REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Park Master Plan and Schematic Design for 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 to the City in 1954 and contains an open field 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 the playground and park amenities are in poor condition, while the pool is in fair condition, and the building is in good condition. The City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes plans to rehabilitate the playground and park amenities.
On February 7, 2023, the City Council approved an agreement with O’Dell Engineering, Inc. (RTC #23-1517) for engineering services to develop a park master plan and playground schematic design for Warburton Park, including a consultant-led community input process, site assessment, development of a schematic design, and preparation of cost estimates. The scope of services for community input includes onsite community pop-up meeting(s), online surveys, Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) and Council meetings.
On July 18, 2023, staff initiated the public input phase of the project at the regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission. The Commission received a presentation by O’Dell Engineering, Inc. (Consultant) on the project scope and timeline to develop the schematic design.
The public engagement process included two community outreach (pop-up) sessions: one at the Warburton Park Sunset Cinema event on July 28, and one at the City’s Street Dance on August 4. The purpose of the pop-up sessions was to collect input from the community on the recreational needs, as well as to explore the playground design priorities. Concurrently, an online survey was made available for residents to provide input and feedback. The survey was open from July 19 to August 14, 2023.
The survey results include priorities for site amenities, playground renovation, and additional recreation opportunities. The public reported their top five favorite activities at the park are:
1. Walking (58.7%),
2. Playing in the playground (57.6%),
3. Using the pool (53.9%),
4. Picnicking at the park (48.3%); and
5. Enjoying nature (48.0%).
The top five preferred amenities for renovation included:
1. Playground rehabilitated with inclusive equipment (67.2%).
2. Updating of site furniture (47.6%).
3. Adding a looped walking path (47.3%).
4. Offering several small picnic areas (35.2%).
5. Nature areas with drought-tolerant landscaping (35.2%).
The top playground elements reported were:
1. Swinging (81.8%),
2. Climbing (81.0%),
3. Sliding (79.3%),
4. Balancing (62.0%),
5. Free play (52.9%),
6. Running (52.9%); and
7. Musical equipment (45.0%).
Other key comments included the desire for no wood or sand playground safety surfacing, as well as added shade, seating, and multi-generational activity opportunities. A few comments were received regarding off-leash dog areas and pickleball court options. These two elements were deemed not suited to this park, due to the nearby dog park (Raymond G. Gamma Dog Park), the off-leash dog area at Marsalli Park, and noise concerns due to proximity to adjacent neighborhood homes. However, a pickleball court striping overlay on the basketball courts may be considered in the future to allow casual play for residents. The two conceptual park plan design options presented address the comments received.
DISCUSSION
On February 10, 2025, the Commission is receiving a presentation (Attachment 1) and will review the site analysis results, community outreach results, and design considerations. Along with this valuable feedback and information, two conceptual design options are being presented, both of which meet the goals of providing a unique, inclusive park that welcomes residents of all ages and abilities and supports an increased resident population in the City of Santa Clara.
Derived from the site analysis of Warburton Park, the project design principles include:
• 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 plans identify mature healthy existing trees which will be protected, while unhealthy and high-risk trees will be replaced. Plantings to screen the pool areas and adjacent neighboring residential properties have been included in the overall natural, low water use planting concept. The pool building, pool area and parking lot have been considered for their use, circulation needs and view corridors, and will be considered in future park renovation plans.
Both conceptual master plan design options include renovated picnic areas, site furniture such as benches, and access to ADA parking and pavement that meets current health and safety codes and best practices for public parks. The playground will require safety fencing along the street edge. For people and pets, a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler and pet bowl will be added. Lighting will be upgraded to LED fixtures and shade will be provided by trees and canopies. Buffer planting is included along the pool deck edge and property fence line along the adjacent homes. A looped walking trail is included in both options to address the priority of added walking opportunities. The remaining natural turf area is large enough for multi-use activities such as Sunset Cinemas and field games.
Conceptual Park Plan - Option #1
This master plan concept (Attachment 2) provides an arrival space from Los Padres Blvd. From this space, visitors can access all areas of the park. Connections are made to the pool area and Royal Drive. A central plaza area is designed for large or small group picnics, active play, and seating, and includes the following:
• Shade sails over picnic tables
• Table tennis
• Music station
• An aromatic sensory garden with a pathway
• Several small picnic areas shaded by trees
• A fitness area with three stations for age 13+
Conceptual Park Plan - Option #2
This master plan concept (Attachment 2) provides zones for different types of recreation. Arrival points from Los Padres Blvd and Royal Drive, the pool deck, and parking lot are included. A central plaza area that is enclosed with seat walls is created by a pathway intersection. These seat walls create a gateway to the pool area with the playground on either side. This concept adds more recreational opportunities than the previous concept and includes the following amenities:
• Increased playground space, including an accessible embankment slide
• Music station
• Basketball court increase by ½ court
• Fitness course area for age 13+
• Several small picnic areas
• Group picnic area with shade canopy
• Open gardens adjacent to walkways
The Commission will discuss the two master plan options and make a recommendation to Council on the preferred design. This process allows the City to bring the Phase I design process near completion. Staff will then bring the recommendation to Council for consideration. Upon Council approval of a Master Plan and preferred playground schematic design, the City will begin Phase II design development work, preparing the playground construction plans and specifications in compliance with the City’s construction standards and the public bid process.
Measure R Compliance
The recommendation for approval of an update to the Warburton 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 days (180) days or more, and prohibits its use be changed, abandoned or discontinued without such sale, lease, disposal or changed use having first been authorized by a two-thirds majority of the electorate. In addition, Measure R requires substantial building, construction, reconstruction or development be authorized by ordinance subject to referendum. The referendum process is set forth in the Elections Code.
The Warburton 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 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. Once the Commission recommends the Warburton Park Master Plan and preferred playground schematic design for Council approval, staff will forward the Commission’s recommendation to Council and include an ordinance in compliance with Measure R (Attachment 3). 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 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 detail 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 $1,257,199. Additional funding will need to be identified for the construction phase of this project.
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
Discuss and take action on a recommendation to the City Council on the Park Master Plan and preferred schematic design for the Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation Project
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation - Warburton Park Playground Rehabilitation
2. Conceptual Plans Options 1 and 2 - Warburton Park
3. Measure R Draft Ordinance