ROSAMOND DISTRICT SEEKING PARK FACILITIES INPUT.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

ROSAMOND - The Rosamond parks district is tapping residents to see what kind of recreational facilities they want, a step in developing a parks master plan for the unincorporated community.

The Rosamond Community Services District, which oversees local parks, will hold a public workshop for the master plan at 7 p.m. today at the district office, 3179 35th Street West. The district also plans to conduct a survey in the next few weeks to solicit opinions for the plan.

``What we are hoping to do is get input from all facets of the community to see what kinds of facilities they want to have,'' said Daniel Landsgaard, a member of the district board.

The district hired a consultant, Foothill Associates, to assist with the development of the master plan. The work is expected to be finished early next year.

``For us to move forward and make Rosamond a better place to live a parks master plan is essential,'' said Dennis Shoffner, president of the community's Town Council.

A master plan will help in establishing an impact fee that would be assessed on new development in the community to help pay for recreational facilities. The plan will also help the district determine what it will cost to maintain those facilities.

One possibility would be to put forward a ballot measure to see whether residents would be willing to support an assessment for the upkeep of those facilities.

Last spring, Rosamond voters rejected by an almost two-to-one margin a proposed tax of $45 per parcel to fund park construction and upkeep. The tax would have funded the construction of three new parks and improvements to United Street Park.

In the wake of that defeat, the district decided to start over, this time with a greater emphasis on public outreach. Ideas that have come forward thus far include building bike and walking paths, creating a regional park along the lines of Lancaster City Park, and establishing equestrian trails.

Landsgaard said he would like to see a partnership with the Southern Kern Unified School District to establish a swimming pool and perhaps even a performing arts center.

``People might think those are grandiose ideas, but if we don't plan we won't have anything,'' Landsgaard said.

The community services district is responsible for water and sewer services in Rosamond. In 1998, Rosamond voters approved granting the district parks and recreation powers, but failed to approve a tax measure to fund the service.

Cobbling together about $169,000 since that vote, the district was able to open United Street Park. The 10-acre park on United Street north of Rosamond Boulevard is bare bones, with just grass and one piece of playground equipment.

Jim Skeen, [phone]

james.skeen(at)dailynews.com