REPORT TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Make a Recommendation to Council on the Preferred Park Master Plan and Schematic Design for Henry Schmidt Park Playground Rehabilitation Project
Report
COUNCIL PILLARS
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
In 1965, the City of Santa Clara acquired eight and a half acres of farmland from Martin and Ann Perlenda that previously had been used as a prune orchard since 1894. Dedicated in 1977, Henry Schmidt Park’s existing master plan (Attachment 1) contains a recreation and restroom building, four tennis courts, a basketball court, a softball field, an open grass play area, a playground, an on-site parking lot, picnic areas, and various park amenities. The park is bounded by Los Padres Boulevard to the west, Saratoga Avenue to the south, and residential properties to the north and east. The Facility Condition Assessment (Kitchell, 2018) indicated that the playground and amenities were in poor condition and the building was in fair condition. The playground condition was downgraded to critical and the train-themed play structures were removed due to their unsafe condition.
On February 7, 2023 the City Council approved an agreement with David L. Gates & Associates, Inc. (RTC 23-1532) for engineering services to develop an updated park master plan and playground schematic design including site assessment and community input on the preferred park elements.
On July 18, 2023 (RTC 23-768), the Parks & Recreation Commission received a presentation from David L. Gates & Associates, Inc. (Consultant) on the Project scope and timeline to develop the schematic design. At this meeting the Commission initiated public input on the Henry Schmidt Park Playground Rehabilitation Project.
The public engagement process included a community pop-up input session at the Street Dance on August 4, 2023 on Jackson Street, and at the Sunset Cinema event in the Park on August 11, 2023. In addition to the in-person engagement opportunities, the City hosted an online survey that was available to the public from July 19-August 14. Community input was collected from residents regarding their current recreational uses and important priorities. Input was also solicited on “theme” preferences for the new playground area. All the theme options are built upon the beloved train identity associated with the existing play area. The engagement process ultimately included approximately 850 participants/responses.
Participants stated that the top five (5) activities they engaged in at Henry Schmidt Park were walking (52%), playing on the playground (46%), picnic in the park (38%). enjoying nature (36%) and engaging in group gatherings/celebrations (30%). Respondents prioritized adding shade (64%), renovating and expanding the playground (60%), adding picnic areas (48%), providing more seating areas (47%), and incorporating more lighting (45%) for park rehabilitation. When asked about what specific features should be included for the rehabilitation, the top five (5) features they want to see were playground equipment (57%), a looped walking path (51%), site furnishings (50%), a large, shaded group picnic area (48%), and several smaller picnic areas (46%). As for the theme of the playground, respondents narrowly favored the “Train Depot” theme (35%). They also identified preferences for specific play activities, including sensory play “B” (80%), brachiating “B” (65%), sliding “B” (63%), and spinning “B” (62%).
DISCUSSION
At the regular Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on November 21 the Commission will receive a presentation from the Consultant on two (2) train themed schematic design options. Both designs achieve implementation of a Park Master Plan that enhances existing park amenities and expands the playground and picnic areas to accommodate the community interests. The Commission will consider the options.
The updated Henry Schmidt Park Master Plan (Plan) concept reflects the City’s guiding principles, and the input from the community, incorporating shade, more seating, additional picnic areas, a looped walking path, and enhanced fitness stations and a new nature destination playground. The Plan does not alter the existing recreation building or restrooms, tennis courts, ball field, basketball courts or most existing trees. The parking lot is proposed to be resurfaced and will add two stalls. The proposed design enhances connections between the various park activities. The proposed entry plaza, with permeable pavers, in the southeast corner of the park creates a clear direct path and view of the playground from the parking lot, providing an improved pedestrian connection to the playground and through the park space. The addition of a looped walking path connects visitors to a new entry node in the northeast corner and playground. This looped walking path links the existing fitness stations along the pathway. A few pieces of the existing fitness equipment at the park would be removed and replaced with the newly proposed group fitness stations. The design includes the following:
• A new entry plaza with permeable pavers designed with an orchard grid;
• New play area (two concept options provided);
• New sand play area;
• New covered group picnic area;
• New small group picnic area;
• New drought-tolerant plantings;
• New sidewalk;
• New pathway (previously constructed);
• New entry node;
• New pervious decomposed granite path to the fitness stations;
• New group fitness stations (removing existing fitness elements);
• Resurfaced and striped parking lot;
• Upgraded exterior light pole and fixture; and
• Preserving existing trees and athletic amenities (tennis courts, ball field).
Two playground design options have been developed (Attachment 2) for the Commission’s consideration. Each option meets the City Parks & Recreation Department’s park amenities and design criteria, adheres to code compliance requirements, and addresses the public input to date. The two concepts reflect the community’s preference for a “Train Depot” theme and incorporate the key elements of play most desired by the community. Option 1 uses a modern interpretation of train theme. Option 2 has a more historic character. Both Option 1 and Option 2 provide:
• Inclusive playground design;
• 7 elements of play for both age 2-5 and age 6-12 play areas;
• Train Depot theme;
• Train engine play element;
• Iconic water tower play element;
• Train station design with ticket booth play element;
• Accessibility to the new play area;
• Shade elements (trees and shade canopies);
• Both options use sustainable/durable materials;
• PIP (poured-in-place rubberized play surfacing) and engineered wood fiber surfacing.
The differences between Option 1 and Option 2 are as follows:
Option 1 has a compact playground at 7,300 square feet with play elements having more vertical components. It contains two train engine play elements, one in each age group area. It hosts an iconic water tower design that incorporates playful artwork. This water tower design is taller than the one proposed in Option 2. It has a swing set in both 2-5 and 6-12 play areas.
Option 2 also has a train play element in each area. The play equipment is more horizontal and spreads across approximately 8,200 square feet. It contains one train engine play structure in the 2-5 age group area. Its water tower design reflects a historic character. Option 2 includes a train depot station archway that is not provided in Option 1.
Each option is evaluated for its play value. A play value assessment identifies the level of change, level of skill (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) each piece of equipment requires, and the number of users (each piece can accommodate simultaneously - capacity). The assessment evaluates both age groups, 2-5 and 6-12, separately and in combination. Play features are categorized per City of Santa Clara’s 7 elements of play. Inclusive play elements are also quantified.
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 of the Project, which will include the development of the construction plans according to the approved schematic design, meeting all current regulations and funding nexus requirements such as increased capacity and or new amenities, and the construction of the Project. The scope of work for Phase II of the Project will depend on the results of Phase I.
Measure R Compliance
The recommendation for approval of an update to the Henry Schmidt Park Master Plan may be subject to Measure R. In November 2016, voters passed Measure R, which added Section 714.1 Protection of Parkland and Public Open Space to the City Charter. Measure R prohibits selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of parkland for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more, and also prohibits its use from changing, being abandoned, or discontinued without such sale, lease, disposal or changed use having first been authorized or ratified by a two-thirds majority vote of the electorate during a general municipal election for that purpose. Measure R also prohibits changes in park use for over 180 days without a majority vote of the electorate and substantial building, construction, reconstruction, or development upon dedicated parkland except pursuant to ordinance subject to referendum. The referendum process is set forth in the Elections Code.
The Henry Schmidt Park Master Plan update and the playground schematic design, if approved, will include changes to the existing park that may be considered as “substantial building, construction, reconstruction, or development.” The approval of the proposed site master plan, playground schematic design and subsequent park rehabilitation project will require an ordinance in order to comply with Measure R that will be recommended for the Council’s consideration to be introduced by reference. It does not include a sale, lease, disposal, or change in use requiring a majority vote of the electorate. Therefore, staff recommends that the Commission recommend that Council approve the Henry Schmidt Park Master Plan update, preferred playground schematic design and introduce an ordinance (Attachment 3) to ensure compliance with Measure R. The ordinance will be introduced at one meeting and return to Council at a second meeting for adoption in accordance with City Charter sections 808 and 812.
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 Capital Improvement Program Budget for FY2022/23 includes project 3195 Henry Schmidt Park Playground Rehabilitation with funding in the amount of $235,000. The outreach and design agreement with Gates and Associates were approved by Council on February 7, 2023 for $109,566. Additional funding will be needed for Phase 2 for design development, bid, and construction, which will be requested at the end of Phase 1 based upon the approved schematic design and project scope.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Parks & Recreation Department, the 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
Make a recommendation to Council on the preferred park master plan and schematic design for Henry Schmidt Park and Playground Rehabilitation Project
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Dale Seale, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Existing Master Plan for Henry Schmidt Park
2. Presentation on Henry Schmidt Park Playground Rehabilitation Project - Gates & Associates
3. Measure R Draft Ordinance