HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-19 Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda PacketPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Council Chambers & Hybrid
7:00 PM
Parks and Recreation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to
attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still
maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate
from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the
meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in
person. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and
report are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community‐Services/Other‐
Services/Commissions/Parks‐and‐Recreation‐Commission.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99937899745)
Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
ParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for
inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing
in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to ParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To
uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage
devices are not accepted.
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public wishing to address the Board on matters within the jurisdiction of the City, but not on this agenda, may
do so during the Public Comment period for up to three (3) minutes.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
This is the point in the meeting where a vote may be taken to add or change the order of the agenda to improve meeting
management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the October 24, 2023, Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)
2.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the November 28, 2023, Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
3.Department Report – (20 min)
BUSINESS ITEMS
4.Aquatics Annual Report – Tim Sheeper – Discussion – (45 min)
5.Parks and Recreation / PAUSD Partnership – Adam Howard – Discussion – Attachment –
(50 min)
6.Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Update – Lam Do – Discussion – Attachment – (60
min)
7.Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Chair Greenfield – Discussion – (15 min)
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. W r i t t e n p u b l i c c o m m e n t s m a y b e s u b m i t t e d b y e m a i l t o
ParkRec.Commission@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingTuesday, December 19, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid7:00 PMParks and Recreation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreport are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community‐Services/Other‐Services/Commissions/Parks‐and‐Recreation‐Commission.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99937899745)Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available forinspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencingin your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to ParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To
uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage
devices are not accepted.
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public wishing to address the Board on matters within the jurisdiction of the City, but not on this agenda, may
do so during the Public Comment period for up to three (3) minutes.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
This is the point in the meeting where a vote may be taken to add or change the order of the agenda to improve meeting
management.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the October 24, 2023, Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)
2.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the November 28, 2023, Parks and Recreation
Commission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
3.Department Report – (20 min)
BUSINESS ITEMS
4.Aquatics Annual Report – Tim Sheeper – Discussion – (45 min)
5.Parks and Recreation / PAUSD Partnership – Adam Howard – Discussion – Attachment –
(50 min)
6.Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Update – Lam Do – Discussion – Attachment – (60
min)
7.Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Chair Greenfield – Discussion – (15 min)
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. W r i t t e n p u b l i c c o m m e n t s m a y b e s u b m i t t e d b y e m a i l t o
ParkRec.Commission@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingTuesday, December 19, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid7:00 PMParks and Recreation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andreport are available at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Community‐Services/Other‐Services/Commissions/Parks‐and‐Recreation‐Commission.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/99937899745)Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org and will be provided to the Council and available forinspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencingin your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to ParkRec.commission@cityofpaloalto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public wishing to address the Board on matters within the jurisdiction of the City, but not on this agenda, maydo so during the Public Comment period for up to three (3) minutes.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThis is the point in the meeting where a vote may be taken to add or change the order of the agenda to improve meetingmanagement.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the October 24, 2023, Parks and RecreationCommission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)2.Approval of the Draft Minutes from the November 28, 2023, Parks and RecreationCommission Regular Meeting – Action – Attachment – (5 min)CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS3.Department Report – (20 min)BUSINESS ITEMS4.Aquatics Annual Report – Tim Sheeper – Discussion – (45 min)5.Parks and Recreation / PAUSD Partnership – Adam Howard – Discussion – Attachment –(50 min)6.Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Update – Lam Do – Discussion – Attachment – (60min)7.Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Chair Greenfield – Discussion – (15 min)COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. W r i t t e n p u b l i c c o m m e n t s m a y b e s u b m i t t e d b y e m a i l t o
ParkRec.Commission@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐
based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions B‐E above.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
DRAFT
DRAFT 1
1
2
3
MINUTES 4
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 5
REGULAR MEETING 6
October 24, 2023 7
In-Person & Virtual Conference 8
Palo Alto, California 9
10
Commissioners Present: Chair Greenfield, Vice Chair Brown; Commissioners Anne Cribbs, 11
Nellis Freeman, Shani Kleinhaus, Joy Oche, Bing Wei 12
Commissioners Absent: 13
Others Present: Vice Mayor Stone 14
Staff Present: Daren Anderson, Sarah Robustelli, Javod Ghods 15
16
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL 17
Chair Greenfield called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call. All were present 18
with Vice Chair Brown and Commissioners Kleinhaus and Wei being remote. 19
PUBLIC COMMENT 20
John Kelley spoke about an increase of impact fees on the fiscal year 2024 municipal fee 21
schedule. He wanted to know who is paying for those fees. He mentioned a Historic 22
Review Board meeting being held concurrently in the room next door concerning the 23
new historic inventory for the Council which he thought was unfortunate. 24
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS 25
None. 26
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 27
1. Approval of Draft Minutes from the September 26, 2023, Parks and Recreation 28
Commission Regular Meeting 29
Commissioner Cribbs moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Oche. 30
The motion passed by a 6-0 by a roll call vote with Commissioner Freeman abstaining. 31
1
Packet Pg. 4
DRAFT
DRAFT 2
1
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 2
