REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Homeridge Park Updated Site Plan and Schematic Design for the Playground Construction Project
Report
BACKGROUND
In September 2013, Council adopted a goal to enhance community sports and recreational assets. In particular, older playgrounds that do not meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements were made a priority for rehabilitation. Funding for playgrounds was identified and allocated in FY 2017-18 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) #3178-Playground Construction (Project). The playground and park amenities at Homeridge Park located at 2985 Stevenson Street were constructed in 1962. The current park condition index including the playground is 47, or “critical”, and the building condition index is 23, or “poor” (Kitchell, 2017 - April 24, 2018 Council Item 18-091).
In August 2017, the City contracted with Gates & Associates, Inc.in the amount of $94,870 to work with the Parks & Recreation Department to solicit community input on the preferred park elements, to prepare a revised Park Site Plan, to develop playground construction plans specifications and cost estimate (PS&E) and to provide bid, construction, and post-construction services for the rehabilitation of the playground at Homeridge Park.
DISCUSSION
After extensive public input, including a community meeting and on-line survey, on March 20, 2018, the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed and recommended Council approval of the proposed Homeridge Park Site Plan Update and the preferred Homeridge Park Playground Schematic Design. The Plans address all of the Project design principles:
• use research based principles for play and inclusionary/universal design;
• include the seven elements of play that will accommodate additional community use;
• incorporate the community preference for a “Tree Fort” themed playground that is appropriate for ages 6-12 and 2-5, and provides required fall heights and safety zones, within site topography/constraints;
• address PlayCore National Demonstration Site criteria to meet two (2) Playcore National Demonstration Site Designation goals-“Play on!” to promote physical activity and health and “NatureGrounds” to integrate built and natural environments;
• honor Homeridge Park’s history and integrate the proposed design with existing park features, trees and vegetation;
• consider asset lifecycle maintenance costs;
• enhance park access, supports safe routes and connectivity to the future Creek Trail;
• support the City’s sustainability and age-friendly goals; and,
• comply with grant guidelines to qualify for Playcore playground equipment purchase matching grant.
The proposed playground will include 31 play elements, 12 which are inclusive, and a capacity of 54 total children compared to the existing playground’s 11 elements, no inclusion, and a 13 children capacity. The next steps for the Homeridge Playground Construction Project will be to complete the PS&E and Bid Package for Council award in Fall 2018. The playground design includes a base scope and additional items (described in Attachment 2) that will need to be completed at a future date or through alternate funding sources such as grants and donations, if actual project costs exceed budget available at award of construction.
The Homeridge Park schematic design also anticipates a future phase of work to complete the unfunded enhancements around the park, such as: a perimeter park trail with exercise equipment, a fenced 4,200 SF off leash dog area, improved half basketball court, drinking fountain, shaded group picnic facility, restroom building upgrades and facility condition assessment items. There currently is no funding for these elements of the schematic design, and they will be addressed when additional funding is identified and allocated by Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 “Existing Facilities”, 15302 “replacement or reconstruction”, and 15303 “new construction or conversion of small structures” as the activity consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting or minor alteration of existing public facilities or topographical features involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agencies determination.
FISCAL IMPACT
Project funding for playground construction in the amount of $595,000 is currently available in the 2017/18 Playground Construction (CIP 532-3178) budget from new housing development Quimby Act Fees, a non-General Fund source. The additional enhancement items identified in the Playground Plans are estimated to be in the amount of $290,000 and will be completed if alternate sources of funding (such as playground equipment grants and/or donations) are identified and allocated at the time of the construction contract award. There is no additional impact to the General Fund, since park maintenance activities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Community outreach on the park and playground design was conducted through E-notify, the City website, the City’s social media channels, door hangers and mailings to neighborhood residents within a 1000 foot radius of Homeridge Park. A neighborhood community input meeting was held on October 21, 2017 at the park with over 175 persons in attendance. In February 2018, an Open City Hall online survey was completed by 221 people and the community input was incorporated into the Proposed Draft Site Plan (Attachment 1) and the Playground Schematic Design for Homeridge Park (Attachments 2 & 3).
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 report to council 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
Approve the Homeridge Park Updated Site Plan and Schematic Design for the Playground Construction Project.
Staff
Prepared by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Homeridge Park Site Plan Update (Proposed)
2. Homeridge Park Playground Schematic Design (Proposed)