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NorthLake Specific Plan/VTTM No. 51852
February 2007 Draft Supplemental EIR
4.16 PARKS AND RECREATION
This section of the Draft SEIR describes potential parks and recreation impacts related to the
implementation of the proposed project.
4.16.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1992 NorthLake Specific Plan EIR
Although the 1992 SP EIR did not include a separate analysis of parks and recreation, the
NorthLake Specific Plan specified requirements related to parks and recreation. Project open
space would include the major ridgelines to the east and west of the site; improved recreational
open space would include approximately 35 acres of parks; and open space areas would be
well distributed throughout the development. Each of these project design features would
remain relevant to the SEIR.
The 1992 NorthLake Specific Plan EIR had requirements related to parks and recreation,
including the following:
• Project open space would include the major ridgelines to the east and west of the site.
• Improved recreational open space would include approximately 35 acres of parks.
• Open space areas would be well distributed throughout the development.
Each of these project design features would remain relevant to the SEIR.
4.16.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS
County of Los Angeles Recreational Resources
Los Angeles County’s recreational resources are varied and extensive and include over
63,000 acres of parks, gardens, lakes, trails, natural areas, and other recreational facilities such
as parks, golf courses, art centers, and botanical gardens (LACPD 2001). The Angeles
National Forest and Santa Catalina Island are the largest recreational areas in the county.
Large water conservation projects such as Whittier Narrows and Castaic Lake are used for
nature study and fishing. State Parks and Recreation Areas in the Santa Monica Mountains,
Antelope Valley, and Puente Hills provide thousands of acres for scenic enjoyment, riding, and
hiking in relatively undisturbed terrain.
A system of regional parks has been developed and is complemented by a local park system
that is designed to meet neighborhood and community outdoor recreation needs. The park and
recreation facilities that currently exist within the vicinity of the proposed project are described
below.
Regional Parks
The system of regional parks provides about 14,291 acres of land dedicated to park and
recreation uses throughout Los Angeles County. The seven regional parks located within
Los Angeles County are listed below. Two of the seven, Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
(Castaic SRA) and the William S. Hart Regional Park, lie within the vicinity of the proposed
project.
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1. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
2. Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
3. Schabarum Regional Park
4. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park
5. Castaic Lake Recreation Area
6. Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area
7. William S. Hart Regional Park
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area — The Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (Castaic SRA)
is located at 32132 Ridge Route Road, Castaic, California, and is immediately east of the
project site. The land is currently owned by the State Department of Water Resources and
is operated by the State Department of Parks and Recreation. It is one of the State Water
Project's largest recreational lakes and the terminal of its west branch. The site includes
29 miles of shoreline, and a major attraction is the 425-foot tall Castaic Dam. The Castaic SRA
is comprised of approximately 8,800 acres (LACPD 2005). This facility has two bodies of water:
Castaic Lake (upper lake) and Castaic Lagoon (lower lake). The upper lake is for sailing, power
boating, water and jet skiing, fishing, and boat rentals, and includes a tackle bait shop. The lake
is stocked with various fish such as bass, trout, and catfish. The lower lake is for non-power
boating and canoeing. Swimming season on the lower lake runs from mid-May to
mid-September. Some of the recreational activities include: hiking, fishing, biking trails, picnic
areas, playgrounds, and recreational vehicle and tent camping. Rental group picnic areas are
available for up to 600 persons.
As stated above, Castaic SRA offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and
recreational vehicle and tent camping. On-site facilities include: 4 multipurpose rooms,
3 horseshoe pits, 40 restrooms, 41 drinking fountains, 5 offices, 6 children’s play areas,
3 concession stands, 33 picnic areas, 500 picnic tables, 125 braziers, 60 single camp sites,
2 group camp sites, 1 boating area, 2 fishing lakes, a 10-mile hiking trail, 1 maintenance
building, 1 equestrian area, 1 model airplane area, 26 comfort stations, 1 pier, 8 docks,
5 entrance booths, 60 fire rings, 12 hot coal containers, 12 outdoor showers, 12 indoor showers
(under construction), and 6 fish cleaning stations. Parking capacity is 2,266 spaces with
50 parking security lights. In addition, on the SRA site California State University, Northridge
operates an on-site aquatic center which provides lifeguard and water sports instruction.
William S. Hart Regional Park — The William S. Hart Regional Park is located at
24151 N. San Fernando Road in Newhall, California. The park is comprised of approximately
265 acres. William S. Hart was a popular cowboy actor during the silent film era. In 1946, he
donated his sprawling 260-acre ranch for the public to enjoy. The William S. Hart Regional Park
features a western art museum, barnyard animals including wild buffalo, and picnic facilities.
The western art museum rests atop a hill within the park; the Spanish colonial Revival-style
mansion exhibits an art collection, original furnishings, and mementos of early Hollywood and
Native American artifacts. Special events include animal fairs; an annual event entitled “Hart of
the West Powwow,” a Native American gathering at the cowboy ranch; and “Old Towne Days.”
Community/Local Parks
Local parks provide active and/or passive open space areas for neighborhoods and
communities. The three existing local/community parks within the Castaic area are listed below.
1. Castaic Sports Complex, 31230 N. Castaic Road, Castaic, CA: Consists of baseball
diamonds, football and soccer fields, and a picnic and barbecue area on 51 acres. It is
approximately 1.4 miles from the project site.
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2. Del Valle Park, 28201 W. Sloan Canyon Road, Castaic CA: Consists of a picnic and
barbecue area and playground equipment on 5.8 acres. It is approximately 0.9 mile
from the project site.
3. Hasley Canyon Park, 28700 W. Quincy Street, Castaic, CA: Consists of a picnic and
barbecue area and playground equipment on 5.4 acres. It is approximately 4.0 miles
from the project site.
In addition to these local parks, the City of Santa Clarita, located approximately five miles from
the project site, offers 16 local parks, a sports complex, and an aquatic center.
Recreational Trails
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation operates the Los Angeles
County System of Riding and Hiking trails. The county-wide trails system is a network of
existing and proposed multiple-use trails planned for a wide range of uses such as hiking,
jogging, walking, mountain biking, and equestrian activity. The system has been developed in
conjunction with trails provided by other federal and state agencies. The closest County trail to
the project site is the Castaic Lake Trail (Trail No. 75), which is a proposed trail located in the
Castaic SRA (described above). Trail No. 75 overlaps with a portion of the Borrow Site. While
the trail has not been formally incorporated into Los Angeles County’s trail system, the trail is
used and recognized as such. According to the Los Angeles County Riding and Hiking Trails
Map, the trail is two miles in length and carries a trail rating of “D,” meaning it is difficult to
traverse.
Additionally, there is evidence of other “informal” or unofficial trails that traverse the project site
that likely veer off of portions of Trail No.75. Though current use of these trails within the
boundaries of the project site is prohibited, as users are trespassing on private property,
monitoring and enforcement to keep users off these ad-hoc trails has not been practiced.
Bikeways
Bicycle trails typically serve corridors that are not accommodated by streets and highways or
where sufficient right-of-way exists to construct a separate facility parallel to the roadway.
They can provide both recreational and commuter opportunities. These facilities can often
serve to bridge gaps in the system caused by man-made or natural barriers. They often utilize
abandoned railroad rights-of-way, utility easements, flood-control channels, parks, and similar
linear open space corridors. Class I bike trails are paved with separate rights-of-way and occur
mostly in parks, along rivers, beaches, and along lakesides. Los Angeles County has a number
of Class I trails located in communities throughout the County. Class I trails closest to the
project area include:
Santa Clara River Trail — The Santa Clara River trail runs in an east-west direction for
approximately eight miles. The eastern segment runs from Lost Canyon Road to Soledad
Canyon Road near Camp Plenty Road in Canyon Country along north bank of the Santa Clara
River. The western segment runs from the Santa Clarita Metrolink Station west to the South
Fork Trail along the southern bank of the Santa Clara River. The Santa Clara River Trail begins
again at McBean Parkway, extends west another 0.5 mile, and terminates near Edison Curve,
with no access to Magic Mountain Parkway. There is a northern segment of this trail that runs
from McBean Parkway east to Bouquet Canyon Road along the northern bank of the Santa
Clara River. The eastern end runs partially along Bouquet Creek.
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Bouquet Creek Trail — The Bouquet Creek trail is approximately one mile long and runs from
Newhall Ranch Road at McBean Parkway in Saugus to Bouquet Canyon Road at the Bouquet
Creek Bridge in Saugus along the northern side of Newhall Ranch Road.
South Fork Trail — This trail runs in a north-south direction along the west bank of the South
Fork Santa Clara River from Newhall at Orchard Village Road in a northern direction to the
Santa Clara River Trail in Saugus for approximately 3.4 miles. It connects with paseos in
developed areas along the trail and the Santa Clara River Trail.
Chuck Pontius Commuter Rail Trail — This trail runs in an east-west direction along the
southern side of Soledad Canyon Road from Camp Plenty Road (Jct. Santa Clara River Trail) to
Golden Triangle Road; it then moves along the northern side of Soledad Canyon Road to
Commuter Way; and then along Commuter Way to the Santa Clarita Metrolink Station. It is
approximately 3.5 miles in length.
A Class II bike lane is a separate, striped lane for bicycles on paved roads shared with vehicles.
Class III bike lanes are roadways that are considered safe for bicycles and are marked with
green bike signs, but with no accommodation specifically for bicycles. There are Class II and
Class III bike lanes located in the vicinity of the proposed project, including the following:
• Soledad Canyon Road — Shadow Pines Blvd. to Canyon Country Park (Class II)
• Sierra Highway — Whispering Leaves Dr. to Friendly Valley Parkway (Class II)
• Haskell Canyon Road — Bouquet Creek to Copper Hill Drive (Class II)
• Wiley Canyon Road — Lyons Avenue to Orchard Village Road (Class II)
• Rockwell Canyon Road — McBean Pkwy. to Valencia Blvd. (Class II)
• Wiley Canyon Road — Orchard Village Road to South Fork Trail entrance (Class III)
• Puddingstone Reservoir (Paths throughout Bonelli Regional Park)
Golf Courses
The following public and private golf courses are located within the project vicinity in the Santa
Clarita Valley:
• Robinson Ranch Golf Course (Public) 36 holes
• Valencia Country Club (Private) 18 holes
• Vista Valencia (Public) 9 holes
• TPC at Valencia (Public) 18 holes
• Chica at Vista Valencia (Public) 9 holes
• The Greens at Valencia–Putting (Grass), 27 holes
There are a number of other golf courses located in the Santa Clarita Valley. However, they are
located in Fillmore, Sylmar and Lake Hughes, and are not close enough to be applicable to the
current proposed project.
4.16.3 RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
Los Angeles County General Plan
The Los Angeles County General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element establishes
policy direction for the open space-related resources of Los Angeles County. These resources
include land and water areas devoted to recreation. The State of California declares that open
space is necessary for the enjoyment of scenic beauty and recreation. The Los Angeles
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County General Plan Transportation Element sets policies to guide the development of an
interconnected network of countywide bicycle corridors. It recognizes and encourages the use
of the bicycle for personal transportation and recreation. The goals and policies that are
applicable to the proposed project are provided below.
• Goal (Open Space Element): To improve opportunities for a variety of outdoor
recreational experiences.
° Policy 30 (Open Space Element): Provide low intensity outdoor recreation in
areas of scenic and ecological value compatible with protection of these natural
resources.
° Policy 33 (Open Space Element): Develop a system of riding and hiking trails,
as well as in-line recreational facilities where possible.
• Goal (Transportation Element, Bikeways Plan): Place convenient bicycle routes
throughout the County.
° Policy 2 (Transportation Element, Bikeways Plan): Require new subdivisions
to develop bicycle facilities where feasible.
° Policy 10 (Transportation Element, Bikeways Plan): Construct bikeways
which connect recreational, educational, cultural, commercial, and industrial
facilities with residential areas.
Quimby Act
California (Government Code, Section 66477) allows a City or County to pass an ordinance
requiring, as a condition of approval of a subdivision, the dedication of land, the payment of a
fee in lieu of dedication, or a combination of both for park or recreational purposes. This
legislation, commonly called the “Quimby Act,” establishes a maximum parkland dedication
standard of 3.0 acres per 1,000 persons for new subdivision development, unless the amount of
existing neighborhood and community parkland exceeds that limit. The proposed project would
be subject to this legislative mandate in accordance with the County-adopted ordinance as
described below.
Los Angeles County Parkland Dedication Ordinance
Consistent and permissible under the Quimby Act, the County of Los Angeles adopted
a Parkland Dedication Ordinance (Los Angeles County Ordinance §§21.24.340, et seq.).
Specifically, the ordinance requires that the subdivider of a residential subdivision “…shall
provide local park space to serve the subdivision, pay a fee in lieu of the provisions of such park
land…provide local park space containing less than the required obligation but developed with
amenities equal in value to the park fee, or do a combination of the above” (Los Angeles County
Ordinance §§21.24.340, et seq.).
Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan
The Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan (SCVAP) was adopted by the Los Angeles Board of
Supervisors on February 16, 1984 and a comprehensive update was approved on
December 6, 1990. Relevant policies relating to recreation and open space include the
following:
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• Policy 6.1 (Land Use Element): Encourage the appropriate mix of land use types to
prevent disharmony and degradation. Residential, commercial, employment,
recreational, and cultural uses should be integrated using appropriate buffering
techniques to create a cohesive community.