2. Department Report 3
Daren Anderson, Assistant Director of Community Services, introduced Sarah 4
Robustelli, the new division manager for Open Space Parks and Golf. He gave a slide 5
presentation updating recruitment process items, the Enjoy! Catalog registration 6
information, the upcoming Jack-O-Jaunt event, Aquatics, skatepark project, Johnson 7
Park Basketball Court project, Lytton Plaza Fountain Repair project, Peers Dog Park 8
project, Cameron Park Improvement project, the Cubberley Field Restroom project, the 9
Rinconada Restroom project, Robles Park Improvement project and Nature Notes about 10
tarantulas. 11
Commissioner Cribbs asked if there was an update on the family restroom status at 12
Rinconada. She wanted to know if the table tennis tables were still standing up at Lytton 13
Plaza. 14
Mr. Anderson made a note to bring that information to the next meeting. He said that one 15
of the table tennis tables had to be removed as it was badly damaged and one remained. 16
There was discussion of replacement options and Staff was looking at a concrete option. 17
Commissioner Oche wanted clarification on what depicts project completion. 18
Mr. Anderson answered that the purpose of the Lytton project was to address the 19
fountain repair. Once that was completed, there were cleanups to make the site clean and 20
fresh. 21
Commissioner Freeman wanted to know if there was a mechanism of communication in 22
place to let people know what is going on regarding projects. 23
Mr. Anderson stated there could be more outreach to the Chief Communications Officer 24
who would put the information out on different platforms and he would work on 25
improving that. 26
Chair Greenfield suggested it might be reasonable for Mr. Anderson to forward his 27
department report presentation to the Communication Department. 28
Mr. Anderson agreed to look into that idea. 29
BUSINESS 30
3. Palo Alto Youth Council – Chris Sanchez – Discussion – (45 min) 31
1
Packet Pg. 5
DRAFT
DRAFT 3
Olivia, President of the Palo Alto Youth Council (PYC), and Natya, Vice President of 1
PYC, Zara and Siyona together provided details about the PYC. They provided a slide 2
presentation discussing themes and events from last year and outlined events that were 3
provided by PYC. They discussed the upcoming goals and planned initiatives for the 4
coming year. They discussed improvements being made to their “Palo Alto-gather” 5
Newspaper and would be providing copies to the Commission members after the 6
presentation. 7
Olivia asked how PYC can best serve the Park and Recreation Commission’s primary 8
objective this year. 9
Commissioner Oche stated she is planning to do monthly or quarterly visits to the PYC. 10
She wanted to know why they dropped climate change from the themes. She asked how 11
feedback was obtained from other teens who are not actively engaged. She suggested 12
using apps. She wanted to know how they planned to do the youth census and if they had 13
channels for mentorship. She was curious to know when the next meet and greet with the 14
City Council would be. 15
Olivia answered based on conversations with their peers and demographics and interests 16
of the PYC, civic engagement and mental health were the most pressing issues. She 17
stated that primarily all of their meetings are open to the public and they hold events 18
throughout the year where other teens can directly engage with the PYC. The Youth 19
Political Issue Census was created to distribute this year in order to better understand the 20
specific political civic issues Palo Alto teens are most concerned with. She said the last 21
meet and greet did not have as much turnout as they had hoped so they are attempting to 22
shift to more online advocacy, hosting political issues and current events on social 23
media. 24
Natya stated there were no current mentorship initiatives but a lot of their events were 25
geared toward teenagers and youth, in general, so they could see how they could get 26
involved in Palo Alto. She added there is mentorship within the council. 27
Commissioner Bing wondered if technology would be helpful for the mental health 28
aspect. She offered to connect PYC with two individuals developing two separate mental 29
health apps. She suggested PYC could do social media about what Park and Rec does or 30
have one of the Commissioners as a speaker and offered her assistance. 31
Chair Greenfield asked how often PYC meets with a City Council member. 32
Olivia answered the primary way they are involved is sending one or more of the Palo 33
Alto Youth Council members to each City Council weekly meeting. They also have their 34
Council representative, Julie Lythcott-Haims, in attendance at their meetings on 35
1
Packet Pg. 6
DRAFT
DRAFT 4
Tuesday. They also email back and forth about other initiatives. She expressed 1
willingness to do similar things for the Parks and Recreation Commission. 2
Commissioner Kleinhaus wanted to know if Commissioners could talk to the Youth 3
Council directly and not through the liaisons. She asked if PYC could speak at City 4
Council about the recommendations they make. She wondered if nature issues ever came 5
into discussion. She felt it was important to consider that being in nature has a direct and 6
immediate impact to mental health and cognitive abilities. She hoped PYC would 7
consider researching the connection between nature and mental health. 8
Chris Sanchez answered that all their meetings are open to the public and someone could 9
request to be added to the agenda by sending an email or contacting him directly. 10
Olivia stated they were open to public comment at the Council meetings. 11
Mr. Sanchez added that if the Commissioners are looking for feedback from PYC, they 12
will attend their meetings or send him some questions that he presents to PYC and send 13
the feedback to them. 14
Natya stated since their goals for the year are more centered on mental health and civic 15
engagement, they have not discussed nature issues as much but would be happy to if it 16
came up in discussion. She added there are a lot of incredible student led climate 17
initiatives in Palo Alto. 18
Olivia said they would consider events or initiatives geared toward inviting youth to 19
spend more time in nature. She invited Commissioner Kleinhaus to contact them or 20
attend one of their meetings if she had objectives or event proposals to suggest. 21
Chair Greenfield stated that if Commissioner Kleinhaus wanted to address PYC as a 22
Commissioner, she should work through the liaisons. 23
Commissioner Kleinhaus wanted to know where the boundary of Brown Act is if she 24
attends one of their meetings to talk about nature. 25
Natya added they hoped to promote City events in their Palo Alto-gather news magazine 26
and distribute it to teenagers in Palo Alto. 27
Vice Chair Brown thought PYC could help by going through the liaisons and making 28
sure they are aware of what is on the agenda to help know what issues Palo Alto youth 29
might be interested in. She suggested looking through the annual City Council’s 30
Workplan Development Process documents or attending the meetings to identify 31
potential areas of alignment. 32
1
Packet Pg. 7
DRAFT
DRAFT 5
Commissioner Freeman asked if PYC reaches out to other groups or communities that 1
can help keep the initiatives moving forward. 2
Olivia answered that their Youth Council team is comprised of people spanning from 3
San Mateo down to Los Altos. They distribute their resources to all of those schools 4
across the Bay Area. They also talk to some of the student council groups within those 5
areas in terms of working on some of their projects. 6
Natya added they have a great partnership with the allcove™ center and had a student 7
from PALY speak about her experiences. 8
Mr. Sanchez discussed other organizations PYC collaborates with. 9
Chair Greenfield stated the Commission was interested in understanding the Youth 10
Community’s perspective on recreation programs and how they could better serve them. 11
He expected the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan would be 12
