View park to arrive at Arch

Arch Beach Heights got a better view Jan. 22.

The City Council voted unanimously to proceed with plans for a view park proposed for about 50 parcels in the neighborhood, acquired during the past few years by the city for open space.

“The area starts at Santa Ana Street and goes all the way to Nyes Place,” City Manager Ken Frank said.

“We get great views over private properties, so we don’t need to acquire them.”

The concept of a view park in Arch Beach Heights was approved by the council in August 2007 and funds were allocated to hire landscape architect Larry Steinle to prepare preliminary plans.

Steinle based his proposal on specific objectives:

 Enhance community connectivity through natural trails

 Increase public access to open space and coastal views

 Preserve and protect high value habitat by limiting improvements and restoring vegetation damaged by roadways or erosion

 Provide an accessible area for coastal viewing

 Avoid adverse impacts to the designated water course

 Provide fuel modification zones for protection of adjacent homes.

The council’s action in 2007 also created an experimental program to replace native vegetation that is not fire-resistant with natives that are.

“In short, the major components [of Steinle’s proposal] include pathways, view areas, fuel modification and walking opportunities,” Frank reported.

Following council endorsement of Steinle’s concept and funding for further planning, Frank said the next step will be to convene a meeting so neighbors and others groups interested in the project can discuss the concept and make comments. A more detailed plan would be prepared to process for the necessary permits. Park amenities will be limited to picnic tables and garbage cans.

The $5,000 allocated to retain Steinle’s initial services, was appropriated in February 2005 and carried over until the city acquired enough parcels for a park. That allocation was supplemented Jan. 22 by a $25,000 appropriation from the city’s $67,000 Park in Lieu Fund, which must be used for park and recreation purposes.

Assuming all goes well, construction, described as relatively minor, would be included in the budget for fiscal year 2008-09 and might begin within one or two years, Frank said.