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Boulder Creek Planning New Community Recreation Facility
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Boulder Creek Planning New Community Recreation Facility
Board Will Ask State for $5 Million Grant to Begin First Phase
By Michele Lanctot
The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District plans to join the contenders competing for $184 million in Proposition 84 grant money for parks development. But leaders say their dream project is going to happen with or without this grant.
That dream project is a new facility, including a gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, an exercise facility, rooms to hold classes and meetings, and a performing arts space. The independent district would also like to include a multimedia room with soundproof walls to house a low power FM station.
An opportunity to earn $5 million in Prop 84 grant money accelerated the project planning that began several years ago.
"That information came from six years of passing out flyers, having community-focused strategic planning sessions and really listening to what everyone had to say," said Eric Hammer, one of the district's directors.
The current real estate market has also helped the project move forward.
"This is a unique time because there is property available at a reasonable price," said board chair George Galt.
The district has been negotiating the purchase of land and buildings along Highway 9 between Grove and South streets.
"We really want to reflect the character of the town," said Galt.
Additional buildings, more park space and possibly a swimming pool may come with the second phase of the project.
Grant a Fit for Existing Plan
The district directors hope that the years of community discussion will give its Prop 84 application a boost compared to other applications developed specifically because money is available.
The passage of Prop 84 in 2006 allocated $184 million for the first phase administered through the State Parks. The grant application is due to the state Mar. 1, and agencies can request from $100,000 up to $5 million.
The grant favors creating new park facilities and uses a formula to determine the ratio of residents to park land within a half mile of the site. It also gives points to applications that show strong community involvement in the planning.
The recreation department's board of directors started its planning by defining areas to focus efforts to improve the district. One area of focus was new facilities.
"The community told us they want a new facility in the town core and that is what they deserve," said Galt.
In 2008, the district formed a joint task force with the Boulder Creek Fire Department, which also needs to boost its current facilities. It would share the new space for community activities and potentially add another building.
A partnership between two government agencies also increases their chances to be awarded the grant money.
The $5 million from the state would help begin construction on the first phase of the project.
Much of the existing buildings will remain intact and the district plans to incorporate green building technology to qualify for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, the rating system from the United States Green Building Council.
In contrast to other applicants for the grant, long-term planning efforts have given the project time needed to look at requirements such as the California Environmental Quality Act. The act requires environmental impact reports for any activity that may harm the surrounding environment. The fact that the land is already developed and that much of the project involves renovation decreases the chance of such problems.
Community Concerns
BCRPD is also addressing the concerns of the neighborhood. Christina Horvath, district manager, explained that they will take extra steps to buffer adjacent properties from noise and alleviate traffic congestion.
Although the process to apply has to move along fairly quickly, the district wants to assure neighbors that they will not be displacing anyone for at least two years.
"Our mission is to improve the parks and recreation facilities in order to improve the quality of life and that will only increase the property value by bringing in economic development," said Horvath. "We want the community to be open to knowing we are smart and know what we are doing."
Placing the recreation facility on the west side of Highway 9 will allow children walking from the elementary school safe access to attend after-school programs.
"This project will make Boulder Creek a destination. Instead of all the traffic flowing [to Santa Cruz] people will be able to say to their friends, 'Let's go to that event in Boulder Creek,'" said Galt. "What a marvelous way to improve a community."
A special board of directors meeting will be held Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. just before the Prop 84 application is due.
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