• Policy 7.1 (Land Use Element): Encourage development of convenient services to
meet the needs of Santa Clarita Valley residents including recreation. Such services
should be expanded with population growth. Phasing of development and
implementation should be timed to prevent gaps in service as the area grows. Where
feasible, service facilities will be established in central urban areas, with branches
located in outlying communities. When the population base in a community is too small
to support a facility, a common facility—to be shared by several small communities—
should be established at a central point.
• Policy 7.2 (Land Use Element): Encourage joint use of school playgrounds for
community recreation.
• Policy 12.1 (Land Use Element): Promote and support efforts by public and private
agencies and citizen groups to provide the opportunity for a choice of living, working,
recreation, and cultural pursuits for all ages, incomes, and ethnic groups. This variety of
choice includes recreational activities (parks, theaters, indoor sports, amusement parks,
bike paths, equestrian trails, etc.).
• Policy 5.1 (Circulation Element): Promote the acquisition of land for public parks and
improvement of existing park sites in park deficient areas.
• Policy 5.2 (Circulation Element): Apply currently recommended standards for the
provision of local park facilities.
• Policy 5.3 (Circulation Element): Promote the establishment of a centrally located
sports complex with a gymnasium in the Santa Clarita Valley [Castaic Lake Sports
Complex currently exists].
• Policy 5.4 (Circulation Element): Support the proposed development of Castaic Lake
as a major southern California multi-use recreation facility.
• Policy 5.5 (Circulation Element): Support efforts by the Department of Parks and
Recreation to consolidate park funds and land dedications in order to provide fewer but
larger parks to allow for more economically efficient park operation, and to use Quimby
“in-lieu” funds for park development where appropriate.
• Policy 5.6 (Circulation Element): Support efforts to satisfy the demand for more active
use facilities such as ball fields, soccer fields and golf courses.
• Policy 5.7 (Circulation Element): Maximize the use of the recreational potential of the
Angeles National Forest.
• Policy 6.1 (Circulation Element): As funding becomes available, implement the Trails
Plan for the Santa Clarita Valley. Feeder trails may be developed to encourage use of
and improve access to the trails system.
• Policy 6.4 (Circulation Element): Encourage the use of public utility rights-of-way for
trails when practical and compatible with the utility present.
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• Policy 6.5 (Circulation Element): Where practical and compatible with road design,
expected traffic volume and speed, utilize roadway shoulders in rural areas for trails.
Routes shown in urban areas are intended to be located within existing floodplains or
other areas physically separated from existing development so as not to intrude into
existing built-up areas.
• Policy 6.6 (Circulation Element): Encourage the construction of public trail heads to
serve as trails start and mid-trail rest stops.
• Policy 7.1 (Circulation Element): Implement the Bikeway Plan for the Santa Clarita
Valley [see Section 4.10, Transportation, for further discussion].
NorthLake Specific Plan
The proposed project is located within the boundaries of the SCVAP and, as such, the proposed
project must be consistent with the requirements of the SCVAP. The following goals and
policies of the NorthLake Specific Plan relate to recreation and open space.
• Goal i: To improve opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreational experiences.
° Policy ia: Develop local parks easily accessible to local residents and workers.
° Policy ib: Develop a system of bikeways and riding and hiking trails; link
recreational facilities where possible.
• Goal ii: To preserve and protect sites with scenic and/or recreational value.
° Policy ii: Designate substantial open space within the Specific Plan area to
meet the public’s active and passive, scenic, recreational, and conservation
needs while achieving a balanced distribution of developable area to open space.
4.16.4 THRESHOLD CRITERIA
The following criteria are extracted from the Public Services and Recreation section of the
Environmental Checklist form contained in the CEQA Guidelines. The project would, at a
minimum, be considered to have a significant impact related to parks and recreational facilities if
it would:
• Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or
physically altered government facilities, need for new or physically altered government
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in
order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance
objectives for parks services.
• Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be
accelerated.
• Include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational
facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment.
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Another relevant criterion is included below. The project would be considered to have a
significant impact related to parks and recreational facilities if it would:
• Conflict with local and regional goals, plans, and policies related to recreation and open
space.
4.16.5 RELEVANT PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
The proposed project site is currently undeveloped. As such, there are no existing recreational
facilities. The proposed VTTM 51852 project incorporates a total of 312.1 acres of land for
recreation and open space purposes. Phase One/VTTM 51852 collectively includes a centrally
located 3.7-acre private community recreation facility, an integrated greenbelt-trail loop system,
numerous community and neighborhood parks, and passive open space parks, as described
below and in the CUP/Site Plan Review (on file with the Department of Regional Planning).
Exhibit 3-3, Site Plan – VTTM 51852, in Section 3.0 (Project Description), and Exhibit 4.16-1,
Parks and Open Space Plan– VTTM 51852, present the proposed park plan and the proposed
trail plan, respectively, as provided in the Site Plan Review Conditional Use Permit.
Parks and Recreation Facilities — A variety of sizes and types of parks and recreational
amenities would be incorporated throughout the VTTM 51852 development. These parks
support the project objective to provide parks suitable for a variety of ages and activity levels.
A 3.7-acre Community Recreation Center will be located on NorthLake Boulevard toward the
center of the project site. The Community Recreation Center will include such facilities as
a pool, a clubhouse building, lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, a tot lot, a wading pool,
a spa, a village lawn for community events, and barbecue and dining patios. The Community
Recreation Center would serve as the focal point upon entering the NorthLake community and
would provide a gathering point for residents and for the greenbelt-trail loop system (discussed
below).
Along the western edge of NorthLake Boulevard, across the street from the Community
Recreation Center, will be a 4.5-acre linear park, tentatively referenced as “Shady Canyon
Park.” Shady Canyon Park will include par course stations and a long, relatively level and
uninterrupted running and walking path. The proposed walkways would be constructed to
connect with regional and local trails and would be extended into the Future Phase(s) of the
NorthLake Specific Plan to create a unifying recreational character.
The 7.2-acre “Lake View Park” will be located at the northeast corner of the VTTM 51852 site at
the highest elevation within the site. This park, accessed only by a pedestrian trail linked to the
adjacent residential area (and a vehicular access for emergency use only), will provide views of
Castaic Lake and will provide amenities including a pedestrian trail, a lake view gazebo, seating
area, and a naturalized ridgeline trail. This park will retain much of the existing native
vegetation.
Fourteen (14) neighborhood parks will be provided throughout the project site on a total of
8.6 acres. The smaller neighborhood parks are provided for use primarily by the immediately
surrounding residents, and there is at least one park accessible to each project neighborhood.
The size of these parks will vary from approximately one quarter of one acre to almost
two acres. Depending on the size and configuration of the parks, the design and use will vary.
Amenities that may be provided include tot lots, open play turf, picnic areas, and seating
pavilions. All neighborhood parks will include large scale shade trees, and in many cases will
also include a shade overhead structure.
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Borrow
Site
Not
A
Part
Tract Map 51852 Boundary
Borrow Site
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Recreation Center and Parks
Neighborhood Open Space
Production Slopes
Grass Hopper Canyon Natural Area
Natural Open Space
Parks and Open Space Plan - VTTM 51852 Exhibit 4.16-1
NorthLake Specific Plan and Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 51852 Project
1,250 625 0 1,250
Feet
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Open Space/Trails — Open space is integrated within the design of VTTM 51852 to respond
to topographical conditions; preserve ridgelines and hillsides; protect sensitive environmental
resources; provide view amenities; accommodate the greenbelt-trail loop system; and separate
residential neighborhood enclaves. Approximately 271.4 acres of natural and landscaped
open space have been retained in VTTM 51852, including the greenbelt-trail loop system,
manufactured slopes, natural open space, and the majority of natural or restored open space
areas located in Grasshopper Creek Canyon. VTTM 51852 and ultimately the entire NorthLake
community will become linked to the adjacent open space of the Castaic SRA. The proposed
internal trail system is designed to have trailheads abutting the border of the Specific Plan area,
including the adjacent Castaic SRA open space, such that these trails could be connected in the
future as the County of Los Angeles trail system evolves.
The parks and open space systems with Phase One will be interconnected by a greenbelt-trail
loop system is an “amenity” loop providing walking, hiking, or biking opportunities that would
directly or indirectly connect the neighborhoods throughout the community with a variety of
recreation opportunities. The greenbelt-trail loop system is intended to create a continuous
pedestrian network within Phase One utilizing trails, expanded parkways along major roadways,
and local streets to link residential neighborhoods and new recreational amenities.
The greenbelt-trail loop system will consist of a variety of trails and walkways that connect Lake
View Park along the easterly ridge with Grasshopper Creek Canyon, the adjacent regional open
space trails into the Castaic SRA, the Community Recreation Center, and Shady Canyon Park.
The meandering paseo and sidewalks are separated from the roadway by a landscaped
parkway, which connects to Grasshopper Creek Trail and to an off-site trail system.
In addition, the Grasshopper Creek Canyon Trail which will parallel the habitat restoration area
through lower Grasshopper Canyon and extend from an on-site staging area located just
southwesterly of the borrow site toward the Castaic SRA, is intended to complete a significant
segment of the trail system identified by the County Master Plan of Trails.
