From this information, an assessment of open space parkland and facility needs has been developed to build the plan upon, to meet the needs of the community. The cumulative responses to all the surveys conducted show that in general, the community’s primary interest is in urban-type recreation facilities rather than rural day use parks. The community expressed interest and support for large multi-use community parks in the population centers, trail systems, sport fields, and swimming pools. The adult survey revealed strong support for the financial support of these types of facilities. 8 workshops were conducted in different areas of the county and the responses were similar in all areas; people want parks and programs within existing communities.

The adult survey was enlightening to local recreational officials. 87 percent of respondents stated recreational services are very important, with 94 percent of adult residents who participated in the study, stating the open space is important. The survey revealed that only 4 percent of Amador County residents do not use parks with 96 percent of respondents stating that they use the parks available to them at some times during the year. When asked where the County should focus it’s efforts regarding parks and recreational services, respondents stated that the top two choices were to upgrade existing parks and to acquire land for future parks. The third choice was providing recreation programs and activities.

Based on the neighborhood and community approach to Parks and Recreations the report states that for the City of Plymouth the recommendations are to develop Lodge Hill Park and also acquire another 10-15 acre site for development into a community park with sports fields. Recommendations for Amador City include a long term goal of acquiring a 3-5 acre site for a park. Ione is in the best shape of any community according to the report. The recommendation for the City of Ione is to develop an additional 3 acre community park. For Jackson the goal is for the City to obtain the Oro de Amador site and build a multiuse community park, similar to Ione’s Howard Park. Also recommended for Jackson is to acquire 2 three to five acre community parks. Sutter Creek has the smallest ratio of parkland to population for any of the incorporated cities in the county and its greatest need is a medium sized multi-use park for both play and enjoyment The recommendation for Sutter Creek is to acquire a 10-15 acre community park that contains sports fields.

The needs of Volcano and Pine Grove have been combined into a recommendation for a large park to be constructed on the 22.5 acres recently purchased by the Volcano Telephone Company. Sports fields are planned for this park. River Pines and Fiddletown have no recommendations; at least once their current respective parks are developed. The Camanche area recommendations include obtaining the existing Papoose Pond and a 15-20 acre community park site. Countywide, the report states that baseball/softball fields are in short supply. Currently, without any increases in population, the county is 7 fields short for baseball/softball activities alone. This number will rise to 9 when the Fuller Sports Complex fields at the St. Sava Mission are lost in 2010. 4 more soccer fields are needed countywide, as well, to fill current demand.

Trails, Recreational Centers and Indoor pools round out the most pressing needs of the county’s communities. How will this all be paid for? That is the big question now- “We know what we need- now we’ll figure out how to get it” states ACRA Executive Director Tracey Towner Yep. The Recreation Agency expects a nexus study to be completed soon. This study will look at the costs of the recommendations, the amount of building expected in the county, and other funding sources, to develop a dollar amount for impact fees. This impact fee will then be an increased recreation fee, ideally, countywide. Currently, the recreation fees range from 150.00 in the unincorporated county areas to 3200 dollars in Ione. Sutter Creek currently has no recreation fee. The goal of ACRA is to have a uniform fee countywide.

Once the nexus study is complete the agency will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors and various City Councils on the amount of the new fee. Towner Yep states that “The next step is to have all cities and the county adopt the Recreation Master Plan. The we look at having all the cities and the county adopt a new fee which will provide a basis, and the funding, to fulfill countywide needs.” Yep states that other funding sources will include donations, grants, a combination of fees under the Quimby Act and Impact Fees, as well as, monies available under the passage of a Landscaping and Lighting Act District which the county will need to pass to pay for all the recreational needs in our communities. Towner Yep expects the Nexus Study to be presented after all city councils and the Board of Supervisors after they have all approved the recreational master plan.