Background and Process
2
Park History
3
City Inventory and Analysis
5
City Development
5
Demographics
7
Site Inventory and Analysis
10
Climate
10
Hydrology
11
Soils
12
Plant Material
13
Circulation and Access
14
Amenities
17
Structures
18
Park Use
19
Community Input
21
Opportunities and Constraints
23
Backstory Summary
25
Conceptual Design
27
Concept Statement
27
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
ii
Executive Summary
City Park is a fixture in the City of Corona, at the center of civic and recreational activity since 1913. It has gone through many changes, but has remained an integral part of the community.
particular parts of the park. A full scale master plan has not been developed to this point. The goal of this plan is to unify and reinvigorate the park for the community, bringing the community back in to their park.
The master planning process comes at a time when the park is struggling with the issues of safety, continuity and lack of community involvement; while it yet remains an integral part of City events. The park has evolved organically over the years, with small improvement projects addressing
The concept plan for City Park strives to create new opportunities for a variety of activities. These include a new adventure play area, with a range of engaging play features under the canopy of trees on the west end of the park. A formal garden area harkens back to the cactus garden and planters
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
from the early years. A new gym and community center establish a central core of activity, providing space for informal games, classes, or community services. New basketball courts and a stage complete the east end of the park. The stage will be set amongst the trees for small performances, with larger activities occurring on the large central field, preserved as the ‘Great Lawn’. Safety has been prioritized throughout, as there is a strong perception the community that the park is currently not a safe place to take children.
Introduction
Project Background and Process Background Nearly a century old, the park has experienced many changes as community needs and interests have shifted over the years. The piece meal means of improvement has led to a site that is inconsistent in architecture and disconnected in use. The primary goal of this project is to prepare a park master plan that cohesively unifies the park by identifying present and future uses and the features that will support that activity, while remaining mindfull of the complex layers of history, community and park resources. Methodology The project has been accomplished through the implementation of three process elements: collaboration, backstory, and design. The history and complexity of the park necessitated a clear understanding of existing site conditions so that future opportunities could be folded within the existing framework. Collaboration Working with City Staff, City officials and community members has assisted the design team in clarifying the needs of current and future park users. A staff survey provided initial information to help the team direct research and identify stakeholders. Two community meetings were held to gather input from specific stakeholder groups as well as the general public. The Parks
Commission was also consulted early on to identify opportunities, issues and future needs based on their experience and opinions. This collection of information was useful in gathering a broad spectrum of ideas regarding the present and future of City Park. Backstory The backstory comprises a summary of research exploring the park’s physical, historical and cultural resources. Establishing an understanding of these elements affords the design team, as
well as the community, an in-depth view of how park features function, how people use the park, and how the park fits within the city. Design The design phase drew on the information gathered in the backstory, utilizing the identified opportunities and constraints to formulate design strategies. This is an exploratory phase, focused on the development of creative solutions to existing issues while fulfilling future recreation needs.
Collaboration
Backstory
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
Design
Park History
Established as a public grounds park in 1913 thru city acquisitions of multiple parcels of private land, the City Park remains as one of the oldest continual use elements within the city of Corona. The advent of this public grounds was directly linked to the hosting by Corona of an automotive Grand Prix that drew competitors from around the world.
Following the large crowd use during the first decade after the parks completion, the 1920’s and 1930’s saw a shift in nature of the public space. The park became more neighborhood and community oriented as sheltered areas, play equipment and public wading pools were built. Community sensibilities and ownership began to increase through major renovations such as historical designations, demonstration gardens, and a municipal plunge. From the 1930’s thru the 1950’s and thereafter, the park was a favorite gathering place for public community events ranging from scrap rubber drives to support the war effort, to Thanksgiving Day public
It is estimated that during these road events which occurred in 1913, 1914, and in 1916, the population of the city would inflate by as much as 3 fold in the days and weeks surrounding the events. The grounds of the park were used by visitors as staging areas as well as an informal gathering space for locals.
meals and parades. The park has shifted along with the culture of the City of Corona throughout the years. At times, new venues have been added while older ones have been removed so that the park could respond to the needs of the community. Sports activities have been prominent from the early 1920’s when the first baseball diamond was built through the 1990’s when the skate park was commissioned. Both programmed and informal activity areas have been heavily used throughout the years.
