FAQ
Welcome to the "County Connect: Exploring a New Regional Park in D4 (Desert Region)" feasibility Study FAQ section.
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What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the practicality, viability, and potential success of a proposed project. The proposed
County Connect: Exploring a new regional park in D4 Feasibility Study will review properties currently held by the District or other public agencies, as well as examine potential sites for new acquisition and/or future development for a new regional park in Riverside County, District 4.
Why are you focusing the feasibility study for a regional park in Riverside County, District 4 specifically?
Riverside County ranks as the fourth most populous and expansive county in California. Between the 2010 and 2020 census, the county experienced a significant population growth of 14.82%. This surge in population has heightened the public's interest in various outdoor recreational activities, particularly in District 4. Despite the ample available land, there is a noticeable absence of a regional park in this district. Recognizing the growing demand for outdoor recreation and the lack of a regional park in District 4, the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) is actively pursuing a feasibility study.
Where is District 4 in Riverside County?
Riverside County, District 4, is geographically the largest district in the county, covering the eastern two-thirds of the county. Within District 4 are the cities of Blythe, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. Unincorporated communities in the district include Bermuda Dunes, Chiriaco Summit, Colorado River communities, Desert Center, Desert Edge, Eagle Mountain, Idyllwild, Indio Hills, Lake Tamarisk, Mecca, Mesa Verde, Mountain Center, North Shore, Oasis, Pine Cove, Ripley, Sky Valley, Sun City, Thermal, Thousand Palms and Vista Santa Rosa.
What is a regional park?
A regional park is a large public park or open space typically located near urban areas and intended to serve the recreational needs of residents from a particular region or metropolitan area. Regional parks often feature a variety of amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails, biking paths, nature reserves, and sometimes even cultural or historical attractions. They are usually larger in size than local parks and may encompass diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, rivers, and hills. Regional parks are designed to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education, and preservation of natural resources for the benefit of the surrounding community. While both regional parks and local community parks provide valuable outdoor recreational opportunities, regional parks are larger in scale, serve a broader audience, and offer a more extensive range of amenities and facilities.
What is the goal of this project?
The objective of the feasibility study project is to accurately pinpoint a suitable project site that addresses the escalating need for recreational spaces within the expanding population of Riverside County, District 4. RivCoParks is conducting this feasibility study to delve into the existing and future public demand for a well-managed regional park in District 4 and the financial viability of establishing such a facility. The findings from this study will provide valuable insights, documenting a realistic need and supporting the potential development of a regional park facility in the County of Riverside, District 4.
What are your criteria for selecting the site?
Currently RivCo will be examining existing open space and facilities in the region to see where there are gaps. They will also be looking into connectivity with existing and proposed trails.