There will be a large amount of undeveloped landscaped open space throughout the project
site. Much of this open space area is comprised of interior and perimeter slopes. These areas
will add to an overall sense of openness within the project site. In addition, approximately
14 acres of the lower Grasshopper Creek Canyon just southerly of the borrow site area will be
preserved as natural open space and will be used as a habitat mitigation and restoration area
(see Exhibit 4.16-1).
4.16.6 IMPACT ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
1992 NorthLake Specific Plan EIR Previously Adopted Mitigation Measures1
The 1992 SP EIR did not include a separate analysis of parks and recreation. Therefore, no
mitigation measures were required nor carried forward.
Park Space Obligation
I 4.16-1 The proposed project would generate the need for additional local park
space to satisfy Los Angeles County parkland obligations.
1
Refer to Section 4.0 for a description of criteria used to categorize previously adopted mitigation program.
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Analysis Discussion: In accordance with the County’s parkland requirement for new
subdivisions, the proposed project at full Phase One buildout would require a total of 14.9 acres
of parkland. Preliminary parkland dedication requirements for the proposed project have been
calculated and are described in Table 4.16-1.
TABLE 4.16-1
PARKLAND DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED
PROJECT
Population Parkland
Generation Assessment Obligation in
No. of Dwelling Units (DU) Ratea Population Factorb Acres
1,053 Detached Single Family 3.36 3,538 0.003 10.6
645 Multi Family (> 5 du/bldg) 2.24 1,445 0.003 4.3
1,698 Total DU 14.9
a
Source: Los Angeles County Ordinance §21.28.140 et. seq. for Castaic Park Planning Area (35B)
b
Acre per capita (equivalent to 3 acres per 1,000 persons) per Quimby Act
This park requirement would be met through the dedication of 312.1 acres of land for recreation
and open space purposes in VTTM 51852 and would consist of a community recreation center,
community and neighborhood parks, and an extensive greenbelt and trails system. Exhibit 3.3,
Site Plan – VTTM 51852, in the Project Description illustrates the location of the proposed
parks, recreation areas, and open space. The decision of whether proposed recreational
facilities meet County Parkland Dedication Ordinance requirements is determined by the
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and is based upon several criteria
(e.g., access, improvements, topography) and the ordinance requirements. The County of
Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation makes this determination for each residential
subdivision prior to its tentative map approval. However, given that the proposed dedication of
parks and recreation exceeds County requirements by approximately 343 acres, it is anticipated
that the proposed project would meet and exceed the County Parkland Ordinance requirements
without further dedication of lands or any payment in-lieu of fees. There would be no impacts
related to the need for additional local parkland.
Level of Significance without Mitigation: Less than Significant.
Recommended Mitigation Measure: None Required.
Net Level of Significance: Less than Significant.
Impacts on Existing Recreational Facilities
I 4.16-2 The proposed project would increase the use of existing neighborhood
and regional parks or other recreational facilities.
Analysis Discussion: Phase One of the proposed project would increase the population by
4,873 persons based on the 1,698 dwelling units proposed.2 As such, the proposed project
would increase the use of existing regional parks (i.e., Castaic SRA), but it would not cause or
accelerate substantial physical deterioration of the facility (personal communication, Captain
Entwisle). Rather, the proposed development would create new local parks and recreational
opportunities for the population living in the project vicinity and it would promote the use of the
Castaic SRA as a viable recreational alternative as per the SCVAP. The greenbelt-trail loop
2
According to calculations based on the 2000 Census statistics, the population generation number of 2.87 persons per
household was applied (DOF 2003).
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February 2007 Draft Supplemental EIR
system would connect with the Castaic SRA and create an integrated hiking and biking system
Castaic SRA users and residents of the NorthLake development. Therefore, impacts to regional
parks would be less than significant.
As previously discussed, three local and community parks currently exist within the Castaic
area, including the Castaic Sports Complex, Del Valle Park, and Hasley Canyon Park. The
VTTM 51852 project does not propose development of sports complex facilities, and the project-
related population would increase the demand for these types of recreational facilities at existing
locations in the Castaic area. However, the future Castaic High School (approved for
development on the Borrow Site) and the two future school sites within the Specific Plan area
would provide similar recreational facilities that would be accessible to the local residents of the
NorthLake development. This would thereby off-set the demand on existing recreational
facilities in the Castaic area. Therefore, impacts to local and community parks would be less
than significant.
As previously described, the NorthLake project would include the development of numerous
pocket parks, passive parks, and open space areas that provide connectivity to the local and
regional greenbelt-trail loop system. It would also include a community recreation center.
