REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY 2019/20
Report
BACKGROUND
At the regular Commission Meeting on July 16, 2019, the Commission discussed current issues, trends, and local needs related to city parks operations and maintenance, recreation programs and community services, cemeteries, and special events. Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission considers three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and/or activities for the year. These are intended to focus Commission efforts and respond to community and City Council priorities within existing budget direction, resource limitations, and the purview of the Commission as set forth in the City Charter and City Code.
On July 16, 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed Work Plan Goals from FY2018-19 and established the draft goals for FY2019/20. At subsequent meetings, the Commission will discuss the Work Plan and makes sub-committee assignments, as necessary. Members then work toward goal completion and provide updates at the regular Commission meetings. The Parks & Recreation Commission FY2019/20 Work Plan Goals are to:
a) Inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions and provide leadership and advocacy for any potential new funding strategies;
b) Review existing park rehabilitation needs and new residential development park project plans;
c) Host the 39th annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival and begin planning celebratory elements for the 40th anniversary event; and,
d) Provide leadership and guidance for a community input and outreach phase for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
DISCUSSION
At the July 16, 2019 meeting, the Commission discussed and reviewed Work Plan Goals for Fiscal Year 2019/20.
At the August 20, 2019 meeting, the Commission reviewed the existing park rehabilitation needs and recommended a prioritized list of projects based on age, condition and usage data; staff will further develop the project scope, justifications and cost information and submit as part of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget five-year plan and cycle for potential funding consideration. New residential development park project plans will be discussed when specific items are scheduled for Commission review on a regular agenda.
On August 20, 2019 the Commission agreed to continue to receive input from the subcommittee for Work Plan Goal (d). The subcommittee will consist of Chair Knaack, Vice Chair Martinez, and Commissioner LaCoursiere.
Work Plan Goal Updates:
• Goal (b). On January 21, 2020 the Commission reviewed a new Tasman East residential development park project plan.
• Goal (c). On September 17, 2019 the Commission reviewed Work Plan Goals. The Commission completed most of Work Plan by hosting the 39th Annual Art & Wine Festival and beginning the process of planning celebratory elements of the 40th Anniversary event.
• Goals (d). On October 15, 2019 the subcommittee for Work Plan Goal (d) discussed visiting the future park site on October 28, 2019. They began brainstorming about the necessity to include a wide array of stakeholders, multiple outreach meetings and methods, and concepts for the site. On November 19, 2019 the subcommittee reported on its visit to the future park site held on October 28, 2019 and the Commission discussed the potential for developing the parkland and reaching out to various stakeholders. They noted the excellent panoramic view from the top of the site, as well as the challenges and amount of sloped acreage of the site in proportion to the more level upland area. On February 24, 2020 the subcommittee discussed the need to use some of the guiding principles of the Central Park Master plan to assist with conceptual features of the park. The Discussion focused on essential amenities that should be in a community park such as the preservation of green space, picnic areas, walking pathway or park loop, a central entry point, restrooms, ample parking, an all-inclusive destination playground, adult fitness areas, and an iconic amphitheater or pavilion type area.
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.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission’s 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, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation