REPORT TO COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Presentation of the Initial Schematic Design of the Central Park Entrance, Accessibility, and Parking Improvements Project and Initiate Public Input Process
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara’s Central Park (Park) was constructed in the 1960’s. In October 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission recommended approval of the Central Park Master Plan (Master Plan) which includes a series of major park improvements to address aging infrastructures and other community park needs identified through community input and facility condition assessments. One of the capital improvement projects identified in the Master Plan is the Central Park Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project (Project). The Project consists of installation of a new accessible entrance to Central Park at the intersection of Kaiser Drive and Kiely Boulevard, adjacent to the Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground (currently in design phase). The new entrance includes improved landscaping, a new traffic signal, expanded parking area, and an accessible drop off area and paths connecting to the Community Recreation Center, the playground and other areas of the Park while preserving the Veterans’ Memorial, adjacent event space and grass meadow.
The Project design will be completed in two phases. On August 24, 2021, City Council approved an Agreement with NUVIS Landscape Architecture to complete the first phase of the Project, which includes the following scope of work: complete site assessment,, arborist report, ADA evaluation, community outreach; preparation of a schematic design for the proposed improvements; and, assistance with presenting the proposed plans to the community, Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council. The scope of work for the second design phase of the Project will depend on the results of the first phase, but typically includes: preparing bid documents (plans, specifications, and engineer’s estimate - PS&E) for public works bidding based on the approved schematic design, assisting with building and fire permits approval, and providing engineering support services during bid and award, construction, and post-construction phases.
DISCUSSION
In February 2021, the City issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for the Project using the existing Pre-Qualified Consultant List. Staff received proposals from five firms; and, based on the panel’s evaluation, NUVIS Landscape Architecture, Inc. (NUVIS) was recommended for award of contract (see Report 21-627) having submitted the best value proposal and meeting the RFP criteria.
Staff has begun to work with NUVIS to develop the draft schematic design (Attachment 1) for review and consideration by the Parks & Recreation Commission and the community. Staff has determined that the draft design meets the Central Park Master Plan principles approved by Council and the Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground parking, accessibility, and connection objectives. The design also provides for the inclusion of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations to meet SB 100 targets for renewable and zero-carbon resources. Also, the design provides for installation of needed recycled water infrastructure for the southwest area of Central Park to reduce use of potable water resources and fiscal impacts.
Community outreach will include project discussion at two Parks & Recreation Commission meetings, one “on-site” meeting and an online survey posted to the City’s website for resident participation. The survey will open later this month and remain open for approximately two (2) weeks. Based on the community and Commission feedback, a preferred Schematic Design will be presented to Council for approval along with a draft ordinance to comply with the provisions of Measure R.
Commission will receive a presentation by NUVIS, initiate the public comment period, and may provide input.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because it is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment as set forth in section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Project is allocated $2,518,448 in Capital Improvement Project #3133 in Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget in the Central Park New Entrance, Access, and Parking Improvements Project (Parks & Recreation Capital Fund 532). Maintenance of Central Park features and amenities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department General Fund allocation.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department, the Public Works Department, the Finance Department, and the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission 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 agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> .
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Initiate Public Input on the Schematic Design for the Central Park Entrance, Accessibility, and Parking Improvements Project.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Schematic Design of the Central Park Entrance