These recreational amenities would enhance the character of the NorthLake project site and
provide adequate recreational opportunities for the local community. The development of these
facilities would not have an adverse physical effect on the environment; they would, in fact,
enhance the natural environment of the project site. The majority of the site would be graded in
order to develop the internal roadway system. Therefore, the conversion of portions of the
graded project footprint into landscaped and natural recreational and open space amenities
would provide a benefit to the residents of the project site, and the associated impacts of
construction would have a less-than-significant impact on the environment.
As described previously, the Castaic Lake Trail (Trail No. 75), which is a proposed trail located
in the Castaic SRA, overlaps with a portion of the Borrow Site. Use of the borrow site would
mean that a portion of Trail No. 75 may need to be re-located. Grading activities and
implementation of the proposed project would likely displace the unofficial trails that traverse the
project site. Because current use of these trails is unauthorized, their displacement would not
technically constitute an adverse impact. Nevertheless, part of the proposed project involves
the construction of walkways within the project site that would connect with off-site regional and
local trails, and would tie into the open space area along NorthLake Boulevard. As such, non-
residents would ultimately benefit by being allowed to officially use the project’s trail system.
Existing recreational use of the project site’s hiking trails would continue. Implementation of this
project element would serve to reduce impacts to the existing trail system to below the level of
significance.
Level of Significance without Mitigation: Less than significant.
Recommended Mitigation Measure: None required.
Net Level of Significance: Less than significant.
Plan Consistency
I 4.16-3 The proposed project would be consistent with local and regional goals,
plans, and policies.
Analysis Discussion: The following lists how the proposed project would be consistent with
the goals and policies identified in the Los Angeles County General Plan, SCVAP, and
NorthLake Specific Plan.
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NorthLake Specific Plan/VTTM No. 51852
February 2007 Draft Supplemental EIR
Specific Policies: Los Angeles County General Plan, Policies 30 and 33; SCVAP Land Use
Element, Policy 12.2; SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element, Policies 5.3
and 5.6; NorthLake SP, Policy ia and ii:
• The proposed project directly provides for passive recreational experiences in the form
of community and neighborhood parks, dedicated open space, and a greenbelt-trail loop
system immediately accessible to future area residents. It also provides some active
recreational opportunities in the form of a community pool, tennis courts, and a
basketball court as part of the proposed recreation center. Additionally, with the
dedication of an elementary school site, it is anticipated that development and joint use
of these facilities would provide for other active recreational opportunities.
• The proposed project directly provides for passive recreational experiences in the form
of parks, dedicated open space, and a greenbelt-loop trail system.
• Undeveloped open space portions of the project would be preserved and well distributed
to facilitate the enhancement of the visual flow of the parks and trails within the
development.
Specific Policies: Los Angeles County General Plan, Policies 2 and 10; NorthLake SP,
Policy ib:
• The proposed project involves the development of a greenbelt-loop trail system that
would connect on-site local trails with off-site regional trails.
• The proposed greenbelt-trail loop system would incorporate provisions for bike trails
linking the communities with the schools, parks, commercial, and industrial areas.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 5.1, 6.1,
6.6 and 7.1:
• The proposed project would augment the existing County park trail system by
connecting proposed on-site trails to existing off-site trails allowing for non-residents of
the NorthLake community to access the network of pocket parks proposed as part of the
project.
• The proposed linear park would be made part of the proposed greenbelt-trail loop
system (a continuous trail loop) and include such amenities as benches and picnic
tables to provide for both rest and recreation opportunities.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 5.2:
• The proposed neighborhood parks would be operated in accordance with Section 17 of
the Los Angeles County Code.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 5.4:
• The proposed project would be sited adjacent to the Castaic Lake SRA to the west. The
proposed greenbelt-trail loop system linking future on-site trails to off-site trails that lead
to the Castaic Lake SRA would encourage and facilitate greater use of this recreational
facility by future residents.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 5.5:
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NorthLake Specific Plan/VTTM No. 51852
February 2007 Draft Supplemental EIR
• In keeping with the County’s goal of providing adequate park resources to its residents,
the proposed project, in accordance with the Development Agreement, would convey the
required number of acres for park development (up to 8-acres for Phase One) to the
Castaic USD in association with future school development within the project site.
• The establishment of a Development Agreement ensures that a mechanism is in place
to provide the necessary funding to the County to meet the park needs of its residents.
• Implementation of the proposed project would also be contingent upon fees paid in
compliance with Government Code, Section 66477 and Los Angeles County Code,
Section 21.24.340–21.24.350 and 2.28.120–21.28.140 as stated in the Development
Agreement.
