AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SITE PLAN REQUEST OF THE CITY OF COCONUT CREEK FOR THE RENOVATION AND EXPANSION OF OAK TRAILS PARK, AN EXISTING CITY PARK FACILITY LOCATED AT 4100, 4230, AND 4250 NW 74 STREET, LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A,” ATTACHED HERETO AND MADE A PART HEREOF. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)(PUBLIC HEARING)
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BACKGROUND:
Desirous of providing park space at the northernmost area of the City, the City Commission purchased a vacant five (5) acre parcel along NW 74 Street from Broward County in 2007. In support of the City's goal to increase recreational opportunities throughout the City, the site, known as Oak Trails Park, was improved to provide open space and passive recreation to the surrounding residential community.
Since the original park acquisition, the City purchased two (2) additional sites abutting the park, first on the west side of the park in October 2017, and second, on the east side of the park in January 2018. The City now proposes to incorporate these two (2)additional parcels into the existing park.
As proposed, this site plan is made up of three (3) separate parcels itemized below:
• 4100 NW 74 Street - (east parcel) for proposed expansion of Oak Trails Park;
• 4230 NW 74 Street - (center parcel) existing Oak Trails Park facility (the "Park"); and
• 4250 NW 74 Street - (west parcel) for proposed expansion of Oak Trails Park.
DISCUSSION:
In order to implement the vision outlined in the City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan at Oak Trails Park, the applicant, on behalf of the City is seeking site plan approval to improve and expand the existing Oak Trails Park. The Park primarily serves residents in the northernmost part of the City. All three (3) parcels that make up the Park have remained predominantly as-is with only minor improvements and maintenance completed to date, pending rezoning of the two (2) newer parcels and site plan approval for the Park as a whole, which rezoning application is also on this agenda for Commission consideration.
Proposed facilities include twenty-nine (29) parking spaces and sixty-six (66) overflow grass parking spaces throughout the park, two (2) multi-purpose fields, walking path, picnic area, and exercise stations. An existing structure on the east parcel will be converted from a vacant single family home to a nature center with classrooms and bathroom facilities. Upon completion, the City will seek LEED certification for the nature center building. Chain link fencing is proposed at the perimeter and a decorative rail fence is proposed along NW 74 Street. This project and land acquisition are funded in part by a $1.1 million grant from the Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant program to construct the first phase of the park improvements. The proposed improvements are the minimum required by the grant program.
Trees considered invasive or in direct conflict with proposed improvements will be removed. Mitigation trees will be replanted on the site in addition to one (1) acre of native vegetation to remain as required by the FCT Grant. These efforts support the City's goal to maintain tree canopy and protect the area's environmental quality by promoting tree preservation and restoration.
If approved, the Oak Trails Park site plan will include nearly fifteen (15) acres of passive recreation, adding approximately ten (10) acres to the City's park system.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff has reviewed this application and finds the proposed site plan, subject to condition listed below, to be in compliance with Article III, “Zoning Regulations,” of the City of Coconut Creek Land Development Code and recommends approval.
The Planning and Zoning Board, at its December 11, 2024, meeting, recommended approval of this application subject to the below condition of approval. Outstanding DRC comments are included in the Planning & Zoning Board Agenda backup are available online for your review.
1. Outstanding DRC comments remain effective throughout the development review process and must be addressed prior to the issuance of a building permit unless otherwise stated therein.
2. Subject to the City Commission approval of the rezoning application.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A