REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Initiate Public Input on the Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation Project
Report
COUNCIL PILLARS
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
Warburton Park & Pool (Park) is located at 2250 Royal Drive, bounded by Los Padres Boulevard to the west and residential properties to the east and south. The 3.95-acre Park was dedicated in 1954 and contains an open play area, playground, basketball court, and various park amenities. The pool and restroom building were funded by a 1959 bond measure and dedicated in August 1962. The 2018 Facility Condition Assessment (Kitchell CEM) found that the playground and amenities are in poor condition and the building is in good condition. However, since then, the pool infrastructure, heating and mechanical systems have required extensive repairs, are in fair condition and will require further needs assessment. Currently, the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes plans to rehabilitate the playground and park amenities.
The Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation Project (Project) will be completed in two phases. Phase I services include a consultant-led community input process, development of a schematic design, and preparation of cost estimates. It includes onsite community pop-up meeting(s), online surveys, Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) and Council meetings. Phase II services include the consultant producing Plans, Specifications, and Engineer’s Estimate (PS&E), preparing bid documents, assisting with pre-bid/pre-construction, obtaining permits and construction/post-construction activities. Phase II is contingent upon the Council’s approval to proceed after completion of Phase I services. In addition to the services described in this report for Phase I and Phase II, O’Dell Engineering, Inc. will assess the feasibility of converting the existing pool heater from gas to electric and assist staff with obtaining any available rebates from the City’s Silicon Valley Power Department as noted in the optional services of the proposed agreement.
On February 7, 2023 the City Council approved an agreement with O’Dell Engineering, Inc. (File#23-1517) for engineering services to develop a park master plan and playground schematic design including site assessment and community input on the preferred park elements.
DISCUSSION
On July 18, 2023 the Parks & Recreation Commission will hear a presentation by O’Dell Engineering, Inc. (Consultant) on the Project scope and timeline to develop a schematic design. The Consultant will introduce the existing site conditions for Warburton Park and the intended Project scope to provide a unique, inclusive neighborhood park that welcomes residents of all ages and abilities, and supports an increased resident population in the City of Santa Clara. The Commission will review the Project design principles that include: understanding the current use of Warburton Park, implementing research-based best practices for play and inclusionary/universal design, accommodating additional community use, addressing asset lifecycle maintenance/replacement, supporting the City’s sustainability and age-friendly goals, addressing adjacent neighborhood concerns where feasible, and complying with potential playground equipment grant guidelines.
The public engagement process will include community pop-up input sessions at the City Street Dance on August 4 in the Franklin Mall, and at the Sunset Cinema event in the Park on July 28 to collect input from the neighborhood on their recreational needs, as well as to explore the playground design priorities. An online survey will be available concurrently for residents not able to attend the on-site sessions. The information gathered from the community will be used to inform the update of the park site Master Plan as needed and the Warburton Playground Rehabilitation Project schematic design in particular.
Once the Phase 1 design process is complete and Council has approved a revised park site Master Plan and preferred playground schematic design, the City will undertake Phase 2 design development work which will prepare the playground construction plans and specifications in compliance with the City’s construction standards and the public bid process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is for design professional services and the action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines section 15378 because it does not pose a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The outreach and design agreement with O’Dell Engineering, Inc. (Phase I) was approved by Council on February 7, 2023 for $128,425. Phase II for design development and construction, will be based upon the approved Schematic Design and Project Scope from Phase I. The Capital Improvement Program Budget for FY2023/24 includes Project 3137 Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation with funding in the amount of $1,331,800.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department, Public Works Department, and the Finance Department.
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> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take action to initiate public input on the Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation Project.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation - Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation