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Agenda 06/07/2005 W COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ~ JOINT BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD BEACH ACCESS WORKSHOP AGENDA June 7, 2005 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fred W. Coyle, Chairman, District 4 Frank Halas, Vice-Chairman.Commissioner, District 2 Donna Fiala, Commissioner, District 1 Tom Henning, Commissioner, District 3 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED. COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05 REQUIRES THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT. ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE. Page 1 June 7, 2005 I. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance II. Presentations followed by discussion a) Topics raised at previous workshop b) Shuttle systems c) Beach stickers d) Capital and operational plan, budget, and funding III. Public Comment IV. Adjourn Page 2 June 7, 2005 Board of County Commissioners/ Parks and Recreation Advisory Board JOINT WORKSHOP on BEACH ACCESS June 7, 2005 The following materials address issues raised at the BCC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access held on March 31, 2005, and proposes a Capital and Operational Plan and Budget and funding sources. Carrying Capacities According to Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, published by the National Recreation and Park Association, the national use standard for beach areas is 50 square feet ofland and 50 square feet of water per user. The state standard, established by the Florida Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide, is 200 to 500 square feet of beach per person. In response to public opinion that a variety of beach experiences is desirable, the Parks and Recreation Department recommends a variable standard for beach use, based on the type of experience a given beach area supports. For the tables below, variable levels of intensity were applied to beach segments in accordance with the desired amount of impact to the resource. Table 1. shows carrying capacities of Collier County beaches based on square footage of sandy beach. Table 1. Beach area Total beach Level of Persons beach area service will hold at any (sq ft) (sq ft per given time person) Barefoot Beach Access 65,000 100 650 Lely Barefoot Beach 710,000 250 2,840 Development Barefoot Beach Preserve 750,000 500 1,500 Delnor- Wiggins Pass State 324,000 200 1,620 Park* Vanderbilt Beach Accesses 685,000 250 2,740 Area Vanderbilt Beach Park 37,500 100 375 Pelican Bay Development 1,200,000 250 4,800 Clam Pass Park 320,000 250 1,280 North Gulf Shore Access 135,000 250 540 Park Shore Accesses 1,300,000 250 5,200 City of Naples 2,472,000 250 9,888 BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 1 Naples Pier and Lowdermilk 528,000 100 5,280 Park Keewaydin Island 4,000,000 500 8,000 Hideaway Beach 528,000 250 2,112 Tigertail Beach Park 390,000 500 780 Marco Island 1,300,000 250 5,200 South Marco Beach Access 120,000 100 1,200 TOTAL 54,005 ·calculations made in accordance with Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Land Management Plan Table 2. calculates carrying capacities of Collier County beaches using the same level of service standards, but reduces beach area to that which is within 'i4 mile of a publicly accessible dune crossover. Table 2. Beach area Total beach Level of service Persons beach area (sq ft per will hold at (sq ft) person) any ~iven time Barefoot Beach Access 138,000 100 1,380 Barefoot Beach Preserve 358,500 500 717 Delnor- Wiggins Pass State 324,000 200 1,620 Park* Vanderbilt Beach Access 681,500 250 2,726 Vanderbilt Beach Preserve 169,500 100 1,695 Clam Pass Park 225,000 250 900 Gulf Shore Beach Access 264,000 250 1,056 Park Shore Area 621,000 250 2,484 City of Naples 1,757,500 250 7,030 Naples Pier and Lowdermilk 528,000 100 5,280 Park Tigertail 143,000 500 286 South Marco Beach Access 192,500 100 1,925 TOTAL 24,649 ·calculations made in accordance with Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Land Management Plan Table 3. calculates carrying capacity based solely on available public parking, using the standard multiplier of 2.4 persons per vehicle. Ten percent is added for those who access the beach through non-vehicular modes. Table 3. Beach area Parking spaces Persons beach will hold at any ~iven time Barefoot Beach Access 100 264 Barefoot Beach Preserve 356 964 Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park 350 924 BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 2 Vanderbilt Beach Accesses 80 211 Vanderbilt Beach 150 396 Clam Pass Park 175 462 North Gulf Shore Access 38 100 City of Naples Accesses 1110 2,830 Tigertail Beach 210 554 South Marco Beach Access 70 185 TOTAL 2,639 6,890 Beach Facilities Among the approximately 50 beach access points countywide, restrooms are currently available to the beach-going public at the following 8 locations: · Barefoot Beach Preserve · Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park · Vanderbilt Beach · Clam Pass Park · Lowdermilk Park · Naples Pier · Tigertail Beach · South Marco Beach Access Within the Capital and Operational Plan and Budget additional rest rooms are proposed for 4 locations: Conner Park, Gulf Shore Drive, a second rest room at Tigertail Beach Park, and a compo sting rest room on a County-puchased parcel on Keewaydin Island. (See pages 7-12.) Beach Maintenance The current beach maintenance schedule is as follows: Marco Island raked 1x/2 weeks groomed lx/2 weeks tilled and graded 1 x/year loose litter collected 1 x/week trash cans emptied 2x/day Vanderbilt Beach raked as needed groomed 2x/week loose litter collected lx/week trash cans emptied 2x/day Pelican Bay raked 1 x/week groomed 2x/week BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 3 ¡loose littler collected ¡ 1 x/week The City of Naples now maintains its own beach areas. The Beach Maintenance staff includes 2 equipment operators. Personal services, equipment, and supplies total $220,500 annually. Trash cans are emptied by the Beach and Water Maintenance staff, which has two crews and maintains the upland areas of all beach and water parks. Additional beach maintenance for litter control can be added at approximately $33,000 annually per staff member, plus approximately $5000 start-up cost per staff member for equipment. Since the last Beach Access Workshop the Parks and Recreation Department has learned that when the City of Naples took over the maintenance of its beaches a small segment of beach that was thought to be maintained by the City has been neglected. The portion of the beach between North Gulfshore Access and Clam Pass will now be patrolled for litter collection regularly. This is the area that was a focus of concern during a citizen presentation at the last workshop. Traffic Control At its May 24, 2005 meeting the Board of County Commissioners authorized the Parks and Recreation Department to contract for the installation of Collier County Sheriff s deputies at the intersections of Gulf Shore Drive and Bluebill Avenue and Gulf Shore Drive and Vanderbilt Beach Road during peak use periods to ease traffic congestion and direct traffic flow in an orderly manner. This service began May 29, 2005 and is successfully alleviating the traffic problems