Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-1

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

3.14.1 Introduction

This section identifies parklands and community facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study 

Area and evaluates the effects of the Build Alternative Options on parklands and community 

facilities. Chapter 5 of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR discusses impacts on publicly owned parks and 

recreation areas protected under Section 4(f) and Section 6(f). 

3.14.2 Regulatory Framework

In accordance with NEPA (42 USC Section 4321 et seq.), CEQ regulations implementing NEPA 

(40 CFR Parts 1501-1508); FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts (64 FR

28545, May 26, 1999); and CEQA, FRA identified parklands and community facilities within the Tier 

1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area and evaluated the potential impacts on those resources as a result of 

implementing the Build Alternative Options. 

Federal

Federal Land Policy and Management Act

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 USC Section 1701 et seq.) provides for the 

proper management and protection of property and natural and cultural resources within areas under 

the jurisdiction of the BLM, including national monuments, federal recreation areas, and 

conservation areas. The act aims to ensure that public lands be managed in a manner that protects 

the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric, water 

resource, and archeological values that, where appropriate, preserve and protect certain public 

lands in their natural condition; provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals; 

and provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use.

State

Park Preservation Act

The Park Preservation Act (California PRC Sections 5400–5409) prohibits local and state agencies 

from acquiring any property that is in use as a public park at the time of acquisition, unless the 

acquiring agency pays sufficient compensation or land, or both, to enable the operator of the park to 

replace the park land and any park facilities on that land.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-2

Regional

Los Angeles County 2035 General Plan

The Los Angeles County 2035 General Plan (County of Los Angeles 2015) includes a Parks and 

Recreation Element, which provides policy direction for the maintenance and expansion of the 

county’s parks and recreation system, including Policy P/R 5.3: Protect and conserve natural 

resources on county park properties, including natural areas, sanctuaries, and open space 

preserves.

Orange County General Plan

The Orange County General Plan (Orange County 2015) contains a Recreation Element which 

contains policies and goals pertaining to the acquisition, development, operation, maintenance, and 

financing of the county’s facilities, including regional recreation facilities, local parks, and riding and 

hiking trails. 

County of Riverside General Plan

The County of Riverside General Plan (County of Riverside 2015) has several goals and policies for 

parks, recreation, and community services, including Goal LU 4.1(p): Require that new development 

be designed to provide adequate space for pedestrian connectivity and access, recreational trails, 

vehicular access and parking, supporting functions, open space, and other pertinent elements.

County of San Bernardino General Plan

The County of San Bernardino General Plan (County of San Bernardino 2014) has several goals 

and policies for parks and community services, including Goal LU 8: Beneficial facilities, such as 

schools, parks, medical facilities, sheriff and fire stations, libraries, and other public uses, as well as 

potentially hazardous sites, would be equitably distributed throughout the county.

Local and Tribal Governments

Regulations from cities, local agencies, and tribal governments would be identified in the Tier 

2/Project-level analysis once site-specific rail infrastructure improvements and station facilities are 

known.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-3

3.14.3 Methods for Evaluating Environmental Effects

The methodology for this evaluation consists of using existing data to identify parklands and 

community facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area for each Build Alternative Option 

and evaluating the potential level of effect or impact that each Build Alternative Option could have if 

constructed.

For purposes of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR, parklands are defined as lands that have been officially 

designated as protected areas by a federal, state, or local agency for the purpose of recreation or 

conservation. Parklands may contain trails, ball fields, and other recreational resources that can also 

exist independently. For purposes of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation, community services 

include police, fire, schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

Potential effects were identified based on proximity of anticipated direct effects (e.g., land 

acquisition, limited access, or pedestrian barriers) or indirect effects (e.g., increased noise, air 

quality). Available data was overlaid using available GIS data to map parklands and community 

facilities and/or service providers in the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area, including those that 

could be affected by development of planned stations.

Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

This service-level evaluation is limited to a desktop evaluation of the data sources described in 

Section 3.14.3. The Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area was combined with GIS overlays to identify 

potential parklands and community facilities that could be affected by the Program. These potential 

parklands and community facilities were identified on a broad scale using available mapping 

information. A detailed description of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area is provided in Section 

3.1, Introduction to Environmental Analysis.

Data Sources

Data from the BLM, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Protected Areas, 

available county GIS data and general plans, and Google Earth Pro were used to conduct an 

inventory of parklands and community facilities located within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study 

Area. 

Related Resources

This evaluation incorporates data from related resources to contribute to the assessment of 

parklands and community facilities, as applicable. These related resources are identified in

Table 3.14-1.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-4

Table 3.14-1. Related Resource Inputs for Parklands and Community Facilities

Resource Input for Parklands and Community Facilities Assessment

Land Use and Planning

(Section 3.2)

A land use assessment to determine existing land uses and recreational areas.

Noise and Vibration

(Section 3.6)

An assessment to determine noise and vibration effects.

Section 4(f) and 6(f) 

Discussion 

(Chapter 5)

An assessment of 49 USC Section 303, Section 4(f), and Section 6(f) federal 

parklands and recreational facilities.

Notes:

USC=United States Code

3.14.4 Affected Environment

The Program Corridor crosses a large geographic area within Southern California, spanning 

approximately 144 miles from its western terminus in Los Angeles to its eastern terminus in 

Coachella. Numerous parks, recreational areas, and community facilities open to the public are 

located within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area. Figure 3.14-1 provides a visual 

representation of parklands, open spaces, and community facilities within the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR Study Area.

Build Alternative Option 1 (Coachella Terminus)

As summarized in Table 3.14-2, there are 25 recreational resources consisting of local and regional 

parks, trails, and sports complexes within the Western Section of Build Alternative Option 1. The 

majority of community facilities within the Western Section of Build Alternative Option 1 are places of 

worship, followed by parks and trails. 

As summarized in Table 3.14-2, there are 20 recreational resources consisting of local and regional 

parks, trails, and sports complexes within the Eastern Section of Build Alternative Option 1. Of the 

20 recreational resources, there is a recreational open space area jointly managed by the U.S. 

Forest Service and BLM: the Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. As shown on 

Figure 3.14-1, a portion of the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area between the Pass-Area Station 

Area and the Mid-Valley Station Area crosses through the boundaries of the Santa Rosa-San 

Jacinto Mountains National Monument. In addition, the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a natural surface 

hiking trail that follows a natural drainage and traverses the Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains 

National Monument, crosses under Build Alternative Option 1 in the San Gorgonio Pass area. 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-5

Similar to the Western Section, the majority of community facilities within the Eastern Section of 

Build Alternative Option 1 are places of worship, followed by parks and trails.

Table 3.14-2. Summary of Parklands and Community Facilities (Build Alternative Option 

1)

Parklands/Community Service Resource

Number of 

Resources 

within Western 

Section

Number of 

Resources 

within Eastern 

Section

Total Number of 

Resources

Park/trail 25 20 45

Place of worship 40 50 90

Educational facility 11 16 27

Healthcare facility 2 6 8

Fire protection facility 5 4 9

Law enforcement facility 0 6 6

Build Alternative Option 2 (Indio Terminus)

As summarized in Table 3.14-3, there are 25 recreational resources consisting of local and regional 

parks, trails, and sports complexes within the Western Section of Build Alternative Option 2. The 

majority of community facilities within the Western Section of Build Alternative Option 2 are places of 

worship, followed by parks and trails. 

As summarized in Table 3.14-3, there are 18 recreational resources consisting of local and regional 

parks, trails, and sports complexes within the Eastern Section of Build Alternative Option 2. As 

identified for Build Alternative Option 1, a portion of Build Alternative Option 2 crosses through the 

Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and the Pacific Crest Trail. Similar to the 

Western Section, the majority of community facilities within the Eastern Section of Build Alternative 

Option 2 are places of worship, followed by parks and trails. 

There are fewer parklands and community facilities within Build Alternative Option 2 because of the 

shorter route alignment and reduced station options.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-6

Table 3.14-3. Summary of Parklands and Community Facilities (Build Alternative Options

2 and 3)

Recreational/Community Service Resource

Number of 

Resources 

within Western 

Section

Number of 

Resources 

within Eastern 

Section

Total Number of 

Resources

Park/trail 25 18 43

Place of worship 40 45 85

Educational facility 11 12 23

Healthcare facility 2 4 6

Fire protection facility 5 4 9

Law enforcement facility 0 6 6

Build Alternative Option 3 (Indio Terminus with Limited Third Track)

Parklands and community facilities within Build Alternative Option 3 are the same as Build 

Alternative Option 2. 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-7

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 1 of 6)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-8

