REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the City Plaza Park Gazebo Enhancement Schematic Design Option B and Introduction of an Ordinance Approving the City Plaza Park Schematic Design Update in Accordance with City Charter Section 714.1
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
In 2018, the City received initial public input on opportunities to improve the gazebo at City Plaza Park as part of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) placemaking workshops. In response to the PPS recommendations, the City developed a project scope and allocated funding to improve the gazebo and its connection with the Mission Branch Library, while providing an additional activity space and meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.
The City Plaza Park Gazebo Enhancement Project (Project) located at 853 Lexington Street will:
* Strengthen the connection and access between the Mission Branch Library and the gazebo;
* Provide additional space for outdoor recreation classes & activities; and,
* Refresh the appearance of gazebo.
Project funding in the total amount of $200,000 was approved through the City's approved Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget. Gates & Associates was hired as Landscape Architect to design the park improvements.
DISCUSSION
An online survey was conducted by the City from May 1 to May 18, 2021 seeking community input on the two options developed by the landscape architect (Attachment 1). The City had over 188 visitors and received 151 responses representing 7.6 hours of public comment. Approximately 60% of the survey respondents favored having an expanded pathway and activity space with seat wall and less grass. Separately, 55% support using the proposed concrete area for all weather activities. Survey respondents were primarily Santa Clara residents (96.6%) who live within a ten-minute walk of City Plaza Park (53.7%), and who were over 30 years of age (66.4%). Most respondents visit the...
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