in this area during busy beach days. Vehicular Shuttles The pilot Beach Shuttle program run May 29 and 30 was a success. User totals were as follows: Sunday May 29, 2005 Service Service Service Bus Start time End time Hours Passen~ers 27 8:00 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 6 162 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 23 81 8:30 A.M. 3:30 P.M. 6 126 BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 4 25 8:00 AM. 2:00 P.M. 6 216 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 15 26 8 :00 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 6 201 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 21 TOTAL 764 Monday May 30, 2005 Service Service Service Bus S tart time End time Hours Passen~ers 27 8 :00 A.M. 2:00 P.M. 6 209 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 30 81 10:30 A.M. 1:00 P.M. 2.5 15 25 8:00A.M. 2:00 P.M. 6 189 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 38 26 8:00 AM. 2:00 P.M. 6 202 2:00 P.M. 8:00 P.M. 6 50 TOTAL 733 Customer comment cards solicited during the Beach Shuttle pilot are currently being tallied. A summary of the public's feedback will be presented at the workshop on June 7. Operational expense for the pilot Beach Shuttle program was $3,900 per day. The Capital and Operational Plan and Budget proposes implementation of the Beach Shuttle program on a permanent basis. (See page 10.) Vessel Shuttles Vessel shuttles remain a viable option for providing a value-added beach access opportunity. Operation of a one-vessel shuttle with a 15-minute travel time from parking location to beach destination will allow 40 to 50 beachgoers to reach the beach each hour. Cost to operate such a service is estimated at $1000 per 8-hour service day. The service BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 5 will include an educational component to encourage environmental stewardship. Appropriate accommodations will be made for ADA compliance and passenger safety in inclement weather. The Capital and Operational Plan and Budget proposes a vessel shuttle operation from Bayview Park to Keewaydin Island. (See page 8.) Cooperation with State/Cities Upon Board direction, staffwill prepare the following letters for the Chairman's signature: · to the City of Naples asking for continued cooperation, particularly acceptance of a vehicular shuttle route to City beach destinations · to the City of Marco asking them to make use of, or allow the County to make use of, the beach access granted by the Marriott Hotel. · to the Marco Island Civic Association asking to purchase the lot by South Marco Beach Access. · to the State Parks Department asking them to increase the parking at Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park meet their carrying capacity, or possibily proposing the lease or purchase of the park by the County. Beach Stickers Recommendation: Charge a $20 administrative fee for a 2-year beach parking sticker Objectives: · Recover administrative cost associated with issuance of stickers · Derive additional revenue during tight budget years · Bar coded stickers trigger gate at Vanderbilt Garage · Begin to track beach usage · Accurate cash handling · Renewals spread throughout year Stickers Issued: · 58,000 in 2003 · 73,000 in 2004 · 33,000 in 2006 (estimated) Implementation: · Add on to existing park membership computer system · Additional licenses · Sticker printers · Continue existing residency requirements · Eliminate distribution at City site · Must be ready by 10/2005 BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 6 CostlBenefit Picture: Estimated # to be sold annually 33,000 Annual Revenue $660,000 Total first year implementation cost $72,090 Total annual cost $30,250 Total cost/sticker after first year $0.92 Five yr Revenue $3.3M Five yr Expenses $200,000 Five yr Return on Investment $3.1M Other Considerations: · Anticipated car pooling may create capacity · Track usage at Vanderbilt Garage, initially · Future potential to do same at other parks via hand held scanners · Ability to communicate with "customers" · If shuttles are deemed a primary solution, then suggest no stickers at all - charge $5 · Sticker does not guarantee parking spot Capital and Operational Plan and Budget At its May 2005 meeting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board identified the following five priority projects: Pro· ect Gulf Shore Drive Support Facilities - The purchase of lots along Gulf Shore Drive will allow for the provision or a rest room, beach shuttle pull-off area, and handicapped parking that will greatly increase the amenity of Vanderbilt Access 1 through 7. Vanderbilt Accesses 2-6 - Accesses 1 and 7 have recently been built or refurbished. Accesses 2 through 6 will similarly be refurbished with dune crossovers, pavers, landscaping, and signage as s ace ermits. Ac uisition Purchase of Gulf side lots is preferable, but lots on the east side of Gulf Shore Drive are also viable for this purpose. Estimated acquisition cost is $10,000,000 The accesses arem inventory. Develo ment Development of restrooms, parking, and pull-off facilities on vacant property is estimated at $400,000. Retrofit of existing structures is ossible. Refurbishment of the accesses is estimated at $200,000 each, for a total of $1,000,000. o eratin Contracted service for rest room cleaning will cost $2,400 annually. Other operating costs will be subsumed within the Beach and Water budget. Staffing costs for patrol and maintenance are estimated at $60,000 annually. BBCIPARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 7 Clam Pass Southern The park is in Construction of Operating costs Boardwalk - A boardwalk inventory. a lI8-mile will be splitting offthe existing one and boardwalk is subsumed heading to the south will alleviate estimated at within the crowding at the terminus of the $2,000,000. Beach and existing boardwalk and distribute Water budget beachgoers more evenly at this for patrol and park. maintenance. Expansion of tram service is not recommended. Tigertail Southern Restroom The park is in Construction of Contracted and Dune Crossover - Facilities inventory. the rest room service for rest to help beachgoers reach the Gulf and dune room cleaning side of Sand Dollar Island will crossover IS will cost $2,400 facilitate true beach access at estimated at annually. The Tigertail. $1,000,000. BCC has discussed a tram service from this location to the Gulf side of Sand Dollar Island. Budgetary figures on this servIce are being explored. Vessel Shuttle from Bayview to The Parks and If acquired the Staffing costs Keewaydin - As proposed the Recreation target parcel for patrol and service will make use of County- Department has will be maintenance are purchased land on Keewaydin identified a developed estimated at Island and parking developed target parcel for minimally. $50,200 near Bayview Park. purchase on Elements would annually. Keewaydin include a Vessel shuttle Island. compo sting rest servIce IS Estimated room, shelters, estimated at purchase price and docks, $1000 per day for the 5-acre estimated at per vessel area IS $1,000,000. running 8 $2,500,000. Continued hours. A shuttle purchase of from Bayview land near will require two Bayview Park is vessels. Staff current! y proposes that BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 8 _._-._-,----~- budgeted at the shuttle run 7 $667,000. days January additional funds through March for the project and weekends are proposed for and holidays the FY 06 at balance of the $200,000. year. Annual expense will be $352,000. User fees can be assessed to offset the expenditure. TOTAL Proposed Proposed Estimated acquisitions development operating costs will gain will result in are $467,000 approximately 7 three new rest per year. Vessel acres 0 f room facilities, shuttling beachfront or three new beach expenses can be near-beach access points, recouped in part property for and support or whole by $12,500,000. facilities such user fees. as parking and shelters for $4,400,000. The following projects also remain viable: Pro' ect Vanderbilt Access 8 - The need for a public access point between Delnor- Wiggins Pass State Park and the existing Vanderbilt Inn remams. Conner Park Shelter and Rest Room - This park is currently used as a park-and-walk access to De1nor- Wiggins Pass State Park. In conjunction with this use and the planned acquisition of Ac uisition An easement should be obtained either from the State or through the redevelopment approval process for the Vanderbilt Inn ro ert . The park is in inventory. Develo ment Development with boardwalk, dune crossover, pavers, landscaping and . . sIgnage IS estimated at $200,000. Development of these support facilities is estimated at $300,000. o eratin Operating costs associated with this access are discussed in the Vanderbilt Access 2-6 project above. Contracted service for rest room cleaning will cost $2,400 annually. Other operating costs BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 9 Vanderbilt Access 8, support facilities are needed. Clam Pass Parking Garage - Development of a multistory parking facility on the footprint of the current at-grade parking area will add up to 250 parking spaces to the County's inventory. The facility will be designed to minimize its aural and visual impact on the surrounding nei borhood. Vehicular Beach Shuttle (Vanderbilt Loop) - The success of the pilot program suggests that this solution should be implemented on a permanent basis. Vehicular Beach Shuttle (N aples Loop) - The success of the ilot ro am su ests that The park is in inventory. If the program is to remain a weekend and holiday only service, parking can be secured though agreements such as those used for the pilot program. If the service is to be expanded to weekdays, land needs to be identified and purchased. No cost estimate is currently available for acquisition of a dedicated parking area. Development of the facility is estimated at $10,000,000. If the program is to be implemented permanently, purchase of three buses at $287,000 per bus is necessary, for a total cost of $861,000. If expanded . . servIce reqUIres the purchase of dedicated land, development costs will be associated with constructing parking and rest room facilities. Development costs associated with the will be subsumed within the Beach and Water bud et. Staffing costs are estimated at $72,000. Additional revenues generated by the new parking spaces will offset the ex ense. Patrol and maintenance costs associated with this project are discussed in the Vanderbilt Access 2-6 project above. Currently staff recommends offering the service 111 days per year (weekends and holidays). Operating hours are proposed as lOam to 4 pm. Operating expense will then be $216,450 annually. Staff does not recommend associating a user fee with this service. Costs associated with the 0 eration of BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 10 this solution should be for a vehicular purchase of the shuttle implemented on a permanent beach shuttle dedicated buses service will be basis and possibly expanded. using the are the same as similar to those parking garages above. The above. The at the longer route longer route Government will require will require Complex. additional additional buses. buses, and thereby generate additional operating expense. Vessel Shuttle from This project Development of Staffing costs Cocohatchee to Barefoot Beach will be most the parking area for patrol and Preserve - The County has viable with the is estimated at maintenance are secured a contribution from the purchase of $300,000. estimated at Coconilla PUD that will further additional land Development of $25,100 this proj ect. for parking near the back bay annually. Cocohatchee pier at Barefoot Vessel shuttle River Park. Beach Preserve servIce IS Estimated cost is funded estimated at is $1,200,000. through a $1000 per day developer per vessel contribution of running 8 $1,000,000. hours. This service will reqUIre one vessel. Staff proposes that the shuttle run 7 days January through March and weekends and holidays the balance of the year. Annual expense would be $176,000. User fees can be assessed to offset the expenditure. Additional Vessel Shuttle Staff does not Staff does not Vessel shuttle Routes - Staff recommends currently have currently have servIce IS pursuing the vessel shuttles any land any estimated at BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 11 proposed above, and if successful acquisitions development $1000 per day implementing others such as targeted in proj ects per vessel Caxambas or Goodland to Cape associated with proposed in running 8 Romano Area or Cocohatchee to additional associated with hours. selected northern beaches. vessel shuttles. additional vessel shuttles. TOTAL Proposed Proposed Estimated acquisitions development operating costs will gain will result in the are $491,950 approximately 4 addition of two per year. Vessel acres of near- beach accesses, shuttling and boat-access one rest room, parking fees property for one shelter, will offset some $1,200,000. approximatel y of these 300 parking expenses. spaces, and three buses to inventory for $11,661,000. Total unfunded elements of all proposed projects are: Capital Expenditures $29,761,000 Annual Operating Expenditures $958,950 can be partially offset by user fees Total Gain: · 11 acres of waterfront or near-water property · 4 new rest room facilities · 5 new beach access points · 4 shelters · 305 parking spaces · 3 buses · 2,140 more people on the beach on any given day that all services are running Funding Sources Current funding sources for capital projects include: . Tourist Tax at $2 million per year o $500,000 of this pays debt service on the Vanderbilt parking garage o $200,000 is used for upkeep of existing facilities o $1.3 million remains for new beach access proj ects BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 12 --,~._---,...,.._-. ...._-------~.~--- · Impact Fees at $6 million per year o $3.4 million of this pays debt service on North Collier Regional Park o $2.6 million remains for purchase and development of all growth-related park proj ects · User Fees at $600,000 per year o $400,000 of this pays the City for the reciprocal beach parking program o $200,000 remains for general beach-associated operating and maintenance · Ad Valorem-Funded Capital at $800,000 per year o dedication of these funds varies year to year o example projects include neighborhood parks, boat ramp projects, facilities with a regional draw, and municipality funding requests Proposed additional funding sources to facilitate the projects above include: · Fourth Penny Tourist Tax o $3 million per year · Dedicated Property Tax Millage o $3.5 to $17 million per year (see chart) $20 $18 $16 $14 $12 $10 $8 $6 $4 $2 $0 It) e e N IID11 .05 mill ($5/$100K taxable value) 1ID11.10 mil ($1 0/$1 OOK taxable value) ..25mil ($25/$100K taxable value) CD e e N ..... e e N co 0') e e e 0r- e e e N N N · Sales Tax Referendum o 1¢ = $45.5 million per year o Y2¢ = $22.75 million per year o 'i4¢ = $11.3 8 million per year · Bond Referendum o 30 year debt service on $100 million = $6 million per year o 20 year debt service on $100 million = $10 million per year · User Fees o $500,000 per year at $1 O/parking sticker o $600,000 per year at $5/use of parking space BBCIPARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 13 .. "-'--~'-""'- .--.-"-..--- ^ _._~- At its May 2005 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommended funding the Capital and Operational Plan through a combination of the Fourth Penny Tourist Tax, dedicated Property Tax Millage, and User Fees. A bond referendum was only recommended if it were well packaged and marketed. BBC/PARAB Joint Workshop on Beach Access June 7, 2005 page 14 BOAT AND BEACH ACCESS REPORT 2003 Collier County BOAT AND BEACH ACCESS REPORT 2003 OBJECTIVE The purpose of the Boat and Beach Access Report is to assess Collier County's performance in providing beach access and boat launch facilities to County residents and visitors. This report will identify the overarching complications involved with providing beach access and boat launch services that keep up with growth, examine current level of service standards adopted by Collier County and the recreation industry, inventory current facilities and update the 1999 Report with regard to options and inventories, and suggest future options for expansion of services and facilities. SUPPLY AND DEMAND While the Gulf of Mexico is a vast but not unlimited resource for water-dependent recreation, limited access to it limits the population's ability to use it. Sandy beach, on the other hand, is a finite recreational resource even further limited by the constraints of access and available parking. Collier County's population continues to grow, but its miles of sandy beach are fixed. The challenge is to provide expanding access to beaches and waterways, including the attendant requisite parking, without exceeding the carrying capacities of the resources and thereby decreasing their desirability and worth. The decreasing availability and increasing cost of land that comes with growth exacerbate this issue. The more access is needed, the more difficult it is to find and afford. LEVELS OF SERVICE The Collier County Growth Management Plan outlines level of service standards (LOSS) for parkland in three categories: facilities value, community park acreage, and regional park acreage. Beach, beach parking, and boating access acreage are currently included the regional park acreage measure for purposes of comprehensive plan concurrency. The 2001 Annual Update and Inventory Report projects satisfaction of regional park acreage LOSS through 2009 based on acreage acquisitions planned in CIP through 2004. Satisfaction of comprehensive plan acreage standards, however, will not maintain the levels of service Collier County residents and visitors currently enjoy with regard to beach and boating access. This is because the comprehensive plan requires no distinction between regional park acreage located inland or developed to serve other functions and acreage reserved for beach and water access. To understand the expectations of the population an examination of the levels of service they have been experiencing is necessary. Boat Ramps Currently 27 boat ramp lanes serve boaters countywide. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains eleven ofthese lanes; City or State government provides seven; Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 2 and nine are privately owned but open to the public. Table 1 below outlines the locations and amenities of these facilities. Table 1. Boat Ramp Facilities Available to the Public III ~ Q u .!!! III Co ')( III C) III ::J Q III c: E "E ~ c: ... 0 'u III III ëii J! ::J III Co III C) ~ ... Q U III ..! u ë: 1~ c: >- 0 .~ .!!! Twenty-one thousand vessels were registered in Collier County in 2002. Less than 6000 wet slips and less than 3000 commercial dry storage spaces are available to house them. As a result, at least 12,000 vessels countywide are dependent on boat ramps for water access. At an average of 20 launches per vessel per year, countywide facilities should be able to accommodate 240,000 launches per year to meet demand. Spread across the 27 boat ramp lanes available, facilities will average 8,889 launches per year, or 24 launches per day. This figure is in accordance with the recommendation of the Florida Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide of 2000, which suggests that a single boat ramp lane can accommodate 36 launches per day (20 minutes total put- in and pull-out time over a 12-hour period). These calculations are ideal numbers, however, and do not provide for peak use times such as weekends and holidays or for any boats trailered in from outside of the county. The Florida Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide recommends that average peak use be calculated as follows: Total user occasions are multiplied by 55 percent and divided by 111. This formula is derived from state park attendance, where 55 percent ofthe total annual attendance occurred over 111 days (52 weeks times two weekend days plus seven weekday holidays). Average weekend and holiday use for Collier County's boat ramp-dependent vessels then is 1189 launches, or 44 launches per lane per day. To meet the recommended carrying capacity of 36 launches Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 3 per lane per day on an average weekend or holiday Collier County needs an additional six boat ramp lanes countywide. The growth of boating countywide is a further consideration with regard to the level of service County boaters can expect to experience. The number of registered vessels in the county has grown steadily at 1000 boats per year over the past six years. Currently few solutions exist for finding homes for these additional boats in dry storage or slips. They will most likely become ramp users, too. At 20 launches per year they will require an additional 55 launches each day or 99 launches on an average weekend day. This translates to a need for an additional two boat ramp lanes per year for as long as this growth rate is sustained in order to maintain the levels of service County boaters currently enjoy. Table 2 projects boat ramp lane deficiencies for the next ten years. Year Table 2. Pro'ection of Boat Ram Need Number of Number of vessels Number of ramp wet/dry slips using boat ramps lanes countywide Ramp lane deficit t annual increase of 180 wet slips per year for 2002 to 2007, based on an average of the number of permits issued by Collier County over the last four years; reduced to 120 per year for 2008 to 2012, anticipating stronger environmental law and decreased availability of undeveloped waterfront property ::t: increase of 350 dry slips based on proposed development of Hamilton Harbor * 3-lane increase based on planned development of the Pulling property by the City of Naples ** 2-lane increase based on the planned development of Goodland Boating Park by Collier County Observation reveals, however, that where Collier County-run boat ramps are concerned 36 launches per lane per day offers a generous launch and retrieval time, and County boat ramp users can potentially significantly maximize a ramp's capacity with efficient usage. The problem resides not in the carrying capacity of the ramp but of the parking area. Table 3 illustrates the dearth of parking available at some County facilities. Bayview Park, for example, according to the standard could accommodate 72 launches per day, but offers only 16 trailer parking spaces. Weekends see Bayview ramp users parking along the roadside as far as a mile away from the park. Because the County recently adopted a policy to charge a launch fee instead of a parking fee, boaters who must walk significant distances from and to their vehicles are still required to pay $3 to use the facility. Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 4 An additional consideration with respect to boating is access to fresh water. Currently only Lake Trafford is officially available for freshwater boating, although a considerable amount of boat traffic finds its way to the canal system. More access to fresh water may alleviate some of the burden on existing facilities and, as the County population grows, may become an increasing demand in its own right. Beach Access The State of Florida recommends a distance of one half-mile between sites for the spacing of beach access points at state-financed beach restoration projects. Collier County beaches offer a wide range of choices with regard to the frequency of access points along its beaches. In general, State and County beach parks have more sparsely spaced access points to maintain lesser density and a more natural beach environment and experience. The City of Naples, on the other hand, maintains 34 of its 37 access points within a five-mile stretch of beach, allowing for a more urban beach experience. County residents and visitors are well served by this variety, but to keep up with growth the County should continuously seek ways to improve access, amenity, and parking at its beaches. Table 4 is a summary of the public access available along the county's shoreline, from north to south (facilities operated by Collier County Parks and Recreation are highlighted): Amenities Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 5 Park Shore 13,000 3 City of Naples accesses are available see none Accesses Ci amid North Gulf Shore condominiums below City of Naples 30,000 34 accesses stretch from north of The 1122 variable Accesses Beach Club to 32nd Avenue South; total Lowdermilk Park and accesses near Naples Pier offer full amenities; select others have showers and foot showers Ke adin Island 40,000 water access onl 0 none Hideaway Beach 5280 private residences and condominiums, 0 none Development 75% inaccessible to the general ublic· * Accessibility calculated by subtracting y.. mile from the total linear footage for each contiguous publicly accessible beach. Even more than for boaters, a beachgoer's enjoyable day at the beach is only as attainable as the nearest available parking space. In the last three years Collier County has added 93 beach parking spaces to its inventory: 80 at Conner Park (which allow for access to Delnor- Wiggins State Recreation Area or Vanderbilt Beach) and 13 at North Gulf Shore Access. Total spaces at County beaches with the completion of the North Gulf Shore project will be 1179. Spaces at City of Naples and State ofPlorida beaches have remained static at 1122 and 350, respectively. Table 5 outlines the number of beach parking spaces per capita in season over the past three years and projected for the next ten. Even with the recent additions, available parking is not keeping pace with growth. This year Collier County's population will exceed the 1: 150 space-to-resident ratio recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in 1999. Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 6 The 1: 150 space-to-resident ratio was established as a goal by comparing the number of public parking spaces to the seasonal population of the county. To retain the validity of the standard the same formula has been used in the table above. However, a number of considerations improve the outlook where the County's ability to provide sufficient parking for beach access is concerned. For example, the areas listed in Table 4 as partially inaccessible to the general public nonetheless do serve a portion of the population. Those people who live in the appropriate areas and/or purchase the required memberships are served by accesses and parking at such semiprivate beaches. The organizations that manage these beaches are able to provide a higher level of service to their constituents than the general public enjoys. Pelican Bay, for example, provides 174 parking spaces for 8600 units. That's a 1 :123 space-to-resident ratio assuming 2.5 residents per unit. Marco's Residents Beaches offer a total of 390 spaces for 6654 dwelling units, or 1 space for every 42 residents. Nonetheless the managers of both areas attest that their facilities are inadequate during peak use times, and both have taken steps to improve their service. Pelican Bay is expanding its parking facilities, while Residents Beach restricts guest parking on weekends during season. Additionally, thousands of residences in Collier County are west of Lely Barefoot Boulevard, Gulf Shore Drive, Gulf Shore Boulevard, Gordon Drive, and Collier Boulevard. The people who live in those residences do not need parking accommodation because they live within walking distance of the beach. The recent introduction ofthe Collier Area Transit System may be relieving some of the burden on beach parking for inland dwellers. Current routes take riders as far west as 6th Street in downtown Naples, which would give a beachgoer a six-block walk to his destination. The County should pursue expanding CAT service to local beaches, as will be discussed in greater detail in the Recommendations section of this report. Other Recreation A final topic in assessing the County's levels of service with regard to beaches and boating is the introduction of alternative recreational activities. Sugden Regional Park is home to the 60-acre Lake Avalon, which supports a swimming beach and opportunities to participate in non-motorized boating such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating. Clam Pass Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve offer canoe launches. Future plans also call for a non-motorized vessel launch at the bridge at State Road 92. Upon completion of North Naples Regional Park residents and visitors can enjoy a first- class water park with slides, a lazy river, and children's activity pools-a perfect alternative to the beach for cooling down on a hot day. The existing Golden Gate Aquatic Center and small water park at Vineyards Community Park provide more choices, as well. The County should continue to diversify the recreational activities it offers. Variety builds the participant base and alleviates the burden on traditional resources such as beaches. PLANNED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Many