REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY 2020/21
Report
BACKGROUND
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.
At the September 15, 2020 meeting, the Commission considered their prior progress on Work Plan Goals for Fiscal Year 2019/20. Due to the effects on the pandemic on the Commission meetings and events, the Commission determined to continue the prior year’s Goals for Fiscal Year 2020/21.
a) Inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions and provide leadership and advocacy for any potential new funding strategies;
b) Review and provide input on existing City park rehabilitation projects and proposed park projects to serve new residential development;
c) Host the annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival; and,
d) Provide leadership and guidance for community input and outreach on the proposed 30+/- acre Community Park on a former SCG&TC City owned parcel.
At subsequent meetings, the Commission will discuss the Work Plan, make subcommittee assignments as necessary, and work toward goal completion.
DISCUSSION
On October 20, 2020, the Commission received an update on Work Plan “Goal D” following the subcommittee’s visit to the 30+ acre undeveloped park site. Commissioners noted the topography of the site, panoramic views of the South Bay, and the potential for perimeter slopes of the site to include unique recreation activities. The Commission also discussed having extensive public engagement and community outreach to during conceptual design development.
At the November 2020 meeting, the Commission did not discuss the Work Plan due time devoted to other Commission business.
In December 2020, the Commission did not meet.
On January 19, 2021, the Commission discussed the State of California Proposition 68 Competitive Grant Program and potential for a project proposal for Machado Park expansion and renovation (Goal A). The Commission reviewed Council approval of their recommendations for the Fairway Glen Park restroom and the Magical Bridge All-inclusive Playground schematic designs (Goal B). The Commission received a report that staff has an on-call list of professional design firms to assist with public input, community outreach, schematic design, once the Related of Santa Clara provides funding under the Development Agreement for design and engineering of the Community Park (Goal D).
On February 16, 2021 the Commission noted progress on Work Plan Goal A by discussing and recommending action prioritization of the Henry Schmidt Park playground rehabilitation and on the EPA Water Quality Improvement Fund Grant for the future improvement of the Bowers Park parking lot. Progress on Work Plan Goal B is noted through progress taking place on the design of Fairway Glen Park restroom and Magical Bridge All-inclusive Playground in Central Park. Director Teixeira provided information and guidance for the Commission regarding Work Plan Goal C, Host the annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, which is about six months away. Taking into consideration how Santa Clara County is progressing through the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy tiers, the upcoming Art & Wine Festival may be very different from past events considering the COVID-19 pandemic and any implementation of health and safety protocols. Over the next few months staff review what can be done including hosting a smaller event.
On March 16, 2021 the Commission noted progress on Work Plan Goal B through the design phase for both the Fairway Glen Park restroom, and Magical Bridge All-inclusive Playground in Central Park. The Commission discussed the potential need to form subcommittees to meet on Work Plan Goal C, Host the annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival. The subcommittee for Work Plan Goal D is planning to meet in April regarding potential usage of the proposed 30+ acre community park site.
At the April 20, 2021 Regular Meeting, the Commission will discuss activities that may support Work Plan Goals.
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, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Continue progress on Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY 2020/21 and appoint subcommittee(s) as needed.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation