REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Proposed Schematic Design for the Magical Bridge All-Inclusive Playground Project in Central Park (Council Pillar: Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets)
Report
BACKGROUND
The City’s Park and Recreation design standards promote community health, wellness, and inclusion for all ages and abilities (City of Santa Clara is a World Health Organization “Age Friendly City”), as well as support environmental sustainability and integration with the natural habitat. The 1960’s era, metal, wood and stone Arbor Center Playground has been identified in the Parks & Recreation Facility Condition Assessment (Kitchell, 2018) as in critical condition. The Central Park Master Plan proposed to rehabilitate the area with an all-inclusive playground in an expanded area of approximately one acre in size, that would provide zones featuring distinct play elements, to address the developmental needs of children and the physical, cognitive and social needs of all playground guests.
In 2017, the County of Santa Clara (County) initiated an All-Inclusive Playground Grant (AIPG) Program with successive rounds of competitive funding. On April 3, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18-8511 which approved an AIPG application in Round Two and delegated authority to the City Manager to execute County grant documents, to develop a Letter of Intent with Magical Bridge Foundation, and to approve related City budget amendments. While the County did not fund the City’s application in Round Two, additional County funding was made available, and on October 9, 2018, the Council adopted Resolution No. 18-8610 to authorize the City to submit a new grant application that was successful. On March 29, 2019, the City entered into a grant agreement with the County for a Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground in Central Park (Project) in the amount of approximately $4.6 million dollars. The Project is to be funded through City Capital Improvement Program funds in the amount of $1.8 million dollars, the County AIPG in the amount of $1.765 million dollars, and additional funding of at least $1 million dollars raised by the Magical Bridge Foundation through individual, community and corporate support.
On June 25, 2019, the City approved a License agreement in the amount of $500,000 with the Magical Bridge Foundation to assist in the Project’s community engagement, design, license to use the Magical Bridge Foundation brand, and to raise one million dollars towards the Project costs. Magical Bridge will receive an additional 8% of funds raised, which are to be appropriated prior to the construction award. In addition, the City entered into an agreement with Groundswell Landscape Architects (Groundswell) in the amount of $479,500 to complete community outreach, schematic design, construction plans and specifications (PS&E), and provide bid and construction support. The Project design team includes Magical Bridge Foundation, the City Parks & Recreation Department and the Public Works Department, and incorporates input from the various City commissions and the community through the outreach and approval processes.
DISCUSSION
At the October 15, 2019 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting, Groundswell and the Magical Bridge Foundation introduced the Magical Bridge concept and kicked off the community outreach and fundraising.
Community Outreach.
On December 2, 2019, the Design Team presented the concept to the Cultural Commission (RTC19-1390) for review and public input. On December 10, 2019, the Design Team presented the concept to the Youth Commission. On January 18, 2020, the Design Team held a community meeting at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) and the adjacent seasonal ice rink as well as held a Project site walk in Central Park. The public comment included votes on the various playground apparatus. In addition, a community survey was posted on the City’s website from February 3 to February 20, 2020 with 166 participants. The feedback was incorporated into the initial Schematic Design.
On October 20, 2020, the Park & Recreation Commission will review, provide feedback, and make a recommendation for potential Council approval of the proposed Magical Bridge Playground Schematic Design (see Attachment 1- Presentation). The Schematic Design meets the City’s Central Park Master Plan Guiding Principles, the County AIPG guidelines, and the City’s research-based best practices for play and inclusionary/universal design. The Project addresses all required fall heights and safety zones, fits within site topography/constraints, includes the seven elements of play, and will expand community use and integrate with existing park features, trees and natural elements.
Schematic Design Scope & Elements.
The Schematic Design “Scope A-Playground & Scope B-Restroom,” within an estimated construction budget of $2.5 million, will provide the following: Child (ages 2-5) zone, Spin zone, Swing zone, Slide mound, Imagination zone (two story playhouse), improvements to the existing amphitheater terrace seating, a donor entry plaza, improved picnic area, and rehabilitation of the adjacent existing Arbor Center Restroom. The Scope C- Additional/Alternate Playground elements in the estimated amount of $860K are contingent upon the Magical Bridge funds raised from community and corporate support, and include hill top area improvements, laser harp, sway boat, additional renovation to the hillside terrace amphitheater, adult fitness area, and a “Look Out” balcony. The Scope D-Additional/Alternate Walkway improvements in the estimated amount of $130K are currently unfunded, but while aesthetically desirable, are not required for project completion. In addition, the City has approved a separately-funded CIP Project proposed in the Central Park Master Plan that provides signalized entry at Kiely Blvd./Kaiser Dr., with improved parking, ADA accessible drop-off/pick-up area, and walkway improvements to a second entrance into the Magical Bridge Playground.
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
The CIP Project’s approved budget allocation is approximately $4.6 million dollars (City Capital Improvement Program funds in the amount of $1.8 million dollars, the County AIPG in the amount of $1.765 million dollars, and additional Magical Bridge funding of at least $1.0M). The estimated construction costs for the Project as presented in the proposed Schematic Design Scope A-Playground & Scope B Restroom Rehabilitation is $2.5M. The Scope C - Add/Alternate playground elements is approximately $860K and dependent upon Magical Bridge community and corporate donations. The Magical Bridge Foundation will receive $500,000 and 8% of funds raised. The Scope D - Add/Alternate walkway and entrance improvements in the amount of $130K is unfunded. The remaining Project funds of approximately $1.0 million dollars are available and budgeted for design, administration, and permitting including mobilization, general conditions, bonding, escalation, permits, insurance, and City Project administration. Current park maintenance activities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.
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
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend City Council Approval of the Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground in Central Park Schematic Design.
Staff
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Magical Bridge All Inclusive Playground in Central Park Schematic Design Presentation