discussed at the meeting the following month and might be interesting for some people 13
from their council to monitor and potentially speak on. 14
Commissioner Cribbs questioned if there was ever a time there was not enough money in 15
the budget for an event they had planned. 16
Natya answered they had been fortunate to not have to worry about the budget much. 17
They tried to make sure the events were not just about getting people food. They were 18
lucky to have voluntary speakers. 19
20
4. Park Dedication of Tower Well Site – Daren Anderson – Discussion – (45 min) 21
Daren Anderson, Assistant Director of Community Services, discussed the potential park 22
dedication for the Tower Well Site. He explained the meaning of a park dedication 23
ordinance. He stated Ad-Hoc and Staff were investigating potential sites and had 24
identified Tower Well Site as a location they should more forward with in terms of 25
dedication. He presented slides that showed what is on the site. He pointed out the 26
maintenance of the site is performed by a contractor that Community Services 27
Department manages. He discussed the electric and fiber utility infrastructure on the site 28
that serves the adjacent area that could require maintenance or replacement in the future 29
but he did not believe that would damage or change the use of the dedicated park other 30
than the amount of time it would take. He gave a history of the site and then outlined the 31
next steps. 32
Commissioner Oche wanted to know about the associated impacts of dedication. 33
1
Packet Pg. 8
DRAFT
DRAFT 6
Mr. Anderson said that if Council accepted their recommendation, it would be limited to 1
the three purposes he mentioned and a change in those purposes would require a vote of 2
the people. 3
Commissioner Kleinhaus questioned if there were any bats in any of the structures. 4
Mr. Anderson answered he had not seen any bats in the tower. The only thing he 5
observed was rat feces. 6
John Kelley felt there might be an expansion of housing on the periphery of Palo Alto 7
around San Antonio and thought it would be more prudent to spend the money there. 8
Vice Chair Brown said the priority was areas that people thought were dedicated park 9
land but were not. This fell into that category and there is a long list of other properties 10
that are being explored. 11
Chair Greenfield noted one of the key sites they had been looking at recently is 12
Rinconada Gardens, which they were working through some hiccups. He discussed some 13
traffic circles outside San Antonio Avenue near Alma that had been mentioned by the 14
public. He asked Mr. Anderson to reclarify the financial implications of potentially 15
dedicating this area. 16
Mr. Anderson though the financial implications were relative low. They would add a 17
sign and some touchups. Regardless of dedication, they will need to refresh the 18
interpretive signs. 19
Chair Greenfield assumed at some point in time the issue of the building would come up 20
and if the site was dedicated as park land there would likely be some potential uses for a 21
functional building on that site. 22
Commissioner Freeman wanted to know what the maintenance cost has been. 23
Mr. Anderson said he would have to double check that information but that it is pretty 24
low cost. 25
Commissioner Cribbs was interested in the cost and projected cost over the next year and 26
the timeline if they do suggest doing the project. She mentioned that she does not see 27
people using the site and wondered if people know that it is a park. She clarified they 28
would work with an Ad-Hoc and Historical Society on the name. 29
Mr. Anderson suggested maybe a park sign would help. He clarified an Ad-Hoc and the 30
Historical Society would work on a name. 31
1
Packet Pg. 9
DRAFT
DRAFT 7
Chair Greenfield thought the goal and intention was to bring this back as an action this 1
year in November or December. 2
Commissioner Wei echoed that the site does not look like a park and wondered if it 3
needed more greenery around it and whether there should be dedication including the 4
history of the well. She suggested doing a survey in the neighborhood to learn what they 5
think could add value to the site. She was curious to know the dedication process. She 6
suggested possibly making it a Zen garden to give it its own persona. 7
Chair Greenfield commented that the site would not be a recreational park but a peaceful 8
respite. He agreed there was opportunity to upgrade the vegetation. He felt the goal in 9
recommending dedication was to maintain the character of the site. 10
Commissioner Oche believed a clear picture of the desired outcome would be helpful. 11
Vice Chair Brown clarified the discussion was whether or not to dedicate this as park 12
land for those specific uses and not a visioning exercise of what it should look like in the 13
future. 14
Mr. Anderson said the park dedication was independent of any future park improvement 15
projects. There are a number of dedicated park land elements that are waiting for 16
development so they can be separated out. He added park dedication would not prohibit 17
doing a formal designation as a historical site. 18
Commissioner Oche asked how the naming of parks is done. 19
Mr. Anderson stated there is a naming policy guide that he would share to the 20
Commission by email. He discussed the process. 21
22
5. Tree Protection Ordinance Update Review – Peter Gollinger – Discussion – (60 23
min) 24
Peter Gollinger, Urban Forester Public Works, provided a slide presentation to include 25
the timeline of the tree ordinance process, key changes in the updated ordinance, the 26
current protected trees, tree removal permit impacts, protected tree maintenance 27
notification, Staff proposed changes to Chapter 8.10, proposed updates for clarity, 28
proposed updates for tree removal reasons to include an explanation of retrenchment, 29
proposed updates for tree removal as part of a residential and nonresidential projects, an 30
exemption for excessive pruning, potential additional actions, Urban Forest tree 31
estimates and Urban Forest benefits. 32
1
Packet Pg. 10
DRAFT
DRAFT 8
Chair Greenfield clarified that there are Staff recommendations of changes to the 1
ordinance passed last year and then another section of additional areas for consideration 2
Staff is not recommending at this time but highlighting them as possibilities. 3
Mr. Gollinger stated that was correct. 4
Commissioner Oche wanted to know what pollarding is. 5
Mr. Gollinger explained that pollarding is a type of pruning where a tree is pruned back 6
to the same height every year once it has reached the desired height and detailed reasons 7
for this. 8
Commissioner Freeman asked if anything has changed with the inventory and how trees 9
will be managed with the major storms that occurred last year. He wanted to know if 10
they were looking at both residential and City trees. 11
Mr. Gollinger said some of these modifications were because of things that were 12
encountered during the storms. This is in general for all protected trees but a lot of it is 13
focused on private property protected trees. City street trees are maintained to the same 14
standards but are inspected on a regular basis. 15
Chair Greenfield clarified there are no proposed changes to the section of Municipal 16
Code dealing with public trees and public protected trees. He wanted to know if they 17
would go to City Council with the recommendations or return to the Commission with a 18
potential action for a policy change recommendation. 19
Mr. Gollinger answered edits were only being proposed to Chapter 8.10 at this time. He 20
stated the main reason they were there as a discussion item was based on Council’s 21
direction and they would also be attending PTC the following month as a discussion item 22
as well. He expected any feedback or potential changes to their recommendations would 23
be incorporated when they go to Council in December. He did not believe they would 24
bring a votable item to them, either. 25
Commissioner Kleinhaus requested a clarification of the 25% rule and wanted to know if 26
it is standard and who came up with that rule. She queried who makes the decision about 27
a tree being structurally incompatible and asked about the potential outcome of a specific 28
situation. 29
Mr. Gollinger said the 25% rule can be used to remove a protected tree when the tree 30
protection zone of that tree takes up more than 25% of the buildable area of a lot and 31
described what would qualify for that. He was uncertain where the rule came from. He 32
was not familiar with the situation Commissioner Kleinhaus mentioned but stated it was 33
intended for situations where a private protected tree was incompatible with an 34
1
Packet Pg. 11
DRAFT
DRAFT 9
immediate environment and provided some examples of that. The decision would be 1
made by the arborist doing the arborist report and Staff would review it and have to 2
agree with the assessment. 3
Chair Greenfield asked if the 25% rule has been in the code specifically with respect to 4
single family residence. 5
Mr. Gollinger answered projects can either go directly to building permit or through 6
planning, which requires them to get additional layers of approval. The 25% rule would 7
apply to residential projects. 8
Commissioner Wei wanted to know if there was any other policy or procedure to recover 9
the vegetation or green coverage in an area that a tree has been removed and if the 10
arborist employed to evaluate and make a recommendation on tree removal is 11
independent or part of City Staff. 12
Mr. Gollinger replied there are mitigation requirements in place and described 13
replacement strategy. The arborist would be independent hired by the applicant. 14
JP Renaud, Executive Director of Canopy, stated that Canopy supports the 15
recommendations as they clarify several provisions critical to smooth implementation 16
and better reflect the realities on the ground. They believe it will be premature and 17
counterproductive to contemplate additional changes before seeing if the redline 18
adjustments are adequate. 19
1415****355, member of Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, observed that these changes 20
have been based on one unusual year of observation and suggested moving with caution. 21
The club supports the Staff recommendations but expressed concern regarding some 22
changes that would result in a reduction in the number of protected trees and hoped they 23
would consider those guidelines carefully. 24
Leah Russin had a large tree on her property that was creating a nuisance. She attempted 25
to get a permit to have it removed but the City was very slow in response and 26
discouraged her by telling her the permit would be denied. As a result, her data point 27
from her tree was not included in the data set of the presented Staff report and she 28
cautioned that the number of permits received does not have anything to do with the 29
number of people who want to remove trees on their property. Even though the tree had 30
been deemed safe by two independent arborists, it fell into her home creating extensive 31
damage. 32
John Kelley disagreed that the cost associated with the new trees was a good use of 33
resources. 34
1
Packet Pg. 12
DRAFT
DRAFT 10
Chair Greenfield asked Mr. Gollinger to characterize the flexibility he now has. He 1
discussed which parts of the proposed changes he supported and which ones he did not. 2
He asked how the ordinance compares with other communities. He asked how Ms. 3
Russin’s event would apply to the tree ordinance. 4
Mr. Gollinger felt the updates created more flexibility in permitting tree removal. He 5
discussed the comparison of the ordinance with surrounding communities in which they 6
were consistent. He added they were still in the process of gathering data about the 7
canopy coverage and discussed their goals. He felt there was still room for improvement. 8
Regarding Ms. Russin’s event, he admitted they were not prompt in their responses. He 9
felt there was some confusion as the questions they were asked were not clear. He hoped 10
the ordinance changes would potentially impact similar situations in the future. 11
Commissioner Kleinhaus asked if the mitigation ratio required actually required planting 12
a tree or paying a fee for the City to plant trees and if a fee is charged, do they have a 13
place to plant the trees. She asked if the replacement trees were the same as the one 14
removed. She expressed support for the Staff recommendations but thought they should 15
consider being more specific on “incompatible with the immediate environment”. She 16
was not interested in seeing changes to the protected tree list. 17
Mr. Gollinger answered the mitigation ratio would depend on the specific site and gave 18
an explanation. He thought there was always room to find places to plant trees. He stated 19
the replacement trees were generally required to be similar or larger if at all possible. 20
Commissioner Freeman was interested to know if there has been a deep dive into why so 21
many trees came down during the big storm and how to prepare for that as much as 22
possible in the future. 23
Mr. Gollinger answered he felt they were well prepared but the storms they had were 24
unusually severe and the damages would have been far worse if they had not already 25
have the process in place. 26
Vice Chair Brown was supportive of the cleanup recommendations from Staff. She 27
cautioned against making too many changes and thought they should focus Staff 28
resources on educating the changes. She inquired as to the definition or criteria for 29
structurally incompatible as she worried about it being applied inconsistently. 30
Mr. Gollinger stated there is no specific definition of that in the ordinance as it is. He 31
said they could be more specific about that in the tree technical manual. 32
Commissioner Oche asked what the cadence for inspection of trees is. She wondered if 33
there are risk categories. She wanted to know if residents have guidance on how to know 34
when to call for an emergency. 35
1
Packet Pg. 13
DRAFT
DRAFT 11
Mr. Gollinger answered they do not personally inspect private protected trees unless they 1
are called by a resident with a concern. During a storm event, they often have people out 2
in the field that might be able to come by and take a look and give a permit if there is an 3
emergency. The inspect City trees before or after storms. They are inspected regularly. 4
They have crews out in the field throughout town constantly looking at the trees near 5
where their worksite is and looking for hazards. Their maintenance cycle is between five 6
and seven years. There is a tracking schedule for pruning and maintenance. They log 7
inspections but do not have a specific inspection cycle for all trees. In certain 8
circumstances, they can prioritize which trees on a street they will remove first based on 9
their maturity. They are currently conducting a case study where they have done in-depth 10
inspections of all trees on the block and making a plan to replant in locations next to the 11
trees before they are removed and hoping this can be expanded to other parts of the City. 12
He stated they updated the frequently asked questions during the storm season and tried 13
to push that out though social media and that information is available on the Canopy 14
Website. 15
Commissioner Wei wondered if there are certain methods or processes to reinforce a tree 16
that is not yet dead and cannot be removed but may cause danger, if there are training 17
sessions to alert people on avoiding danger of trees during a storm and if the City has a 18
helpline for immediate help if they experience a tree falling. She suggested these could 19
be put into the Palo Alto newsletter. 20
Mr. Gollinger answered they have the tree care guidelines that advise what to do before 21
and after a storm. They have not considered a webinar or public training but that could 22
be explored. If a serious emergency occurs, he instructed 911 should be called. If it is 23
something that might be an emergency involving a City street tree, public works could 24
be called. He stated these guidelines are in the frequently asked questions. 25