Corona City Park WWI 1920 1920 1913
1930 1930
WWII 1940
1950 1950
1960 1960
1970 1970
First Play Equipment Installed Corona’s 1st City Hall
Municipal Plunge Baseball Diamond Wading Pool converted to cactus garden by the Corona Garden Club
1990 1990
2000 2000
2013 2013
Major Park Shelters Renovated Bandshell Skate Park City Pool
First Shelters Built Second and Third Shelters Built Wading Pools
1980 1980
Armory Site (lease expires in 2024)
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
Park History
The continual updating of children’s play equipment and play zones have concentrated most of the current informal family activities near them. While more wide open and passive areas have long been the areas of choice for the staging of community events and large group gathering. The social context and fabric of the park has gone through some major shifts in the nearly 100 years since the
Park Gathering (c. 1940)
The Municipal Plunge (c. 1931)
park’s inception. Once being situated along a major through traffic highway that ran from the coastal cities all the way out toward Palm Springs, the nature of the park’s patrons changed with the development of the 91 and the 15 Freeways, making it less of a “visitors” park and far more of a “neighborhood” park.
transient population and local crime became noticeable elements within the park. While relatively newer developments like the fiesta bandshell have sought to draw back in a tight neighborhood connection, other aging and disconnected elements have hampered the re-emergence of the park as a community center.
Evening and sustained use began to taper off in the 1980’s as a growing
Enjoying the Park (c. 1925)
Picnic (c. 1950)
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
City Inventory and Analysis
City Development The early agricultural nature of
to include urban infill, adaptive reuse
of the 6th St. commercial corridor as a
Corona began to change in the 1960s
of existing structures, and continued
link between these two important city
and 70s after the 91 Freeway was
conversion of agricultural land to
areas provides opportunities for events
built, providing greater access to
housing and commercial development.
and community connections.
Residential development increased
As the city looks towards revitalizing
contributing to the shift from agriculture
downtown and reconnecting it with the
to a bedroom community, where
major commercial corridors of 6th St.
lower housing prices drew a migration
and Main St., the redevelopment of
into Corona and nearby inland cities.
important civic resources such as City
After construction of the 15 freeway,
Park will support these improvement
development further increased with the
efforts.
The area surrounding City Park is of varied character. Land uses range between low density and high density residential, commercial and light industrial uses, but are primarily residential. In some ways this is a benefit to the park, with nearby activity occurring throughout the day, rather than in an area where one land use dominates. Such a situation may provide eyes on the park for a greater time frame during the day.
Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
added connections to coastal areas. Bus lines and bikeways provide a link Since much of the developable land
between the park and the Corona Civic
has been built on in recent years, the
Center and access to the park via
nature of city development has shifted
alternative transportation. Emphasis
Zoning in Downtown Corona
City Park
Source: City of Corona General Plan
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
CITY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
City Development A weak point occurs on the frontage to Grand Blvd. where the portion of park reaching the street is surrounded on either side by varied development including residences, a gas station and a car repair business. Park access from Grand feeds into the lease area leased building and the Aquatic Center. The parking lot on that side of the park is also close to a tot lot. However, the presence of a large historic park is not evident from this side.
Single Family Residential near City Park
General Commercial near City Park
Zoning Near City Park
Source: City of Corona General Plan
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
City Inventory and Analysis
Demographics Citywide Corona is a city with diverse demographics, similar to that of many Southern California cities, after many years of immigration and migration from other parts of the country. Many families have also been in Corona for generations, taking part in the historical changes that have come with agriculture, industry and city development. Corona began to grow as a bedroom community after the construction of the 91 Freeway, providing low cost housing to those working in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This is still an advantage for many residents of Corona many of whom commute to work in coastal cities. City Park Local Area City Park functions both as a neighborhood park for local residents and as a community park serving all of Corona, particularly during large events. As a neighborhood park it provides close access for a variety of age groups. The 2000 census shows that children under 18 and seniors over 65 are present in high numbers in the area surrounding the park, thus providing an important resource for those who typically don’t travel far for recreation.
Individuals Under 18 Per Census Block
City Park
Sources: US Census 2000, City of Corona GIS
Parks
69-150 individuals 151-296 individuals
0-24 individuals 24-69 individuals
0
0.125
0.25
0.5
0.75
Miles 1
Individuals Over 65 Per Census Block
City Park
Parks 0-7 individuals 8-33 individuals
Sources: US Census 2000, City of Corona GIS
34-99 individuals 195-402 individuals 0
0.125
0
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
0.25
0.5
0.25
0.75
0.5
Miles 1
0.75 miles
CITY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
City Recreation Corona’s park system is comprised of 41 parks. Of these 7 are community parks, 29 are neighborhood parks, and 5 are special use parks. The City of Corona seeks to provide active and passive park facilities as well as recreation programs that service all ages, income levels, ethnic groups, and physical capabilities, while promoting community health and fitness through active recreation. Corona’s parks fall into four categories and vary in size from small mini-parks less than 2 acres to large community parks from 20-50 acres. Mini-Parks
provide small pockets of recreational space for the nearby neighborhood. Neighborhood Parks, between 5 and 20 acres, also serve the local area near the park, providing facilities close enough to walk or bike to. Parks over 20 acres are designated as Community Parks, providing larger facilities that may draw from across the city.
courts, etc.), playground equipment, and picnic areas. City Park is well positioned with its history and proximity to downtown to provide alternate facilities for Corona’s park system (table on next page).
City Park operates as a Community Park, providing a wide variety of amenities for users, and playing host to citywide events. The majority of the parks in the city provide very similar features like sport activity areas (fields,
Corona Parks and City Park User Area City Park 1 mi. user area Community Parks Neighborhood Parks Mini Parks
Sources: City of Corona General Plan; City of Corona GIS
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
CITY INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
City Recreation Corona Parks Amenities Park Butterfield Park
Acreage
Sports
Tots
Picnic
Skate
History
Nature/ Garden
Arts
Aquatics
64.0
Community Parks 20-50 Acres Citrus Community Park
20.0
City Park
17.0
Eagle Glen Community Park
13.0
Mountain Gate Community Park
21.0
Promenade Park
20.0
Santana Park
45.0
Neighborhood Parks - 5-20 Acres Brentwood Park
13.0
Griffin Park
13.0
Jameson Park
13.0
Buena Vista Park
10.0
Parkview Park
6.3
Rock Vista Park
6.0
Clearwater Sports Fields
5.7
Chase Park
5.2
Cresta Verde Park
5.4
Fairview Park
5.0
Fresno Canyon
5.9
Lincoln Park
5.0
Ontario Park
5.0
Ridgeline Park
5.0
Rimpau Park
7.1
River Road Park
5.0
Serfas Club Park
5.0
Spyglass Park
5.0
Stagecoach Park
11.9
Village Park
5.0
Mini Parks - Less than 5 Acres Mangular Park
4.0
Tehachapi Park
4.0
Kellogg Park
3.5
Husted Park
3.3
Sheridan Park
3.0
Border Park
2.5
Victoria Park
2.5
Auburndale Park
2.0
Contreras Park
0.3
Joy Park
0.3
Merrill Park
0.3
Sources: City of Corona General Plan; City of Corona GIS
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
Site Inventory and Analysis
Climate
Average High Temperature
Average Annual Precipitation 3.0 2.5
100
2.0 1.5
80
1.0 0.5
December
November
October
August
September
July
May
June
April
March
February
December
October
November
September
July
August
June
May
April
January
0.0
60
March
Though Corona experiences a climate typical of Southern California, local variation is present due to the city’s location near the Santa Ana River, the Prado Flood Control Dam, and the mouth of Santa Ana Canyon. As the city is on the westerly edge of the inland valley, it exists within a transition zone between the coastal cities to the west of the Santa Ana Range and the inland cities to the east of the range.
The concentration of precipitation in the winter and spring months presents a challenge but also an opportunity. Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management can play important roles in water conservation efforts, providing supplemental irrigation for the dry season.
January
Part of the Chaparral Biome, this habitat covers about 8.5 percent of California, receiving from 10 to 32 inches of precipitation per year. Although chaparral is commonly referred to as one community there are two distinct types; hard chaparral and soft chaparral, more commonly referred to as chaparral and coastal sage scrub respectively.
occurring from November through March. Annual vegetation such as wildflowers and grasses are active during this period, with slowed growth as the summer progresses. Wildland fires become a greater danger for many in Southern California as these annuals live through their life cycles and dry out in the drought of summer.
February
Corona exists within a Mediterranean climate, characterized by a precipitation pattern of dry summers and wet winters. This pattern stresses plants in the summer, but native vegetation has developed ways of surviving the dry times.
Temperature Average temperatures in Corona fluctuate from summer highs and lows of 93° F and 61° F in August, to December highs and lows of 68° F and 40° F. Precipitation The annual average precipitation in Corona is 12 inches per year, primarily
Winter Rains
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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site inventory and analysis
Hydrology Surface Water Surface creeks and washes course through Corona and terminate at the Prado Flood Control Basin, which in turn drains to the Santa Ana River. These surface channels collect stormwater runoff and carry it downstream. Some is trapped at the flood control basin and infiltrated for groundwater recharge, the rest continues downstream and either infiltrates along the riverbed, or empties into the Pacific Ocean.
may include nitrates from fertilizer, motor oil, and pet wastes. Limiting the transmission of these materials to water resources is important for public health and resource availability.
Though this runoff contributes water to the creeks and rivers, it also contributes pollutants transported from our city streets, residential driveways, planters and other areas. These
Groundwater The City of Corona relies on groundwater resources for 45% of its potable water supply. This is pumped from multiple groundwater basins throughout the city, including a site within the park. Two abandoned pump stations are located on the site. One is located on the west side of the park, formerly used to provide water to the Plunge. The other is located approximately 100’ west of the existing well site.
City Park Groundwater Pump Station
Surface Water Flow QUARRY ST
COMMUNITY POOL
LEASE
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT PICNIC SHELTER
LOW RETAINING WALL
PLAYGROUND
ARMORY YARD
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
PICNIC SHELTER PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER
BASKETBALL COURT
HORSE SHOE PITS
REST ROOM
POOL BLDG
COMMUNITY POOL
LEASE POOL BLDG
GRAND AVE
GRAND AVE
PAVED PARKINGPICNIC SHELTER LOT/DRIVEWAY
AMPHITHEATRE
LEASE
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
REST ROOM
LOW RETAINING WALL ARMORY YARD
PICNIC SHELTER
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
RIMPAU AVE
REST ROOM
PAVED PARKING LOT
LEASE
HORSE SHOE PITS
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
AMPHITHEATRE
VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
REST ROOM
UTILITY BLDGS
PAVED PARKING LOT
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
QUARRY ST
MAINT. BLDG
RIMPAU AVE
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
ARMORY
PLAYGROUND PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
WELL/ RESERVOIR
PICNIC SHELTER
PAVED PARKING LOT
PAVED PARKING LOT
SKATE PARK
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
ARMORY
PICNIC SHELTER
SKATE PARK
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER REST ROOM
REST ROOM
PLAYGROUND
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST 6TH ST
Surface Water Flow Flow Surface Water
N
Surface Water Flow
Temescal Wash Temescal Wash
Temescal Wash
0’
Groundwater Pumping Station
Groundwater Pumping Groundwater Pumping StationStation
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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site inventory and analysis
Soils Soils were created as the mountains weathered, and seismic activity shifted the land. As the city developed, these resources were utilized in the construction industry with clay material for tiles and gravel for concrete, roof tiles and other uses. Soils on site are comprised of material derived from alluvium parent material. The City of Corona is located in an alluvial fan area, where sediment was transported from mountain areas by streams and rivers down slope to create the soils in the flood plain, resulting in a soil with high contents of sand and gravel. Soil and Organic Matter This is the case throughout Corona and on the City Park site as well. The soil type is a Garretson gravelly very fine sandy loam and is consistent throughout the park. Variation in soil composition may be due to site alterations that have occurred including agricultural uses prior to park development, initial park development, and additional site changes that have occurred throughout the last 90 years such as the development of the plunge and the skate park.
Local Soils
Garretson Gravelly Sandy Loam
City Park
Source: NRCS Web Soil Survey
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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site inventory and analysis
Plant Material HIstoric Vegetation Historic vegetation maps were obtained that indicate the area around the park was used for agriculture as early as 1934. This made it difficult to determine what types of native vegetation would have grown here, yet surrounding local vegetation is coastal sage scrub. The site probably contained this plant community with riparian vegetation along Temescal Wash before agriculture was established and the wash was channelized. Existing Plant Material Existing plants in City Park are the result of nearly 100 years of planting and horticulture. Demonstration gardens were planted in the 1930s,
replacing the wading pools which were difficult to keep clean and thought to harbor disease. The gardens that took their place were planted with cactus and other succulents, along with other common plants of the time. Early park plantings were also probably responsible for many of the large trees on site including: oaks, carob, sycamore, ash and others. A formal estimation of age has not been completed for the park’s trees. Two plant lists describing the early plantings from the 1920s were obtained from the Corona Public Library’s Heritage Room. These provide an idea of the early visioning of park plantings, and suggest what may remain from this era.
The plants that remain on site are dominated by both new and old trees, turf grass, and sporadic shrub plantings. The shrub types and design are not organized or of a unified theme. There are three areas of tree plantings that appear to have design intent: the oak allée along the central drive, the palm allée at the pedestrian entry at the corner of 6th and Rimpau, and the palm grid west of the Armory. These are of note because they create structure and character. The two allées are of greater interest for preservation because they are defining features on the ground. The palm grid creates a large shaded area with palms, but does not provide a highly usable space.
Planter area and turf
Vegetation layering
Historical planter
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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cHAPTER tITLE
Subtitle
place holder tree survey
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site inventory and analysis
Circulation and Access Park users access the site by car, bus, bicycle, and on foot. There is more than ample parking space for everyday park use. Large events drawing people from across Corona require much more parking than is currently available within the park itself. Bus stops service the south end of the park along 6th Street with points of access for pedestrians and vehicles primarily on the long north and south sides of the park. Access is also available on the Grand Blvd. entry providing access to the lease area on the West side of the park, as well as the tot lot and aquatic center. Vehicular Exit
QUARRY ST
UTILITY BLDG
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
REST ROOM
PAVED PARKING LOT
HORSE SHOE PITS
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
AMPHITHEATRE REST ROOM
Park Access and Circulation
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
QUARRY ST
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
REST ROOM
PAVED PARKING LOT
HORSE SHOE PITS
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
REST ROOM
PICNIC SHELTER
POOL BLDG
WELL/ RESERVOIR
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
LOW RETAINING WALL ARMORY YARD
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
PLAYGROUND
PAVED PARKING LOT
PICNIC SHELTER
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
RIMPAU AVE
PLAYGROUND
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
COMMUNITY POOL
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
POOL BLDG
LOW RETAINING WALL
PICNIC SHELTER
GRAND AVE
MAINT. BLDG
COMMUNITY POOL
AMPHITHEATRE
GRAND AVE
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
REST ROOM
SKATE PARK
PLAYGROUND ARMORY
SKATE PARK PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER
PAVED PARKING LOT
REST ROOM
6TH ST
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST
LEGEND
Pedestrian Circulation Minor Vehicular Circulation MAJOR VEHICULAR CIRCULATION Major Vehicular Circulation BUS BusROUTE Route CLASS II BIKE ROUTE Class II Bikeway CLASS III BIKE Class III ROUTE Bikeway
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS POINT Point Pedestrian Access
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
LEGEND
MINOR VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS POINT
MINOR VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
VEHICULAR ACCESS POINT
MAJOR VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
BUS STOP
VEHICULAR ACCESS POINT Vehicular Access Point BUS STOP Bus Stop
N
0’
100’
200’
300’
BUS ROUTE
CLASS II BIKE ROUTE
CLASS III BIKE ROUTE
CITY PARK REUTILIZATION MASTER PLAN CITY PARK REUTILIZATION MASTER PLAN Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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CORONA,CA 92822
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site inventory and analysis
Circulation and Access Vehicular access and flow is well dispersed through the park regions, however, the entries and exits for cars are confusing and problematic. There is no defining gateway to the park, and street signage is unclear as to where to park for which amenities. Pedestrian movement from one end of the park to the other is limited as well. This may be in part due to the size of the park, but it is also significantly limited by the lack of pedestrian pathways to connect the various use areas in the park. Additionally, there is no wayfinding system to direct users to these other areas. Improvement in both the manner of vehicular and pedestrian access and flow through the park would potentially increase use and movement through the park.
Isolated Features
User Flow
GRAND AVE
RIMPAU AVE
QUARRY ST
6TH ST
PARK NODE Activity
VEHICLEFlow FLOW Vehicle
N
USERFlow FLOW User
0’
CITY PARK REUTILIZATION MASTER PLAN Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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Safety Safety in City Park has become a significant issue. Restrooms are locked most days to prevent defacing and illegal activities. Many community members no longer use the park due to security concerns while recreating.
has shown to improve the situation, with the use of the field by a youth football league. Placing more eyes on a park that has had safety issues has had a positive effect on other parks as well.
The summer ‘Concerts in the Park’ series that was previously held at the band shell has been moved to the City Hall Lawn, where more people will feel secure at night. Increased regular use
Currently the visibility into park use areas is limited. The ability to see through the perimeter to the interior of a park can impact the perception
of safety and consequentially the actual use of the park. City Park has large areas that are not visible from the perimeter, due to a combination of vegetation density and structures that block interior areas. Designing new features, particularly access and circulation, with this in mind will improve the perception of the park.
Vegetation Density
Reduced Visibility QUARRY ST
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
REST ROOM PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
HORSE SHOE PITS
REST ROOM
AMPHITHEATRE
PICNIC SHELTER
POOL BLDG
GRAND AVE
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
RIMPAU AVE
PAVED PARKING LOT
COMMUNITY POOL
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
LOW RETAINING WALL ARMORY YARD
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
PLAYGROUND PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
PAVED PARKING LOT
ARMORY
SKATE PARK PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER REST ROOM
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST
N
Site Line Blockage due to Structures and Vegetation REDUCED VISIBILITY AREAS AS VIEWED FROM THE PERIMETER
CITY PARK REUTILIZATION MASTER PLAN 310 NORTH JOY STREET CORONA, CA 92879 T: 951.737.1124 F: 951.737.6551
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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Amenities City Park amenities and structures are inconsistent throughout the park. Multiple types of each amenity exist, having been added to the park at different periods over the years. Some appear older based on the materials or date stamped in the object, such as the older era streetlights and the blue drinking fountain dated 1919. Picnic Tables
Trash Receptacle Bike Rack Light Post
Benches
Swings
Barbeque Drinking Fountain
QUARRY ST
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
HORSE SHOE PITS
REST ROOM
REST ROOM
AMPHITHEATRE
PICNIC SHELTER PICNIC SHELTER
COMMUNITY POOL
LEASE
POOL BLDG
GRAND AVE
LEASE
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
LOW RETAINING WALL
RIMPAU AVE
PAVED PARKING LOT
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
ARMORY YARD
PICNIC SHELTER
PLAYGROUND PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
PAVED PARKING LOT
ARMORY
SKATE PARK
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER REST ROOM
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST
N
Playgrounds 0’
Picnic Areas
100’
200’
300’
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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0'
50'
100'
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site inventory and analysis
Structures Many types of structures are present within City Park, from picnic shelters to restrooms to the skate park. They have been built and rehabilitated at various times through the history of the park, without a clear architectural style or master planned location. Skate Park Unifying the style of the buildings, walls and other structures on site will create a more cohesive character for the park.
Stone Wall
Utility Building
Armory
Picnic Shelter Pump House
Old Pump Facility
Band Shell
QUARRY ST
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
HORSE SHOE PITS
REST ROOM
REST ROOM
AMPHITHEATRE
PICNIC SHELTER PICNIC SHELTER
COMMUNITY POOL
LEASE
POOL BLDG
GRAND AVE
LEASE
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
LOW RETAINING WALL
RIMPAU AVE
PAVED PARKING LOT
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
ARMORY YARD
PICNIC SHELTER
PLAYGROUND PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
ARMORY
SKATE PARK
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER
PAVED PARKING LOT
REST ROOM
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST
Activity Buildings
Maintenance/Utility
Pump Stations
Restrooms
Picnic Shelters
Armory
N
0’
100’
200’
300’
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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Park Use City Park has been used for a variety of community events over the years. In recent years the park band shell has been host to Family Movie Night, which has since been moved to the City Hall South Lawn. Some large community events include the Day of the Child and Cinco de Mayo Parade and Celebration. These provide opportunities for people from throughout the city to come together. Drawing 8,000 people in 2008, the Day of the Child is held to promote awareness of child abuse, creating activities and education for families in the park.
City Park, where the community can enjoy a classic car show, food, crafts, information booths and activities for children. Additionally, other single day events take place that are sponsored by outside groups, providing a forum for large group activities such as fundraisers and other gatherings. Picnic shelters and the band shell are available for rent as well, providing a resource for family and other smaller group events.
The Cinco de Mayo Celebration begins with a parade down 6th St. ending at
The park also serves sports groups that have regular practices and competitions. The Panthers Youth Football team competes in City Park, and the Corona Aquatics Team holds practice and competition at the City Park Pool.
Swimming Pool
West Tot Lot
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
Daily park activity is centered within the structures of the pool, skate park and the picnic shelters. Swimming pool activity is high during the day due to the Aquatics Team and city summer aquatics programs. The skate park also tends to have a consistent use throughout the day. The tot lots are used sparingly during the workweek by families, with a few children playing at a time. Often there is no use on the structures however. The majority of other use occurs as people gather under the picnic shelters. Some of the individuals or groups appear to be taking lunch at the park, while a large portion seem
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site inventory and analysis
Park Use to be transients that spend the day at the park. The use of the park by the transient population is one of the significant issues in the park, along with illegal activity that has happened at night in the restrooms and within the park. The homeless population is estimated by the Homeless Task Force of Corona at between 1,000 and 1,200 individuals, of all ages, ethnicity and educational background. One issue noted by the Police Chief was that the transients were not the homeless as usually defined. In his opinion the homeless desired assistance, where transient individuals did not and deliberately chose the encampments. The daily presence of the transient population in the park has limited park use by other populations outside of the swimming pool and skate park because of the perceived lack of safety.
Homeless Use in Picnic Shelter
Crime Incidents Near City Park
Source: Corona Police Department
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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site inventory and analysis
Community Input A community meeting was held at the City Park Armory to engage individuals in discussion about how they use the park and how if could be improved for better use in the future. Three community members attended, representing local business, radio and the swim team that utilizes the Aquatic Center. The meeting was facilitated by BMLA staff, while City staff were present to assist and answer questions. Through informal discussion, those present provided input on existing park features and the related issues and improvements that could be made. A summary of these comments is provided at right.
Community Comment Highlights Improvements 1. improve bandshell 2. revitalize plunge, reconnect with history 3. larger community facility 4. larger pool would accommodate regional swim meets 5. measured walking trails with good lighting 6. adequate field and basketball court opportunities for local residents 7. large plaza or gathering space 8. splash pad 9. senior activity center 10. retain historic feel 11. concessions would support improved amphitheater or aquatic center, or create a fun weekend activity, go to the park for a snow cone Problems 1. confusing entries, difficult to know where parking is 2. activity for young kids should be away from busy 6th st. 3. lighting should be improved for safety 4. homeless presence and crime have given park a poor image 5. skate park is not used much and should be removed
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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site inventory and analysis
Community Input The community input was similar in content to the initial staff survey that provided a starting point for the design team to begin backstory development. This gave an initial insight into the park’s positive features as well as the issues to address. This breadth of information is important in the transition into design, providing local knowledge and experience to improve the Reutilization Plan.
Comparison of Feedback New Features
Community Members
City Staff
Parks Commission
Gym Larger Community Facility Larger Pool Measured walking trails Splash Pad Senior Activity Center Concessions Dog Park Features to Remove Band Shell Skate Park Baseball Field Features to Retain/Improve Lighting Bandshell Revitalize Plunge/Improve Aquatic Center Retain/Reconnect with Park History Armory Ingress/Egress Tot Lot Parking Lots Park Safety Connection to Downtown Preserve Trees Skate Park Picnic Shelters
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site inventory and analysis
Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities and constraints were developed from the information gathered in the backstory so that this understanding may inform the conceptual design. Some are location specific, such as the opportunity to preserve mature trees. Others may be applied site wide, such as the opportunity to improve site access and circulation. The following page itemizes these opportunities and constraints based on each section of backstory.