of Collier County's Parks and Recreation facilities are relatively new, and few to date have required extensive renovations. As these facilities age and the burden of use--or overuse if new facilities are not constructed-accumulates, renovations to Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 7 existing facilities will become an increasing demand on capital expenditures. Meanwhile the county's population will continue to grow and demand for new facilities will remain. Balancing the need to sustain or improve existing facilities and add new ones will be a mounting challenge in the future. The mix of renovation and construction as a destination for capital dollars is reflected already in the following boat ramp and beach access projects, all of which are incorporated in the five-year Capital Improvement Plan: Bayview Park Renovation and Dredging Renovations will include an additional dock and renovations of the existing dock and fish-cleaning tables. Funding through a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant is secured for up to $120,000. A fifty percent match is required; $75,000 is approved for FY 03. The balance of the match will be made up from reserves or through in-kind services. Dredging will constitute a separate project, for which $100,000 is approved for FY 03. Gulf Shore Drive Beach Accesses Improvements The six accesses along Gulf Shore Drive at Vanderbilt Beach will be refurbished over several years. Improvements at Bayview Drive are approved for $125,000 ofTDC funding for FY 03. Collier Boulevard Boating Park Expansion and Oveñlow Parking Expansion to the north will add an additional 47 trailer parking spaces. A second phase of expansion to the south may add an additional 28 trailer parking spaces. Lease of and improvements to a parcel of land across CR 951 may supply additional overflow parking spaces. This will be a multiyear project for which $600,000 is approved for FY 03 and $600,000 is planned for FY 04. lake Trafford Park Improvements Improvements will be the installation of riprap around the water bank and repairs to the pier. Planned funding is $75,000 in FY 04. land Purchase for Shuttle Parking The Department will pursue purchasing land along the US 41 corridor to develop for parking in conjunction with a CAT beach shuttle service. Proposed funding is $2,000,000 in FY 04. Cocohatchee River Park Seawall and Dock Repair Seawall and dock repair is proposed for FY 04 at a cost of $1 00,000. Caxambas Park Seawall Repair and landscaping Seawall repair and landscaping projects are proposed for FY 05 at $60,000 each. Goodland Boating Park Development Park development will include two boat ramp lanes and 50 to 75 trailer parking spaces as well as a neighborhood park. This multiyear project is scheduled for master planning at $100,000 in FY 06 and Phase I development at $1,000,000 in FY 07. Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 8 RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following general principles guide the County's decisions with regard to maintaining and expanding boat launch and beach access facilities: . Standards set by the Florida Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning Guide or comparable industry guidance tools should be adhered to whenever practicable. · Estimates of carrying capacities and levels of service should always take into consideration peak use times and seasonal populations. · All new boat ramp and beach access facilities should be developed with adequate parking as a primary goal. · Improvement upon the current level of service for boat launch facilities should be a goal of the County. · Maintenance of the 1: 150 parking space-to-resident ratio for beach access should be a goal ofthe County. · A more even distribution of impact on County beaches through an increased frequency of access points should be a goal of the County. · Creation of a system for more countywide comprehensive planning with regard to boat launch and beach access facilities should be considered. · The County should consider the purchase of available properties that would be suitable locations for boat ramps. · The County should consider the purchase of available properties that would be suitable locations for beach access and beach parking. More specifically, the following are areas where Collier County can maintain or improve its services to residents and visitors by expanding their access to open water and the beach: lake Access at Heritage Bay In its review of the Heritage Bay Development of Regional Impact, the Parks and Recreation Department has requested that the developer, US Homes, provide one hundred acres and access to one of the lakes within the area to offset the added strain on existing park facilities that the development will create. Access to Golden Gate Canals Issues regarding recreational use of the Golden Gate canal system are currently under review by the County Attorney's office. Currently an opportunity exists to purchase a parcel of land at the terminus of 58th Street, which could be developed to provide canal access. Bayview Park The County should consider purchasing available residential lots along Danford Street to be used for overflow trailer parking. The Parks and Recreation Department requested additional parking from the Hamilton Harbor Development of Regional Impact, and in original plans fifteen spaces were provided. However, the most recent plans for the Hamilton Harbor marina do not provide the requested spaces. Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 9 Shell Island Road Boat Ramp The Florida Department of Environmental Protection at Rookery Bay is interested in purchasing the boat ramp facility at the end of Shell Island Road from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. DEP would then consider selling or leasing the ramp to Collier County in exchange in part for funding to pave Shell Island Road. Improvements to the facility would be necessary, and possession is preferred over lease holding. Everglades National Park The master plan for Everglades National Park includes a boat ramp. The facility has yet to be built because demand did not appear high enough and funds have not been available. An opportunity exists for the County to partner with the national parks system to see this facility to fruition. Barefoot Beach Preserve Not exceeding the carrying capacity of this park is a primary objective because of its status as a nature preserve. Some current uses raise concern. For example, excursion vessels frequently drop off visitors at the southern tip ofthe park. This practice is damaging to the fragile ecosystem at Wiggins Pass. A dock and pier are planned for the inland side of the island to accommodate waterborne visitors while protecting the beach and dunes. This area will also allow Preserve visitors a better look at the mangrove habitat, which presently is only accessible by canoe. Educational programs and signage will accompany the facility. Another concern is visits to the park by excursion buses. The parking fee of $4 per vehicle per day was established in part to encourage carpooling, but a $4 entrance fee for a full busload of visitors is not financially comparable to the amount of impact such a group has on the park. An increased fee for vehicles transporting over eight passengers as is charged at State facilities should be considered. Vanderbilt Beach Area Conflicting sentiment surrounds the future of the Vanderbilt Beach area. Resident outcry prompted the current moratorium, but preliminary investigation reveals that the process of change that residents sought to hold in abeyance may be too far underway to be prevented. While a more equitable distribution ofbeachgoers along the entire Gulf front should be a primary goal of the County, Vanderbilt Beach is currently the most viable locus for improving beach access. The possibilities are as follows, addressed from north to south: Officials at Delnor- Wiggins State Recreation Area advise that parking at that park does not accommodate the full carrying capacity of the facility. The State should install an additional 180 parking spaces, equal to the additional 500 beachgoers the facility can hold. The Parks and Recreation Department developed Conner Park on Bluebill Avenue with future plans of securing a beach access point between Delnor- Wiggins State Recreation Area and the Vanderbilt Inn. Eighty parking spaces are available to serve an access that as yet is not forthcoming. To the north, the State so far has been unwilling to grant an access easement in exchange for improvements at Delnor- Wiggins. To the south, Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 10 plans to renovate the Vanderbilt Inn are mired in the current moratorium. The owners wish to convert the hotel to condominiums, and the County was going to exchange a small setback variance for a public beach access. This deal may still go through once the moratorium is lifted. A more equitable distribution ofbeachgoers along Vanderbilt Beach itself is called for to reduce the burden on Vanderbilt Beach Park. To this end, refurbishments will be made to the six walkway easements along Gulf Shore Drive. However, these renovations will not greatly improve the usefulness of the accesses unless closer parking or shuttle service accompanies them. The County should consider the purchase of available lots along this portion of Gulf Shore Drive to be used for parking. See also the transportation recommendation below. A two-story, 400-space parking garage is planned for Vanderbilt Beach Park. This project is currently delayed by litigation in which Collier County is suing WCI developers over deed restrictions on the site. Resolution of the issue and completion of the project remains a recommendation of staff. Land Development Code Provisions Currently, staff conducts negotiations for allowances for public access on a case-by-case basis as coastal properties are developed or redeveloped. These deals are then approved by the Board along with the development or redevelopment plan for the site. A more formalized system to provide for these exchanges should be codified through the Land Development Code. The substance of the trade should be based on quantifiable characteristics, such as number of units developed or refurbished or acreage involved. The remuneration would likewise need to be pre-established, as a given number of parking spaces, rest rooms, feet of easement, or acres of land. The system would ensure that the amount of public benefit would be commensurate for each case of private gain. Tigertail Beach The tidal lagoon at this park is now almost completely enclosed. A boardwalk connecting the mainland to Sand Dollar Island may be necessary in the future to allow visitors true Gulf-front access. The Parks and Recreation Department has secured funding to study the feasibility of this endeavor. Transportation Shuttle Service Because the purchase ofland west of US 41 is often cost prohibitive, the County should consider providing beach access through a shuttle service. The existing CAT system should be expanded to include more stops near beach accesses. The County should consider the purchase of appropriate available lots along the US 41 corridor to be used for parking in conjunction with shuttle service to Vanderbilt, North Gulf Shore, and Clam Pass Beaches. Bus loading and unloading lanes along Gulf Shore Drive would increase the amenity of the six walkway easements along Vanderbilt Beach. FISCAL OPTIONS Improving levels of service for beaches and boat ramps will be a costly affair. The 2002 Park Impact Fee Update on which Parks Impact Fees are currently based calculated beach parking acreage at $875,000 per acre based on the value of one acre or larger Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 11 commercial parcels west of US 41 in the vicinity of Vanderbilt Beach. Development of such a parcel into a beach parking facility consistent with County code would yield approximately 60 parking spaces per acre at $1000 per space. The Impact Fee Update assigned a cost per acre of$1,350,000 to beach and boating access land, based on the recent purchase of parcels at Barefoot Beach and Goodland. Development of the Goodland property with two boat ramp lanes, parking, and minor other recreation facilities is estimated to cost $1,500,000. Funding sources for these projects are limited. Current budgets suffice for maintenance and minor improvements to existing facilities, but acquisition and development projects of a magnitude that will keep pace with growth will require millions more. Over the next five years a significant portion of Parks Impact Fees are dedicated to development of regional and community parks. Boater Improvement Funds and boat registration fees should be used for capital improvements to launch facilities, but they too are earmarked for necessary expansions and renovations to existing ramps over the next several years. Grant revenues are a consistent but not munificent source of funds, accounting for about $200,000 per year in capital improvement dollars. The most appropriate available source of funds for purchase and development of additional boat ramp and beach access facilities is tourist development money. Ifthe Board of County Commissioners agrees with the recommendations ofthis report, then the Tourist Development Council should consider increasing the Parks and Recreation line item within the TDC budget to address these issues. This use of TDC funds is clearly within the parameters set forth for their use and is consistent with the Growth Management Plan, as well. Unfortunately, Conservation Collier funds will seldom be appropriate for the types ofprojects described here. Little undeveloped coastal land that would be suitable for beach access and boat ramps remains, and in most cases these uses would create a greater impact on the parcels than is the intention ofthe Conservation Collier program. CONCLUSION In summary, the levels of service that today's residents and visitors enjoy are currently adequate for beach parking but under the established standards for boat launches. Over the next ten years, continued growth will significantly lessen the levels provided unless new public beach parking and boat launching facilities are developed. As existing facilities age, competition for capital dollars between renovation projects and development projects will intensify, and current funding levels are already too low to allow for significant expansion of the beach access and boat launch network. Collier County Boat and Beach Access Report 2003 12 EXHIBIT A 2003 COLLIER COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION BOAT LAUNCH AND BEACH ACCESS MASTER PLAN A. GUIDING POLICIES 1. The frequency of beach access locations will be increased to distribute beach use more evenly. 2. The County's goal is to provide one parking space per one hundfed fifty residents (1:150) when determining the need for beach parking. 3. The County will maximize parking opportunities at existing boat launch locations. Recognizing the cost of waterfront boat launch facilities, the County should pursue opportunities to expand parking around present locations. Recommendations regarding the expansion of services to include onsite boat storage Of other amenities not previously provided by the County (as has been requested by some fesidents of the community) are not within the scope of this plan. 4. The Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Codes will reflect the County's goal to expand public beach and boat launch opportunities. 5. The County will identify and consider the purchase of available properties for future boat ramp sites. 6. The County will continue to develop alternative opportunities to saltwater beach access and boat launch amenities. B. IMPLEMENTATION POLICY Based upon the policies listed above, the following is a master plan for the practical implementation of these recommendations: 1. BEACH ACCESS 1. Barefoot Beach Preserve 1.1. Back Bay Dock and Pier. Currently, excursion vessels drop off visitors at the southern tip of the park. This practice is damaging to the fragile ecosystem at Wiggins Pass. A dock and pier are planned for the inland side of the island to accommodate waterborne visitors while protecting the beach and dunes. This area will also allow Preserve visitors a better look at the mangrove habitat, which presently is only accessible by canoe. Educational programs and signage will accompany the facility. 2. North Vanderbilt Beach and Conner Park 2.1. Bluebill Access. The Parks and Recreation Department developed Conner Park on Bluebill Avenue with eighty parking spaces to serve a future access point hphxTPpn J)plnnT_Wio-o-inc <;:'t<ltp npl"TP<ltinn ÂTP<I <Inri thP '1<1nrlPThilt Tnn ThP 3. Gulf Shore Drive. The Boat and Beach Access Report acknowledged the conflicting sentiment surrounding the future of the Vanderbilt Beach area and the resident outcry that prompted the current moratorium. The report concluded that while a more equitable distribution of beachgoers along the entire Gulf front should be a primary goal of the County, Vanderbilt Beach is currently the most viable location for improving beach access. The following projects will work to that end: 3.1. Refurbishment of the Pedestrian Accesses. Refurbishment of the walkway easement on Gulf Shore Drive at the Mansions condominium is currently underway. Staff recommends improvements to the other five walkways as well. 3.2. At the workshop on March 12, 2003, staff was given direction to provide rest room facilities in conjunction with any transportation shuttle program that would serve the improved accesses. The access easements are too narrow for such a facility, so the purchase of and improvements to lots along Vanderbilt Beach to serve that purpose will be necessary. This will improve the County's ability to qualify for State and Federal funding for renourishment of this beach, since the provision of a public beach access point everyone-half mile is a requirement of these programs. 4. Transportation Shuttle Service. To cost-effectively maintain the 1: 150 parking ratio recommended in the Boat and Beach Access Report, a transportation shuttle service is proposed for the northern Collier County beaches. The purchase of Shuttle Busses and land for the parking area, as well as improvements to the parking area will be necessary. Florida Department of Transportation grant funds may be available for purchase ofthe shuttle busses. 5. Vanderbilt Beach Park. A two-story, 400-space parking garage is planned for Vanderbilt Beach Park. This project is currently delayed by litigation, but resolution of the issue and completion of the project remains a recommendation of staff. With the introduction of a shuttle parking service and the possible construction of a parking garage at Vanderbilt Beach Park, this facility's existing rest rooms and boardwalks will need refurbishment or expansion. 6. Pelican Bay Beach Access. Collier County owns some inaccessible parcels of land between Vanderbilt Beach and Clam Pass. Staff recommends examining the viability of providing accesses in these areas. 7. Clam Pass Park. Refurbishments planned for this facility include parking lot resurfacing, new handrails, and improvements to the entrance booth. 8. Tigertail Beach Park. The tidal lagoon at this park is now almost completely enclosed. A boardwalk connecting the mainland to Sand Dollar Island may be necessary in the future to allow visitors true Gulf-front access. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently developing the scope of a feasibility study to evaluate the environmental impact of this endeavor. Repairs to the dune walkovers at this park will be necessary within the next ten years. 2. BOATING ACCESS 1. Lake Access at Heritage Bay. In its review of the Heritage Bay Development of Regional Impact, the Parks and Recreation Department has requested that the developer, US Homes, provide access to one of the lakes within the area to offset the added strain on existing park facilities that the development will create. Impact, and in original plans fifteen spaces were provided. However, the most recent plans show that the request could not be accommodated due to environmental issues. 4. Collier Boulevard Boating Park Expansion and Overflow Parking. Expansion to the north will add an additional 47 trailer parking spaces. A second phase of expansion to the south may add an additional 28 trailer parking spaces. This will be a multiyear project for which $600,000 is approved for FY 03 and $600,000 is planned for FY 04. Source funds are Boater Improvement Funds and Impact Fees. 5. Shell Island Road Boat Ramp. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection at Rookery Bay is interested in purchasing the boat ramp facility at the end of Shell Island Road from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. DEP would then consider leasing the ramp to Collier County in exchange in part for funding to pave Shell Island Road. Improvements to the facility would be necessary. 6. Goodland Boating Park. Based upon previous Board direction, present Park plans will include two boat ramp lanes and 50 to 75 trailer parking spaces as well as a neighborhood park. This multi-year project has been accelerated to capitalize on existing permits issued to the previous property owner. Master planning is scheduled for FY 04 at $150,000. A $75,000 Florida Boater Improvement Program Grant has been applied for to offset this cost. Phase I development at $1,500,000 is slated for FY 05. Boater Improvement Grant funds can be pursued for development as well. 7. Everglades National Park. The master plan for Everglades National Park includes a boat ramp. The facility has yet to be built because funds have not been available. An opportunity exists for the County to partner with the National Parks System to see this facility to fruition.