Chair Greenfield asked if any changes to the number in classifications of protected trees 26
would have had an impact on the flexibility in issuing tree removal permits. He asked 27
what the Community receives from Canopy given the modest contract they have. 28
Mr. Gollinger did not think changing the classifications would have directly impacted 29
what happened during the storms. He provided a long list of the services that Canopy 30
provides as part of their agreement and in relation to Urban Forestry. 31
Commissioner Freeman wondered if there was a way Urban Forestry could tap into the 32
resources such as Canopy for things like workshops to give people more information. 33
Mr. Gollinger said that was something they could look into. 34
35
1
Packet Pg. 14
DRAFT
DRAFT 12
6. Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Chair Greenfield – Discussion (15 1
min) 2
Commissioner Cribbs commented that the Recreation Foundation will continue to fund 3
the things they have in the past. There was nothing to report on Parks. The Chair of the 4
Parks said they are looking to do new signs for the Interpretive Center at Foothill Park. 5
Commissioner Freeman said that City Staff is continuing to work with the ecological 6
consultant on developing a plan to get in compliance with requirements of the State 7
Water Board. He did not have a timeline but he felt it would be before the end of the 8
year. Golf Course play was up 3% compared to the past year. 9
Commissioner Cribbs talked about grants. They had a good meeting with the Silicon 10
Valley Community Foundation to understand what grant opportunities existed for Palo 11
Alto. They were asked to provide three ideas which were City restrooms by the Magical 12
Bridge, a small museum and a redo of the Interpretive Center and the big one for 13
Buckeye Creek. They will be sending that off to their contact there who will share it with 14
the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. 15
Commissioner Wei discussed attendance of the Silicon Valley Foundation annual event. 16
She also discussed meeting with a Japanese Conglomerate which has an office in Palo 17
Alto who are looking for education in environmental self-improvement. She hopes to 18
reengage them in April 2024 to see if there is anything they can get from their local 19
office. 20
Commissioner Cribbs mentioned in November it will be two years since the Commission 21
heard the first presentation about the Recreation Wellness Center. She believed Mr. 22
Anderson and Kristen would be having a meeting to talk about scheduling the new 23
Community outreach. She hoped some of Peter’s ideas would be incorporated in the 24
PowerPoint they would be using. 25
Chair Greenfield added the playing fields policy and projects group met with Staff to 26
review some of the potential options for synthetic field replacement as well as a survey 27
of the materials used for a number of fields in the area. Staff is actively continuing 28
research this and has clarified the timeline for replacement of both the synthetic turf at El 29
Camino Park and at Mayfield. For El Camino Park, they are looking at spring of next 30
year when it will not be raining. Assuming the budget comes through, Mayfield will be 31
funded next fiscal year beginning July so will be aiming to have the work done in the 32
July-August-September timeframe. He talked about recently attending a Leadership Palo 33
Alto Panel discussion joined by some other Board and Commission Chairs where they 34
spent time talking about their roles and experience on the Commission and tried to drum 35
up interest for other people to consider participating in boards and commissions. There 36
will be a meeting coming up regarding the Baylands Tide Gate modified project with 37
1
Packet Pg. 15
DRAFT
DRAFT 13
Valley Water. The project has been scaled down from the previous intentions. He 1
discussed a meeting being held the following day joined by Commissioner Oche to hear 2
about potential plans for GSI at Briones Park. The Master Plan ad-hoc has been meeting 3
regularly working toward getting their arms around optimizing the Staff input on the 4
Master Plan and move forward with some plans and would be coming to the 5
Commission the following month with ideas and thoughts. 6
Commissioner Oche mentioned she and Commissioner Wei were planning to do a deep 7
dive on Recreation Programs ad-hoc and they hope to explore the opportunity of the 8
PYC providing support to help achieve that. They plan to better engage the Youth 9
Council in the coming weeks. They hope to divide and conquer to attend their meetings 10
to maintain a better engagement and bring back word from them to close that gap. They 11
would be having a meeting the following day with the City’s Stormwater Compliance 12
Program Manager to install a green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) at Briones Park. 13
They hope to be able to report back to the Commission the following month. There were 14
no updates from plans for ISI or pursuing awards for any project yet but she hoped to 15
update the Commission on that in the coming weeks. 16
Commissioner Wei agreed with Commissioner Oche’s comments about the Recreation 17
Program and engagement with PYC. They also plan to map out the Recreation Program 18
to provide their thoughts and suggestions for the Master Work Plan before the November 19
meeting. 20
21
COMMISSIONER/BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, 22
ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 23
24
Commissioner Cribbs wanted to make sure everybody saw the Grass Roots Ecology 25
2022-2023 annual report that appeared in her mailbox. 26
27
Mr. Anderson discussed the potential Park Dedication Ordinance for the Tower Well 28
depending on how the naming conversation goes and the Parks Master Plan Review 29
pending the ad-hocs would both be likely ready. 30
31
Commissioner Oche recommended presenting on the Recreations Programs Review in 32
December or January. 33
34
Commissioner Wei agreed that January was the best time after she and Commissioner 35
Oche observed enough meetings with the youth and with City Staff. 36
37
Chair Greenfield agreed with January for the Recreations Programs Review. 38
39
1
Packet Pg. 16
DRAFT
DRAFT 14
Mr. Anderson stated he had a meeting the following day to discuss with Planning and 1
Transportation what the next steps would be for the Foothills PIO. He hoped they could 2
get that on the December agenda. Regarding the Wellness Center, he stated it was about 3
Staff they could assign in the absence of support they had from Public Works 4
Engineering. Peter has other projects he is working on and cannot dedicate his time to 5
this one. He said that E-bikes were pending a meeting with ad-hoc and Staff to work 6
through a few things. He would put a meeting together with Commissioners Kleinhaus 7
and Freeman. He discussed issues they were needing to look at and agree on and felt 8
they would be meeting in the next week and a half and thought it would be possible to 9
bring an update to the Commission in November or December. 10
11
Chair Greenfield stated after a meeting with Pam Boyle Rodriguez the following day 12
they would better understand if she would be looking to present to the Commission soon 13
with the Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Briones looks like a good possibility. 14
15
Commissioner Cribbs thought they would be ready to present grant opportunities to the 16
Commission in December or January. 17
18
Mr. Anderson said December 19 was tentatively agreed on for the next meeting. 19
20
ADJOURNMENT 21
22
Meeting adjourned at 10:13 P.M. 23
1
Packet Pg. 17
DRAFT
DRAFT 1
1
2
3
MINUTES 4
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 5
REGULAR MEETING 6
November 28, 2023 7
In-Person & Virtual Conference 8
Palo Alto, California 9
10
Commissioners Present: Chair Greenfield, Vice Chair Brown; Commissioners Anne Cribbs, 11
Nellis Freeman, Shani Kleinhaus, Joy Oche, Bing Wei 12
Commissioners Absent: 13
Others Present: 14
Staff Present: Daren Anderson, Javod Ghods 15
16
CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL 17
Chair Greenfield called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call with seven present.18
19
PUBLIC COMMENT 20
None. 21
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS, AND DELETIONS 22
None. 23
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 24
1. Department Report 25
Daren Anderson, Assistant Director of Community Services, gave a slide presentation 26
providing updates regarding recruitment updates, the Enjoy! – catalog registration, 27
recreation programs and events, Grassroot Ecology programs, Environmental Volunteers 28
events, project updates, Capital Improvement projects and Nature Notes – Western 29
Fence Lizard. He announced that he would be retiring from the City and shared a slide 30
presentation highlighting some of the projects he had been involved with. 31
2
Packet Pg. 18
DRAFT
DRAFT 2
Commissioner Kleinhaus thought the fact that the Western Fence Lizard is not found in 1
the parks might mean the parks are over manicured. 2
BUSINESS 3
2. Palo Alto Historical Association (PAHA) Update – Steve Staiger – Discussion – 4
(40 min) 5
Steve Staiger, City Historian, started with a history of the Palo Alto Historical 6
Association and the services it provides. He discussed plans for the museum including 7
the bathroom that would serve Heritage Park. He talked about the role of the Historical 8
Association in naming parks and streets. He stated the Historical Association consists of 9
a couple of hundred paying members, two staff members and a board of 15 or 16 10
volunteers with a generous budget allowing them to do publications when a need comes 11
up. 12
Commissioner Wei was curious how the Historical Museum works with the Palo Alto 13
Youth Council to educate the youth of Palo Alto history. 14
Mr. Staiger answered they have their own youth group they share stories with. 15
Commissioner Wei wondered if this program could be put in the Enjoy! – catalog. 16
Mr. Staiger said there is another organization called Palo Alto Stanford Heritage whose 17
interest is in the physical presence and history of buildings and houses that does a series 18
of walking tours of the Stanford Campus and communities in Palo Alto. 19
Commissioner Kleinhaus wanted to know if there were any photographs of Palo Alto at 20
night. She was interested in when street lights started spreading. She asked if they also 21
collected City documents such as planning documents and environmental impact reports. 22
Mr. Staiger said they have some with the helicopter flying around during Mediterranean 23
Fruit Fly spraying in the ‘80s. He did not know when street lights were installed. He 24
stated they accept any photograph that can be identified as Palo Alto and they are all 25
cataloged on the website. He said they do collect some City documents with special 26
historical significance. 27
Commissioner Oche was curious to know if they keep a track of the number of visitors 28
they have and if he had noticed any trends. She wondered if there is something they 29
could do to acknowledge and celebrate the celebrities that were from Palo Alto. She 30
wanted to see if there is an opportunity to publicize the work they are doing to residents. 31
She asked if they have documentaries or short clips of people who have lived there or 32
major events. 33
2
Packet Pg. 19
DRAFT
DRAFT 3
Mr. Staiger said the four to five years ago the Board said they did not need that anymore 1
so they do not but he felt it would be useful. He said if there was an opportunity that 2
someone who was from Palo Alto was returning, they could find out information about 3
them. He stated they film their Sunday afternoon program and it is shown on one of the 4
cable stations and a copy goes into the archives. They are working with the children’s 5
theater and archiving videos of their old plays from the ‘30s and up. 6
Chair Greenfield asked Mr. Staiger if he could highlight a few of the interesting items 7
included in the archives. He asked how the Commission could help with a revision of the 8
Parks of Palo Alto Handbook. 9
Mr. Staiger described a couple of items stating there is a difference between the archives 10
and the museum. They collect archival material such as photographs, maps and books. 11
The museum is beginning to collect things. He described some things they have in the 12
collection. 13
Mr. Anderson said he would happily volunteer to help with a revision of the Parks of 14
Palo Alto Handbook and suggested the possibility of forming an ad-hoc and having the 15
Commission get involved. 16
Chair Greenfield asked if Mr. Staiger could give more information about where they are 17
at Cubberley and their hours. 18
Mr. Staiger described their location and the hours they are open. 19
Commissioner Freeman questioned how to go about collecting historical information 20
from individuals. He wanted to know if the History Museum would be free admission. 21
Mr. Staiger answered they get material from the Friends of the Library, donations from 22
individuals, etc. He stated the City required admission to the History Museum to be free. 23
24
3. Park Dedication of the Historic Water Well Site – Daren Anderson – Action – (40 25
min) 26
Daren Anderson, Assistant Director of Community Services, presented an action item to 27
recommend that City Council adopt a park dedication ordinance for the Tower Well site 28
and to approve the proposed name, Tower Well Park. He provided a presentation with a 29
reminder of what the Park Dedication Ordinance does, the Tower Well site location and 30
amenities of the park with pictures. He described the PRC park dedication discussion 31
from October 24, the costs that would entail and the existing cost of maintenance of the 32
site. He discussed the process of naming the park. He described the next steps in the 33
process being bringing it to Council in January or February. 34
2
Packet Pg. 20
DRAFT
DRAFT 4
Commissioner Oche wanted to know if an assessment of the area had been done. 1
Mr. Anderson said the facilities have worked on it in the past. The base building adjacent 2
to the tower needs restoration work, the roof in particular. Whether it is dedicated or not, 3
City Staff will work on that. 4
Commissioner Wei discussed the possibility of restoration of the park and the 5
significance of the planned name. She had an idea of making it a meditative space with a 6
water fountain. She thought it would be interesting to get public comments and ideas. 7
Mr. Anderson answered that money for rehabilitation would depend on the nature and 8
cost and described different scenarios. He added there are no renovation plans in place at 9
this time but the Commission could suggest it. He discussed how the name was chosen. 10
Commissioner Freeman asked if an environmental study has been conducted on that 11
property. 12
Mr. Anderson was not aware of an environmental study. The amenities had been added 13
in 2000 to make it more attractive. He thought they would want to honor the historical 14
nature of the site and his suggestion was that any improvements done would be 15
respectful and consistent with that. He thought the landscaping is ready for a refresh to 16
be made more attractive. He said that would be a separate conversation from dedication 17
that Commission would bring to Staff who would do a Community meeting to see what 18
interest they would have. 19
Chair Greenfield asked how the refresh would be considered if it were not dedicated park 20
land and he supposed Parks and Recreation Commission would not have purview to 21
recommend a refresh if not. 22
Mr. Anderson stated they would welcome any feedback from the Commission and that 23
would be a conversation between Community Services and the Utilities Department. 24
Chair Greenfield made a motion to move forward with recommending that City Council 25
adopt a Park Dedication Ordinance for the Tower Well site, 0.19 acres of land (8,437 26
square feet) at 201 Alma Street and approve the proposed name, “Tower Well Park”. 27
Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion. The motion passed by a 7-0 roll call vote. 28
29
4. Update on Review of Park Master Plan Chapter 4 and 5: Priorities and 30