Opportunities and Constraints
Opportunities and Constraints QUARRY ST
GRAVEL PARKING LOT
REST ROOM PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
HORSE SHOE PITS
REST ROOM
AMPHITHEATRE
PICNIC SHELTER
POOL BLDG
GRAND AVE
CELL TOWER & UNDERGROUND CONDUIT
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
RIMPAU AVE
PAVED PARKING LOT
COMMUNITY POOL
BASKETBALL COURT VOLLEYBALL COURT
UTILITY BLDG
UTILITY BLDGS
MAINT. BLDG
LOW RETAINING WALL ARMORY YARD
PICNIC SHELTER
LEASE
PLAYGROUND PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY
WELL/ RESERVOIR
PAVED PARKING LOT
ARMORY
SKATE PARK PAVED PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY PICNIC SHELTER
PICNIC SHELTER REST ROOM
PLAYGROUND
6TH ST
N
Opportunities to Improve Visibility 0’
Opportunities to Improve Visibility
100’
200’
300’
Significant Trees Opportunitiesfor to Preserve Significant Trees Constraints Large Structures or Change in Use Constraints for Large structures
Opportunities to Retain Surface Runoff Opportunities to Retain Surface Runoff Both Opportunity and Constraint for Both Opportunity and Constraint for Visibility
and LargeREUTILIZATION Structures CITY Incorporating PARK Armory Builidngs MASTER PLAN
NOVEMBER 2, 2009
NORTH
0'
50'
100'
150'
CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF CORONA 400 SOUTH VICENTIA AVENUE
310 NORTH JOY STREET CORONA, CA 92879 T: 951.737.1124 F: 951.737.6551
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
CORONA,CA 92822
PH:(951) 736-2241
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site inventory and analysis
Opportunities and Constraints Opportunities History Climate Water Soils Access and Circulation Plant Material Amenities Structures Park Use Safety Constraints History Climate Water Soils Access and Circulation Plant Material Amenities Structures
Park Use Safety
bring historical elements back into the park water conservation through climate appropriate plantings water quality improvement by reducing surface runoff and reuse on site soil improvement for plant health and water conservation improve for site function and safety preserve significant trees, existing shade and character unify and improve safety and servicability of amenities expand the recreational offerings and update for access and maintainability provide new opportunities for multigenerational activities, city activities, passive and active uses improve the defensable space through park safety best management practices
unify iconic pieces of architecture, create links to city history water conservation by plant selection will be limited by park turf area retaining surface water for use on site may be limited by maintenance needs no constraints foreseen presently undefined cultural habits tree preservation may limit design solutions and development opportunities disjointed existing amenities, many in poor repair large tree specimens and existing use may pose challenge to siting, poorly planned and sited existing structures, Armory is visually powerfull at east end of site with little historical context the presence of the homeless community and crime activity create a challenge to drawing new users to the park homeless community and existing trees which provide amenities but block visibility in some situations, existing public perception that park is unsafe
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site inventory and analysis
Backstory Summary The backstory provides a broad understanding of site conditions to inform and support the conceptual design of the Reutilization Master Plan. The collected research also creates a storehouse of information for future works on the park, to allow for designers, planners and staff to consider the site from a common understanding. This is also true for city staff, council and community members,
creating a community bank of knowlege to support future discussions and decision making. The opportunities and constraints that were developed from the backstory research are applied in the concept plan for the site, with a particular focus on aspects of the park planning that were identified by the community and staff.
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
These include: • A New Gym • Improved Aquatic Facility • Improved Access and Circulation • Improved Parking • Increased Perception of Safety The focus of the new concept for the park will be to bring the community back to this historic park that has become disused in recent years.
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Conceptual Design
Concept Statement City Park serves as a historical storehouse and center of recreation and community events for the City of Corona. It is uniquely situated to play an integral part in the lives of city residents, both by its location near downtown civic buildings and also by its longstanding use as a site for the city to come together in community celebrations, fundraising efforts and other events.
The City Park Reutilization Plan makes use of the community cultural strengths and addresses the weakness in organization and thematic elements to increase both the community’s use of the park as well as its importance as a valued community resource.
City Park has seen many changes and improvements over the years, characterized by individual improvement efforts rather than a cohesive planning effort. Though beneficial, this piecemeal improvement has led to a park that lacks a unified theme and organizational structure.
Corona City Park Reutilization Plan
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