REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Agnew Park Updated Site Plan and Schematic Design for the Playground Construction Project
Report
BACKGROUND
In September 2013, Council adopted a goal to enhance community sports and recreational assets. In particular, older playgrounds that require work in order to fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements were made a priority for rehabilitation. Funding for playgrounds was identified and allocated in FY 2017-18 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) #3178-Playground Construction (Project). The playground and park amenities at Agnew Park located at 2150 Agnew Road were constructed in 1970. The current park condition index, including the playground, is 50, or “critical”, and the building condition index is 7, or “fair” (Kitchell, 2017 - April 24, 2018 Council Item 18-091).
In October 2017, the City contracted with David Volz Design, Inc. in the amount of $36,000 to work with the Parks & Recreation Department to solicit community input on preferred park elements, to prepare a revised Park Site Plan, to develop playground construction plans, specifications and cost estimate (PS&E), and to provide bid, construction, and post-construction services for the rehabilitation of the playground at Agnew Park.
DISCUSSION
After community input, including a community meeting and on-line survey, on April 17, 2018, the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed and recommended Council approval of the proposed Agnew Park Site Plan Update and the preferred Agnew Park Playground Schematic Design. The Plans address all of the Project design principles:
• use research based principles for play and inclusionary/universal design;
• include the “seven elements of play” (swinging, sliding, spinning, climbing, brachiating, balancing, running/free play) that will accommodate additional community use;
• incorporate community preferences for a “modern” theme playground that is appropriate for ages 6-12 and 2-5, that provides required fall heights and safety zones, within the given site topography & constraints;
• address PlayCore National Demonstration Site criteria and grant eligibility for “Play-on!” to promote physical activity and health, “NatureGrounds” to integrate built and natural environments, and “Inclusion” to provide inclusive play spaces that promote participation, social activity and developmental growth;
• honor Agnew Park’s history and integrate the proposed design with existing park features, trees and vegetation;
• consider asset lifecycle maintenance costs;
• enhance park access, support safe routes to the park and connectivity with the neighborhood;
• support the City’s sustainability and age-friendly goals.
• comply with grant guidelines to qualify for a Playcore playground equipment purchase matching grant.
The proposed playground will include 34 play elements, 12 which are inclusive, and have a capacity of 73 total children compared to the existing playground’s 11 elements, no inclusion, and a 34 child capacity. The next steps for the Agnew Park Playground Construction Project will be to complete the PS&E and Bid Package for Council award in Fall 2018. The playground design includes a base scope and additional items (described in Attachment 2) that may need to be completed at a future date or through alternate funding sources such as grants and donations, if actual project costs exceed budget available at award of construction.
The Agnew Park Site Plan Update also anticipates a future phase of work to complete the currently unfunded enhancements around the park, such as: park pathway and amphitheater improvements, a pollinator garden, pathway bollard lighting, and other items identified in the Kitchell 2017 facility condition assessment report. Currently, there is no funding for these elements of the schematic design, and they will be addressed when additional funding is identified and allocated by Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 “Existing Facilities”, 15302 “replacement or reconstruction”, and 15303 new construction or conversion of small structures as the activity consists in the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting or minor alteration of existing public facilities or topographical features involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agencies determination.
FISCAL IMPACT
Project funding for playground construction in the amount of $590,000 is currently available in the FY 2017-18 Playground Construction (CIP 532-3178) budget from new housing development Quimby Act Fees, a non-General Fund source. The additional enhancement items identified in the Playground Plans are estimated to be in the amount of $265,000 and will be completed if alternate sources of funding (such as playground equipment grants and/or donations) are identified and allocated at the time of the construction contract award. There is no additional impact to the General Fund, since park maintenance activities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget. There is no additional impact to the General Fund, since park maintenance activities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Community outreach on the park and playground design was conducted through e-Notify, the City website, the City’s social media channels, door hangers and mailings to neighborhood residents within a 1,000 foot radius of Agnew Park. A neighborhood community input meeting was held on November 4, 2017 at the park. In March 2018, an Open City Hall online survey was completed by 100 persons and the community input was incorporated into the Proposed Draft Site Plan (Attachment 1) and the Playground Schematic Design for Agnew Park (Attachment 2).
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any report to council may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve the Agnew Park Updated Site Plan and Schematic Design for the Playground Construction Project.
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agnew Park Site Plan Update (Proposed)
2. Agnew Park Playground Schematic Design and Add/Alternates (Proposed)
3. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes of April 17, 2018