REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Parks & Recreation Commission Recommendation to Name the Public Parks in the Santa Clara Square Project: “Meadow Park,” “Creekside Park,” and “Redwood Trail”
Report
BACKGROUND
On January 12, 2016, Council adopted Ordinance No. 1948, which approved a Development Agreement (DA) with the Irvine Company for the Santa Clara Square Mixed Use project (Project), located at 2600-2610 Augustine Drive. The DA was recorded on February 12, 2016 in Santa Clara County and indicated the City’s intent to accept public parks and trails. The Project will construct and dedicate 4.14 acres of public parkland in the form of a neighborhood park, a mini-park, and a trail easement that will be added to the City’s park inventory (see Attachment 1 for site plan).
Under Council Policy No. 035 (Attachment 2) “Naming of Facilities,” the Parks & Recreation Commission makes recommendations to Council for facility names under the Commission’s purview. Recommendations are referred to City Council for final review and approval. According to the Policy, the Council can consider the Commission’s naming recommendation or refer it to the Ad Hoc Facilities Naming Committee for input. On February 5, 2019, the Council approved to restructure Council committees. With the restructuring of the committees, the responsibilities of the Ad Hoc Facilities Naming Committee were assigned to the Governance Committee. The next scheduled Governance Committee meeting is May 16, 2019.
DISCUSSION
On April 17, 2018, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed potential names for the Project’s three new park facilities, considering the setting and the unique features of each.
• The neighborhood park (currently referred to as Core Park) is the Project’s largest park site and features a large, open grass meadow for lawn games and pickup sports. The 1.86-acre site includes amenities meant to make the space active and vibrant such as age appropriate playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 6-12, a restroom building, a large picnic pavilion, and individual picnic areas.
• The mini park (currently referred to as Creekside Park) is located adjacent to the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail and features an 8’ wide pathway that connects with the Redwood Trail, Core Park and the San Tomas Aquino Creek trail. The 0.89-acre site includes fitness stations, picnic areas with BBQ’s, quiet shaded seating, and a raised turf knoll.
• The trail easement (currently referred to as Redwood Trail) is located along Augustine Drive, Octavius Drive and Scott Blvd. and features a meandering, 8’ wide public walkway with mature redwood trees. The 1.22 acre trail includes fitness stations, passive garden spaces, and shaded seating areas.
After discussion, the Commission unanimously recommended (Attachment 3) that the City Council formally name the Project’s neighborhood park “Meadow Park”, the mini park “Creekside Park”, and the public trail easement “Redwood Trail”. Staff supports the Commission’s recommendation. Alternatively, the Council could refer the Commission’s recommendation to the Governance Committee for input for its May 16, 2019 meeting. After the Committee’s consideration, the naming recommendation would be referred to the Council for consideration in June 2019.
Following Council action, the approved names will be communicated to the Developer to be included on large park monument signs on site, and future promotion and way finding materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact for the current action. Park signs are included in the park construction and dedication and paid by the Developer.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
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 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
Refer the Park & Recreation Commission recommendation to name the Santa Clara Square Project’s neighborhood park “Meadow Park”, the mini park “Creekside Park”, and the public trail easement “Redwood Trail” to the next scheduled Governance Committee meeting for consideration.
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Santa Clara Square Parks Site Plan
2. Council Policy No. 035
3. Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes April 17, 2018