Diamond Bar Passes Parks Plan

The Diamond Bar City Council passed a plan that outlines the city's long-range parks and recreation needs during a meeting Tuesday.

The document, which has been in the works for around four years, is called the Parks Master Plan, and sets out priorities for expanding the city's parks, sports facilities, recreation space, and public trails.

The over 400-page summary document identifies the highest priorities for city parks, as a result of surveys and work groups.

The plan passed in a 4-1 vote with councilman Ron Everett dissenting out of a desire to hold a public hearing before approving the plan.

Mayor Pro Tem Ling-Ling Chang said that the document will be subject to future changes and that community input will continue to be welcomed.

Consultant Ron Hagan, of TKE Engineering and Planning, identified the top short-term and long-term goals for city parks during a presentation at Tuesday's meeting:

Short-term goals:

• Trail improvements for hiking and exercise
• Sports field improvements — infields, concessions, lights, restrooms
• Tot Lot improvements to neighborhood parks
• American Disability Act improvements

Long-term goals

• Additional recreation programming space
• Additional field lighting
• Completion of Trails Master Plan
• Additional picnic space, walkways, and open space
• Possible future park acquisitions
• Park security measures

Hagan said that 75 percent of Diamond Bar residents reported using a city park, trail, or recreation facility in the past year, which he said was high for most cities where he has conducted similar surveys.

The final report contains (1) an inventory of parks, schools, and trails; (2) development and maintenance standards; (3) program and policy recommendations; (4) capital improvement recommendations; (5) options for community-based agencies' future planning; (5) a working document for planning and seeking funding for these projects for the next 10-20 years.

For a look at the full documents of Parks Master Plan approved Tuesday:

• Parks Master Plan Executive Summary
• Park facilities
• School facilities
• Trails
• Joint-use facilities
• Future site acquisition