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-9

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 2 of 6)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-10

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-11

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 3 of 6)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-12

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-13

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 4 of 6)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-14

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-15

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 5 of 6)

 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-16

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-17

Figure 3.14-1. Parklands and Community Facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area

(Page 6 of 6)
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-18

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-19

3.14.5 Environmental Consequences

Overview

Effects as a result of implementing the Build Alternative Options can be broadly classified into 

construction and operational effects. Long-term or permanent effects and short-term or temporary 

effects on parklands and community facilities would be anticipated as a result of constructing any of 

the Build Alternative Options. Most effects on parklands and community facilities would occur during 

construction when land acquisitions, detours, construction noise and vibration, and air quality 

impacts could adversely impact parklands and community facilities, including fire protection and 

police protection emergency response times. 

Impacts could also result from operation of any of the Build Alternative Options. New station areas 

could result in land use changes, such as transit-oriented development, which would introduce the

potential for increased population and use of parks and demand for public services. Parklands and 

community facilities potentially affected by a future passenger rail system would be further identified 

as part of the Tier 2/Project-level environmental review process. Specific types and degrees of 

impacts on individual resources (such as ROW acquisition and impacts on characteristics of a 

resource) would not be known until further design of rail facilities takes place. 

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative, as described in Chapter 2, Program Alternatives, is used as the baseline 

for comparison. The No Build Alternative would not implement the Program associated with this 

service-level evaluation. Counties and cities in the Program Corridor would continue to grow, which 

would increase regional transportation demand; therefore, the No Build Alternative assumes 

completion of those reasonably foreseeable transportation, development, and infrastructure projects 

that are already in progress, are programmed, or are included in the fiscally constrained RTP. 

However, because no physical changes would occur, no effects on parklands and community 

facilities are anticipated within the Program Corridor under the No Build Alternative.

Build Alternative Options 1, 2, and 3

Parkland and Community Services Effects

CONSTRUCTION

Western Section. No construction activities would be required to implement the Build Alternative 

Options within the Western Section because the existing railroad ROW and station areas from LAUS

to Colton would be utilized. The Build Alternative Options would not require construction of new 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-20

stations, new track or extensions to existing track, or the addition of sidings, wayside signals, 

drainage, or at-grade separations within the Western Section of the Program Corridor. As such, no 

construction-related effects on parklands and community facilities would be anticipated in the 

Western Section under Build Alternative Options 1, 2, and 3 when compared with the No Build 

Alternative.

Eastern Section. Construction of rail infrastructure improvements and station facilities could result in 

temporary effects on existing parklands and community facilities if the resources are near where an 

infrastructure improvement or station is being constructed. Impacts of this type might include 

increases in dust from ground disturbance; views of, and noise from, construction equipment; access 

restrictions; and temporary construction staging. These impacts would be short-term and temporary, 

as they would occur only during construction. Construction activities may also result in detours, 

which could affect travel patterns for fire and law enforcement. 

Potential effects on parklands and community facilities could also occur if the infrastructure 

improvements, such as sidings, additional main line track, wayside signals, drainage, 

grade-separation structures, and stations would require any land acquisitions from existing parks 

(avoidance of these resources is usually favored). New station areas proposed under the Build 

Alternative Options could result in land use changes, such as transit-oriented development, which 

would introduce the potential for increased population and use of parks and public services. 

Therefore, effects associated with the Eastern Section of Build Alternative Option 1 on parklands 

and community facilities would be moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative. When 

compared with Build Alternative Option 1, Build Alternative Option 2 would have slightly reduced 

effects on parklands and community facilities due to a shorter route alignment and reduced station 

options. However, the magnitude of effects would be similar and would be considered to be 

moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative. When compared with Build Alternative 

Options 1 or 2, Build Alternative Option 3 may have slightly reduced effects due to a smaller footprint 

associated with a shorter route alignment, reduced station options, and reduced third track rail 

infrastructure. However, the magnitude of effects would be similar for Build Alternative Option 3 and 

would be considered moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative.

