REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Westwood Oaks Park Playground Rehabilitation Project Initial Presentation
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
Westwood Oaks Park, located at 460 La Herran Drive, was dedicated in 1961. The 1.75 acre neighborhood park is bounded by La Herran Drive to the east and residential properties to the south, west and north. The existing park contains a playground, perimeter pathway, open grass area, recreation building, restrooms, basketball court, picnic area with BBQ, landscaping and various park amenities.
Since 2014, the City has prioritized rehabilitation of older playgrounds to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements, and improvement to meet new needs and funding guidelines. The City’s 2017 Facility Condition Assessment (Kitchell CEM) indicated that the current Westwood Oaks Park site and playground were in “critical” condition and the park building was in “poor” condition. Based on prioritization, the FY2021//22 Capital Improvement Project budget allocated funding for a Westwood Oaks Park Playground Rehabilitation Project.
In July 2021, Council approved a contract with Gates and Associates, Inc. (Consultant) to complete project Phase 1 design work which will develop a site-specific Master Plan and playground schematic design including site assessment and community input on the preferred park elements.
Separately, the City is conducting outreach on the Pruneridge Ave Complete Street project, which may provide improved connectivity to Westwood Oaks Park.
DISCUSSION
At the September 2021 Regular Park & Recreation Commission Meeting, the Consultant will introduce the existing Westwood Oaks Park site conditions and the intended Project scope to create a unique, family friendly and inclusive neighborhood park environment that welcomes residents of all ages and abilities. The Commission will review the Project design principles that include: understanding the current use of Westwood Oaks Park, implementing research based best practices for play and inclusionary/universal design, accommodating additional community use, addressing asset lifecycle maintenance costs, supporting the City’s sustainability and age-friendly goals, addressing adjacent concerns where feasible, and complying with potential playground equipment grant guidelines.
The public engagement process will include a community workshop scheduled for September 25, 2021 from 10-11 a.m. at the park site to collect input from the neighborhood on their recreational needs, as well as to explore “themes” for the playground design. An on-line survey will be available concurrently for residents not able to attend the on-site workshop. The information gathered from the community will be used to inform the update of the park site Master Plan as needed and the Westwood Oaks Park Playground Rehabilitation Project schematic design.
Once the Phase 1 design process is complete and Council has approved a revised park site master plan and preferred playground schematic design (Project), then the City will undertake Phase 2 design development work which will prepare the playground construction plans and specifications for public works bid.
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.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY2021/22 Capital Improvement Project budget included an allocation in the amount of $1,149,800 for the Westwood Oaks Park Playground Rehabilitation Project which includes Phase 1 outreach and design, and Phase 2 which includes project administration, permitting including mobilization, general conditions, bonding, escalation, insurance, and City Project administration. Current park maintenance activities are included in the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual operating budget.
COORDINATION
This project is being coordinated with the Department of Public Works and the Parks & Recreation Department
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Commission 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> .
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss and provide input on the Project design principles and community outreach.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: James Teixeira Director, Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Westwood Oaks Park Existing Context Diagram
2. Westwood Oaks Park Existing Uses