Implementation of Programs and Projects– Master Plan Ad Hoc – Discussion – (60 31
min) 32
2
Packet Pg. 21
DRAFT
DRAFT 5
Vice Chair Brown provided a status update via slide presentation on the efforts to review 1
the Master Plan Document. Slides included an overview of the document, ad-hoc 2
committee goals, process, action plan spreadsheet review, prioritization of 3
implementation, status dashboard of projects, examples of project buckets and the next 4
steps. 5
Chair Greenfield further discussed the process in preparing the Master Plan priorities and 6
projects. 7
Commissioner Cribbs asked if there is money in the budget to hire consultants or is this 8
just being taken on by the Commission. 9
Chair Greenfield was not aware of any funds earmarked for assistance with it. 10
Mr. Anderson stated funds might be obtained through the Capital Program or Operating 11
Fund Request for a given program they wanted to highlight and push forward. 12
Commissioner Freeman wondered if they could be more specific on the status update. 13
Chair Greenfield discussed what was meant by ongoing and they could look to see what 14
other status they could use in addition to ongoing. He suggested adding columns for 15
work that has been completed and other projects that are planned or pending. 16
Commissioner Kleinhaus added a lot of things do not have a distinct measuring point and 17
they needed to think about how to make it clearer. 18
Commissioner Freeman agreed there should be a project start date and end date 19
associated with it. 20
Commissioner Kleinhaus made a point that what was decided on in 2017 maybe not be 21
as important currently. 22
Commissioner Cribbs wondered if something should be added to the Master Plan about 23
the housing element that is coming to all the cities and would need recreation facilities. 24
She asked if there is a column that could be used for successes achieved to date. 25
Commissioner Oche talked about tracking project management in order to have a holistic 26
picture of the goals being met and the expected outcomes. 27
Chair Greenfield thought it would be helpful to compile a list of best practices associated 28
with the various buckets and share it with outside departments. 29
Commissioner Oche wondered how they would get feedback from the Community or 30
residents and create more awareness when they decide to adopt any changes. 31
2
Packet Pg. 22
DRAFT
DRAFT 6
Chair Greenfield stated they need to understand what changes they would be looking to 1
make and what the process would be, as well, before asking for Community feedback. 2
Commissioner Wei wanted part of the Master Plan to be using parks as a relaxing, 3
meditation and healing place for the youth. 4
Commissioner Cribbs wanted clarification on how an individual should provide 5
comments to the ad-hoc with regard to the Brown Act. 6
Chair Greenfield said they would need to be shared at a meeting. 7
8
5. Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates – Chair Greenfield – Discussion (15 9
min) 10
Commissioner Oche talked about the Recreation Programs where they started a journey 11
to review the Enjoy! – catalog for 2023. They were hoping to work with Cayla Koga to 12
be able to check what trends are and bring a presentation to the Commission in January 13
with a presentation. 14
Commissioner Wei stated they were looking at existing programs and resources they 15
could leverage to enhance the Recreation Program and discussed some of their plans for 16
the program and the Enjoy! – catalog. 17
Commissioner Kleinhaus talked about bicycles. She said they looked for locations for 18
parking in the Baylands and Arastradero and they would come back with recommended 19
additional parking for bicycles. She stated some of the places in Arastradero are remote 20
and people do not like to leave expensive bikes unattended in remote areas. At City 21
Council’s direction, they looked at some of the narrow trails at Arastradero to determine 22
if they should limit access to bicycles and horses but they felt there was no reason to do 23
that. She said they were still waiting for feedback from Staff on a few things but are 24
close to being done. 25
Chair Greenfield asked if they had done any outreach with PABAC. 26
Commissioner Kleinhaus answered they could figure out how to do that before coming 27
back. 28
Mr. Anderson stated so far they had just focused on Staff and the ad-hoc. They could 29
reach out to Transportation Staff who could connect them with the appropriate people in 30
PABAC. 31
2
Packet Pg. 23
DRAFT
DRAFT 7
Commissioner Kleinhaus added from discussion with Staff regarding restrictions on 1
electric bikes, there did not seem to be a problem with people trying to ride their electric 2
bikes on the trails. 3
Commissioner Freeman stated they hoped to be able to present something to the 4
Commission in the February timeframe. 5
Commssioner Cribbs gave an update for the ad-hoc for Recreation and Wellness Facility. 6
The goal is to have a Community meeting in January on the 17th or 18th followed by a 7
report to the Commission for the Commission meeting in January. Questions still remain 8
about whether it will be in person or by Zoom, where it will be or if it could be a joint 9
program. She discussed extending the pilot program for pickleball and reviewing it in the 10
next couple of months. There is a question about Fletcher Middle School and whether 11
they can move to paint pickleball lines on the courts there. They will be working with 12
Adam on the outreach for the joint tennis and pickleball Community Committee that 13
should start being formed next January or February. She talked about grants stating that 14
they had chosen three projects to share with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation 15
about which projects they would identify if they were to find money and gave them a 16
couple of possibilities to include the Interpretive Center at Foothill Preserve, Buckeye 17
Creek restoration and the possibility of enhancing the bathrooms at the Magical Bridge 18
and the pickleball courts in Mitchell Park. They are finding out how much time it takes 19
to write the grants and have the Staff to follow them up and do reports on grants. They 20
continue to look for possibilities. She did not think they were close to having a 21
presentation for the full Commission yet. 22
Commissioner Wei expressed curiosity if they could get information from the consultant 23
that works with the City so there is no duplication. 24
Mr. Anderson stated he had checked with Director Kristen O’Kane who shared some 25
feedback that he had passed on but he did not get a master spreadsheet from them. He 26
would ask again and see if it is there. 27
Commissioner Cribbs added Palo Alto Recreation Foundation and the Friends of the 28
Parks are working to see how the skatepark turns out and seeing if they can help with 29
some of the activities on Cal Ave. 30
Chair Greenfield mentioned the work Staff has completed in terms of moving forward 31
with a plan for turf replacement at El Camino Park. They have a direction and timeline 32
of March through May timeframe for El Camino and July-August-September for 33
Mayfield. 34
Commissioner Cribbs stated they did not know much about any progress with the First 35
Tee agreements between the golf course. 36
2
Packet Pg. 24
DRAFT
DRAFT 8
Commissioner Freeman reported Lam had indicated the hold up was a lack of resources 1
on their end and committed to trying to work that back into the queue so they would 2
hopefully be able to provide more progress at the next meeting. Regarding playing fields, 3
he added Mark Ribeiro has done a good job reaching out to the baseball community and 4
working with them on what their needs are and being proactive. 5
Chair Greenfield commented on the Hawthorns and Midpen Open Space planning. There 6
have been ongoing meetings with the public access working group working toward 7
coming up with plans that will include what type of access and what type of trails to 8
develop. One of their main goals is related to trail interconnectivity with the Palo Alto 9