Since infrastructure improvement and new station locations have not yet been selected, site-specific 

construction effects on parklands and community services would be considered during Tier 

2/Project-level analysis once details for the needed rail and station infrastructure are known.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-21

OPERATION

Western Section. As discussed in Section 3.6, Noise and Vibration, of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR,

no noise or vibration effects are anticipated in the Western Section as a result from operation of any 

of the Build Alternative Options. The additional train trips would travel within an existing railroad 

ROW and would not affect fire or police response times or service, parks, or schools when 

compared with the No Build Alternative. Operation of Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3 within the 

Western Section would not result in increased use of recreational facilities or require new or 

additional government or recreational facilities when compared with the No Build Alternative.

Eastern Section. As discussed in Section 3.6, Noise and Vibration, of this Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR,

noise or vibration effects are anticipated to be moderate in the Eastern Section as a result from 

operation of any of the Build Alternative Options. Operation of the new railroad infrastructure and 

stations under the Build Alternative Options would not be anticipated to require new or physically 

altered fire stations, police stations, schools, or other public facilities or parks. Since infrastructure 

improvements and new station locations have not yet been selected, site-specific operational effects, 

including noise effects, on parklands and community services would be considered during Tier 

2/Project-level analysis.

Effects associated with the Eastern Section of Build Alternative Option 1 on parklands and 

community facilities would be moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative. When 

compared with Build Alternative Option 1, Build Alternative Option 2 would have slightly reduced 

effects on parklands and community facilities due to a shorter route alignment and reduced station 

options. However, the magnitude of effects would be similar and would be considered to be 

moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative. When compared with Build Alternative 

Options 1 or 2, Build Alternative Option 3 may have slightly reduced effects due to a smaller footprint 

associated with a shorter route alignment, reduced station options, and reduced third track rail 

infrastructure. However, the magnitude of effects would be similar for Build Alternative Option 3 and 

would be considered moderate when compared with the No Build Alternative.

3.14.6 NEPA Summary of Potential Effects

Table 3.14-4 summarizes the qualitative assessment of potential effects (negligible, moderate, or 

substantial) under NEPA for each of the Build Alternative Options. This service-level evaluation uses 

the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area to determine the parklands and community facilities that may 

be affected and the relative magnitude of the effect. For parklands and community facilities, the level 

of intensity for effects is based on the number of parklands and community facilities potentially 

affected and that most effects can be mitigated. Specific mitigation measures to reduce effects 

would be identified during the Tier 2/Project-level environmental process.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-22

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-23

Table 3.14-4. NEPA Summary of Effects on Parklands and Community Facilities

Alternative 

Option

Total 

Number of 

Resources Park/Trail

Place of 

Worship

Educational 

Facility

Healthcare 

Facility

Fire/Law 

Enforcement 

Facility

Potential Intensity of 

Effect: Western 

Section

Potential Intensity of 

Effect: Eastern 

Section

No Build 

Alternativea 0 0 0 0 0 0

Construction: None 

Operation: None

Construction: None

Operation: None

Build Alternative 

Option 1 

(Coachella 

Terminus)

185 45 90 27 8 15

Construction: Negligible

Operation: Negligible

Construction: Moderate

Operation: Moderate 

Build Alternative 

Option 2 (Indio 

Terminus)

172 43 85 23 6 15

Construction: Negligible

Operation: Negligible

Construction: Moderate

Operation: Moderate 

Build Alternative 

Option 3 (Indio 

Terminus with 

Limited Third 

Track)

172 43 85 23 6 15

Construction: Negligible

Operation: Negligible

Construction: Moderate

Operation: Moderate 

Notes:

a The No Build Alternative includes existing and potential expansion of roadway, passenger rail, and air travel facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study 

Area; however, for the service-level evaluation, identifying levels of effect from potential expansion of those facilities is speculative and would be dependent on 

Tier 2/Project-level evaluation.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-24

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-25

3.14.7 CEQA Summary of Potential Impacts

Based on the information provided in Section 3.14.3 and 3.14.5, and considering the CEQA 

Guidelines Appendix G Checklist questions for public services and recreation, the Build Alternative 

Options are considered to have a potentially significant impact on public services and recreation

when reviewed on a Program-wide basis. Placing the infrastructure improvements and new stations 

largely within or along the existing ROW reduces the potential for significant impacts on these 

resources; however, because the sites have not been selected, some public services and recreation 

resources may be significantly impacted. At the Tier 1/Program evaluation level, it is not possible to 

know the precise location, extent, and particular characteristics of impacts on these resources. 