• In addition to land dedicated for park development, the proposed project incorporates a
Recreation Plan that allocates space for both active and passive park uses. As such,
the proposed project would address any increase in demand for park needs.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 5.7:
• With the implementation of the proposed greenbelt-trail loop system as part of the
project, off-site trails originating from the Angeles National Forest would be expanded to
connect to the trail system within the project site.
• The proposed project would generate an increase in population that is in close proximity
to the Angeles National Forest. As such, future residents would likely utilize the
recreational resources within the Angeles National Forest.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 6.5:
• The recreation component of the proposed project would incorporate the use of flood-
prone areas into its overall design.
Specific Policies: SCVAP Environmental Resources Management Element Policy 7.3:
• The proposed project would provide a network of bicycle routes and facilities (including
racks and lockers at parks) that would link to other existing multi-use trails.
Standard Conditions of Approval and Project Design Features:
• The proposed project would be in full compliance with design standards and mitigation
measures in the previously adopted and approved SP EIR.
Level of Significance without Mitigation: Less than significant.
Recommended Mitigation Measure: None required.
Net Level of Significance: Less than significant.
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Trails
I 4.16-4 The proposed project involves the construction of numerous community
and neighborhood parks and recreational trails as an extension to the
existing off-site trail system.
Analysis Discussion: As part of the proposed project, passive recreational neighborhood
parks (or pocket parks) and a trail system would be constructed. Currently, unofficial trails
traverse the project site and are used by the public for a variety of open space uses, including
hiking, biking, and off-road vehicles. Implementation of the proposed project would alter the
land use from passive open space to mixed urban uses with an integrated trail system. The trail
system would be linked to off-site trails, which will allow for its use by non-residents within the
Specific Plan area as the surrounding trail system (operated by the County of Los Angeles)
evolves. However, these trails would be limited to less-intensive recreational uses, such as
hiking and mountain biking. Off-road vehicles, for example, would not be feasible. It is
important to note that the project site is comprised of private property. Therefore, current
recreational use of the site is unauthorized; as such, changes to the character of the site for
these users would not be considered a significant impact.
The construction of these recreational facilities would involve limited grading and ground-
disturbing activities which are already considered part of the overall proposed project. The
environmental effects of such activities have already been addressed in the respective chapters
of this document. With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the
construction of these facilities would not result in significant impacts on the environment.
With respect to operations, some of the proposed parks are adjacent to open space such as the
proposed Lake View Park; Shady Canyon Linear Park; and Park Nos. 2, 6, 8, 9, and 13, as
depicted in the CUP for Site Plan Review (on file with the Department of Regional Planning).
The introduction of recreational users and increased use of the area may increase the
unauthorized use of the adjacent open space. The likelihood of such use, however, is
considered to be less than significant. As such, it is not expected that operation of these
recreational facilities would result in significant physical adverse effects on the environment.
Level of Significance without Mitigation: Less than significant.
Recommended Mitigation Measure: None required.
Net Level of Significance: Less than significant
4.16.7 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
As growth in the Castaic area continues to occur, there will be increased demand on parks and
recreational facilities. In order to satisfy the demand for parks and recreational opportunities
presented by future residents of the site, the project design includes the development of
numerous pocket parks, a greenbelt-trail loop system, a community recreation center, passive
parks, and open space areas. Although these facilities would be privately owned, the greenbelt-
trail loop system would connect to off-site trails and the Castaic SRA. Therefore, the facilities
constructed as a part of the NorthLake project would also be available to non-resident
individuals who use the local and regional trails. Therefore, because the project satisfies
the required provision of recreational facilities, as described in the CUP/Site Plan Review (on file
with the Department of Regional Planning) and because the project’s recreational amenities
(with the exception of the community center) would be generally accessible to non-residents,
cumulative impacts would be less than significant.
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NorthLake Specific Plan/VTTM No. 51852
February 2007 Draft Supplemental EIR
4.16.8 IMPACT CONCLUSION
The potential for adverse impacts to parks and recreation areas was evaluated based on the
developer’s ability to accommodate the increased demand which would be created by the
proposed project. Approximately 312.1 acres of the site would be devoted to recreational
opportunities and open space. Approximately 137.3 acres of natural open space would be
retained in VTTM 51852. Nineteen neighborhood parks would be included within the residential
neighborhoods. This SEIR demonstrates the proposed Phase One NorthLake development
would be in full compliance with the Los Angeles County General Plan, Open Space and
Transportation Element (Bikeway Plan), and with the Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan Open
Space Element in the area of parks and recreation. The incorporation of project design
features, standard conditions of approval, and mitigation measures as outlined in the previously
approved and certified SP EIR into this proposed project has reduced parks and recreation
impacts to a level that is to be considered less than significant.
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