DATE: April 25, 2006
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Management and Maintenance of Jess Martin Regional Park

SUMMARY:
Jess Martin Park is an approximately 9-acre regional park in the community of Julian that is owned by the County and jointly managed and maintained by a non-profit, volunteer organization called Intermountain Park & Recreation (IPR). Existing amenities within the park include a playground, skate park, three ball fields, a volunteer pad and on-site parking. Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to identify the necessary funding that will allow the Department of Parks & Recreation to manage and maintain Jess Martin Park, and refer this matter to the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget process.

Recommendation
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer, while working with the Department of Parks & Recreation, to identify the staffing level and funding needed for the Department of Parks and Recreation to manage and maintain Jess Martin Park as a regional asset, and refer this matter to the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget process.

Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact as a result of this action.

BACKGROUND
Jess Martin Park is an approximately 9-acre regional park in the community of Julian that is owned by the County. Existing amenities within the park include a playground, skate park, three ball fields, a volunteer pad and on-site parking. As the only community park in Julian and the surrounding area, with the closest County park with ball fields located nearly 25 miles away in Pine Valley, Jess Martin Park receives a great deal of use.

On December 2, 1997, the County of San Diego and Intermountain Park & Recreation, a non-profit, volunteer organization, entered into an agreement to jointly oversee the development of park and recreational facilities at Jess Martin Park.

Intermountain Park & Recreation has done a good job managing and maintaining Jess Martin Park, but over the past several years IPR has had a difficult time raising the funds necessary to maximize its use and maintain it. They have also had a problem retaining volunteers to serve on its board because many of the past members have moved away after losing their homes in the 2002 Pines or October 2003 fires. Because the Master Plan has been updated and improvements are planned, it is important to be able to properly maintain this County facility.

A lot has changed over the nine years that the park has been in existence. Jess Martin Park has evolved from a small community park to a regional sports park that is home to Pony and Julian High School baseball, AYSO, skateboard enthusiasts, as wells as countless families and organizations that enjoy the park’s tot lot and picnic areas. Jess Martin Park is utilized by children and families from all parts of the San Diego region, not just Julian. Julian is unique because it draws tourists into the community who use the park for their enjoyment.

Today’s action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to identify the necessary staffing and funding that will allow the Department of Parks & Recreation to manage and maintain Jess Martin Park as a regional asset, and refer this matter to the Fiscal Year 2006-07 budget process.

I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District