Proposed programmatic mitigation strategies, discussed in Section 3.14.8, would be applied to 

reduce potential impacts. Table 3.14-5 describes the CEQA significance conclusions for the Build 

Alternative Options; the proposed programmatic mitigation strategies that would be applied to 

minimize, reduce, or avoid potential impacts; and the significance determination after mitigation 

strategies are applied. The identification and implementation of additional site-specific mitigation 

measures necessary for Project implementation would occur as part of the Tier 2/Project-level

analysis. 
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-26

This page is intentionally blank.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-27

Table 3.14-5. CEQA Summary of Impacts for Parklands and Community Services

Impact Summary

Mitigation 

Strategy Significance with Mitigation Strategy

Would the Program result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental 

facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, 

in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: 

i. Fire protection?

ii. Police protection?

iii. Schools?

iv. Parks?

Other public facilities?

Construction

Western Section – No Impact. No impacts are anticipated at the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR evaluation level because no physical improvements are proposed or required in 

the Western Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3.

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Eastern Section – Potentially Significant. Potential impacts on public services 

depend on the location of infrastructure improvements, which are currently not known. 

Construction activities may result in detours that could impact accessibility, travel 

patterns, and response times for fire and police protection. Construction of infrastructure 

improvements could result in temporary access disruption to existing community 

facilities and parks. Changes to the road network that may impact public services would 

be coordinated with fire, police, and agencies with jurisdiction to maintain access and 

not degrade response times.

There could also be temporary noise, vibration, and air quality effects that could affect 

parklands or community facilities within the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR Study Area for Build 

Alternative Option 1, 2 or 3. Site-specific impacts would be considered during the Tier 

2/Project-level analysis.

LU-2 Potentially Significant. Although LU-2 would 

minimize, reduce or, avoid potential impacts on 

public services through the implementation of a 

construction management plan, impacts could 

remain potentially significant if avoidance of public 

service resources is not feasible during the Tier 

2/Project-level planning and design phase.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-28

Impact Summary

Mitigation 

Strategy Significance with Mitigation Strategy

Operation

Western Section – No Impact. The change in train service (an additional two daily trips 

within the Program Corridor) would not change existing land use that would result in 

modifications to existing public service or park facilities. No impacts are anticipated at 

the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation level because no physical improvements are 

proposed or required in the Western Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3.

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Eastern Section – Less than Significant. Once construction is completed, the 

operation of an additional two daily train trips within the Program Corridor would not 

require construction or expansion of existing public service facilities. A less than 

significant impact is anticipated at the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation level in the 

Eastern Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3.

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Would the Program increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial 

physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?

Construction

Western Section – No Impact. The change in train service (an additional two daily trips 

within the Program Corridor) would not change existing land use that would result in an 

increased use of existing park facilities within the Western Section. No impacts are 

anticipated at the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation level because no physical 

improvements are proposed or required in the Western Section under Build Alternative 

Option 1, 2, or 3.

Not 

applicable

Not applicable
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-29

Impact Summary

Mitigation 

Strategy Significance with Mitigation Strategy

Eastern Section – Less Than Significant. Construction of the Program, including site 

preparation and building phases, would temporarily increase construction employment. 

However, given the relatively common nature and scale of construction associated with 

the Program, the demand for construction employment would likely be met within the 

local and regional labor market throughout Southern California. The size of the 

construction workforce would vary during the different stages of construction; however, 

a substantial number of workers from outside the region would not be expected to 

relocate permanently. Therefore, Program construction would not result in a significant 

increase in the use of existing recreational facilities under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, 

or 3. 

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Operation

Western Section – No Impact. The change in train service (an additional two daily trips 

within the Program Corridor) would not change existing land use or increase in 

population that would result in increased use of existing park facilities. Therefore, no 

impacts are anticipated at the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation level in the Western 

Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3. 

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Eastern Section – Potentially Significant. Implementation of the Program under Build 

Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3 in the Eastern Section would result in the operation of 

passenger rail service. The improvements envisioned include various rail infrastructure 

and station facilities and are not anticipated to result in population growth that would 

increase the use of recreational facilities in the area. However, in the event that station 

facilities include a transit-orientated development component, there is the potential for 

an increase in use at existing recreational resources. Site-specific impacts and 

mitigation measures, to the extent required, would be identified and discussed during 

the Tier 2/Project-level after design details are known. 

PCS-1 Less than Significant. If development around 

station areas is consistent with land use plans for 

station areas as required by PCS-1, impacts would 

be reduced to less than significant.
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-30

Impact Summary

Mitigation 

Strategy Significance with Mitigation Strategy

Would the Program include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse 

physical effect on the environment?

Construction

Western Section – No Impact. No impacts are anticipated at the Tier 1/Program 

EIS/EIR evaluation level because no physical improvements are proposed or required in 

the Western Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3. 

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Eastern Section – Potentially Significant. Although the Program would not include 

recreational facilities as part of the proposed improvements, there is the potential for the 

Build Alternative Options to require expansion of recreational facilities in the event that 

the proposed improvements require a physical take of park property. Potential impacts 

on recreational facilities depend on the location of infrastructure improvements, which 

are currently unknown. Site-specific impacts and mitigation measures, to the extent 

required, would be identified and discussed during the Tier 2/Project-level analysis after 

design details are known. 

PCS-1

LU-3

Potentially Significant. Although PCS-1 and LU-3

would result in additional coordination with 

agencies to avoid or minimize the potential for 

parkland impacts, impacts could remain potentially 

significant if avoidance of recreational resources is 

not feasible during the Tier 2/Project-level planning 

and design phase. 

Operation

Western Section – No Impact. The change in train service (an additional two daily trips 

within the Program Corridor) would not require construction or expansion of existing 

recreational facilities. No impacts are anticipated at the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR 

evaluation level in the Western Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3. 

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Eastern Section – Less than Significant. Once construction is completed, the 

operation of an additional two daily train trips within the Program Corridor would not 

require construction or expansion of existing recreational facilities. A less than 

significant impact is anticipated at the Tier 1/Program EIS/EIR evaluation level in the 

Eastern Section under Build Alternative Option 1, 2, or 3. 

Not 

applicable

Not applicable

Notes:

EIS/EIR=environmental impact statement/environmental impact report
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-31

3.14.8 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Strategies

Identified below are proposed programmatic mitigation strategies for further consideration in the Tier 

2/Project-level analysis. Specific mitigation measures, to the extent required, would be identified and 

discussed during Tier 2/Project-level analysis after design details are known and specific impacts 

are identified.

Examples of programmatic mitigation strategies for recreational and community facilities would 

include a construction management plan and station areas planned consistent with local land use

plans. Proposed programmatic mitigation strategies, consistent with state and federal regulations,

include, but are not limited to, the following:

Mitigation Strategy PCS-1: During Tier 2/Project-level analysis, recreational resources that would 

be impacted by the site-specific rail infrastructure improvement or station facility shall be identified,

and any physical take of recreational properties shall be evaluated. Measures to avoid or minimize 

impacts on recreational properties shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Selection of rail station locations that avoid recreational resources

• Moving equipment and facilities to another located within existing parkland

• Planting vegetation to offset removed vegetation or to establish visual or auditory screening

Mitigation Strategy LU-2: Based on the results of a subsequent Tier 2/Project-level analysis and 

recommendations, the identified lead agency or agencies shall determine if a construction 

management plan is required for construction activities of the Tier 2/Project-level improvement being 

proposed. If required, a construction management plan shall be developed by the contractor and 

reviewed by the lead agency or agencies prior to construction and implemented during construction 

activities. The construction management plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Measures that minimize effects on populations and communities within the Tier 2/Project 

Study Area

• Measures pertaining to visual protection, air quality, safety controls, noise controls, and 

traffic controls to minimize effects on populations and communities within the Tier 2/Project 

Study Area

• Measures to ensure property access is maintained for local businesses, residences, and 

community and emergency services

• Measures to consult with local transit providers to minimize effects on local and regional bus 

routes in affected communities
Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service Program – Draft EIS/EIR

3.14 Parklands and Community Services

May 2021 | 3.14-32

• Measures to consult with local jurisdictions and utility providers to minimize effects on utilities 

in affected communities

Mitigation Strategy LU-3: During a subsequent Tier 2/Project-level analysis, a land use consistency 

analysis shall be conducted by the identified lead agency or agencies to determine consistency of 

the Tier 2/Project-level improvement being proposed with the applicable local jurisdictional general 

plans or programs. If the land use consistency analysis identifies sensitive land uses or 

environmental resources within the Tier 2/Project-level study area, design or siting strategies shall 

be identified by the lead agency or agencies to avoid or minimize conflicts with sensitive land uses or 

environmental resources.