Open Space areas. That is way down the line due to access issues. 10
11
12
COMMISSIONER/BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, 13
ANNOUNCEMENTS, OR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 14
15
Commissioner Freeman suggested having a member of the Children’s Museum present 16
to them about some of the challenges they are faced with so they could provide support 17
to them and possibly be a liaison for them. 18
19
Mr. Anderson stated the Junior Museum and Zoo has traditionally been outside of their 20
purview. He stated he could follow up with the JMZ director and do more research to see 21
what level of involvement they could have. He said for the December meeting they will 22
have the Capital Improvement Plan presentation by Lam Do, who would meet with the 23
ad-hoc from the Parks Master Plan in advance. E-bike might not be ready if they plan to 24
incorporate PABAC’s feedback but they could try. He would be glad to have the 25
supervising rangers. 26
27
Commissioner Kleinhaus said she could try to call in but she preferred not to have the 28
meeting until January or February. 29
30
Commissioner Freeman said they were thinking more February. 31
32
Chair Greenfield thought they should look to see if they could get aquatics and golf in 33
for December. 34
35
Commissioner Cribbs questioned if they could specifically ask about golf programs for 36
the Community for seniors and kids and also the plans for replacing trees and doing 37
whatever they need to do with Valley Water along with the budget. 38
39
2
Packet Pg. 25
DRAFT
DRAFT 9
Mr. Anderson answered he would be glad to check with Staff in charge of golf and 1
aquatics and see if that is something they can do. 2
3
Commissioner Kleinhaus requested an update on the status of the mitigations and if they 4
can plant more trees. 5
6
Chair Greenfield asked if that would be a separate agenda item from the golf update and 7
programs. 8
9
Mr. Anderson stated it would potentially be separate. 10
11
Chair Greenfield wondered about First Tee. 12
13
Mr. Anderson answered he would be surprised if First Tee and all the golf things they 14
have described would be ready for December 19 but he would check. He thought 15
aquatics would be more likely to be on the December agenda. 16
17
Commissioner Freeman has had some update on the State Water Board and the wetlands 18
but they could use communication regarding the timeline. He also mentioned the 19
removal of nonnative weeds. They are seeking the services of the Conservation Corps to 20
help with that so part of that would be the timeline and what specific services being 21
requested. 22
23
Mr. Anderson stated he would check to see if golf would be feasible but he did not think 24
it would. He added he would be glad to have one of his colleagues meet with the Chair 25
and Vice Chair to do advanced agenda planning. 26
27
Chair Greenfield said they should get on that the next week since it is a short cycle. 28
29
Commissioner Cribbs added there is always dogs and restrooms in different places. She 30
continued to wonder if somehow the Commission could have a discussion between the 31
kind of use of shared facilities between the school district, the City and Stanford. She 32
thought trying to maximize the use of the resources they have would be good. 33
34
Chair Greenfield thought pulling that into the December meeting might be a tall ask. He 35
asked Mr. Anderson if that could happen as part of a Staff report at some point in the 36
future or some sort of ad-hoc focus working with Staff in the background. 37
38
Mr. Anderson thought maybe between the Staff reports including discussions, potential 39
connections on that issue and an ad-hoc forming to focus in what the highest priorities 40
could be for a realistic partnership with PAUSD. 41
42
2
Packet Pg. 26
DRAFT
DRAFT 10
Chair Greenfield thought a good starting point might be a presentation to the 1
Commission on the current partnerships and successes. 2
3
Commissioner Cribbs thought it would be great to hear what they are currently doing and 4
if there are possibilities in the future around swimming pools and the use of tennis 5
courts, trying to extend the hours by adding Porta Potties. She added she would love to 6
see them be able to hire a consultant to do a gender equity study of their programs for 7
boys and girls in the sports programs facilities. 8
9
Chair Greenfield asked Mr. Anderson if Adam would be able to present something on 10
existing partnerships along with the aquatics presentation next month. 11
12
Mr. Anderson said other areas within CSD partner with the school district in different 13
ways and programs. He did not know if he could have that ready for December but he 14
could do outreach to understand the basics of it. 15
16
ADJOURNMENT 17
18
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 P.M. 19
2
Packet Pg. 27
TO:CITY OF PALO ALTO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
ADAM HOWARD DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES
December 19, 2023
Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Partnerships with Palo Alto Unified School
District (PAUSD)
DISCUSSION
Staff will provide status of current programs operated under a partnership with PAUSD
BACKGROUND
The Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan (Attachment A) provides a
large range of goals to help improve the recreation experience in the City of Palo Alto. Goal 5.F
of the master plan (found on page 70) speaks about partnerships and collaborations with PAUSD
to support joint use of facilities to provide greater community access. There are two such
agreements in place and staff will discuss both.
PARTNERSHIP:
Middle School Athletics Program
The Middle School Athletic (MSA) program offers a wide range of sports for 6th, 7th and 8th grade
students using space at the three public middle schools in Palo Alto; Fletcher, Greene and JLS.
The sports currently being offered include girls and boys volleyball, girls and boys basketball, co-
ed cross country, pickleball, tennis, flag football, ultimate frisbee, and track and field.
The Middle School Athletic Program was operated solely by Palo Alto Unified School District
(PAUSD) until 1997 when PAUSD was no longer able to offer the program. From 1997 to around
2009, each school continued to provide an Athletic Director, the City’s Recreation Division
provided coaches and revenue was equally shared. Beginning in 2009-2010, the City took over all
program responsibilities, including providing all staffing and equipment. As such, the City now
collects and retains all program revenue. The School District continues to provide all the space
needed to run the programs. Currently the programs use fields, tennis courts, outdoor basketball
courts and the gyms at each site from school dismissal to roughly 7:30pm.
The Middle School Athletic program currently operates with a budget of $530,000, which
includes salaries and benefits of staff (Recreation Coordinator, Athletic Directors, coaches),
sports equipment, contract referees, and league fees. The program generates approximately
$400,000 per year in revenue depending on participant registration numbers. The registration
fee for each sport is $335, except pickleball which is $200, and the City fee reduction program is
5
Packet Pg. 28
available which can reduce cost by 50%. The MSA program gets 1,000-1,300 registrations (not
unique participants) per year (see Attachment B for current registration).
Participation in the Middle School Athletic program is not skill based, if a participant is able to
register, they play. Registration is based on a first-come first-served basis with registration
numbers based on the number of coaches available for each sport. Registration often fills very
quickly (depending on sport) with waitlists, but staff always work to get as many coaches as
possible to reduce waitlists. Recruiting and hiring coaches continues to be one of the biggest
challenges staff faces with the MSA program, due to the overall popularity of the program.
Access to available space on the school sites is crucial to this program as the City does not have
the space available to host the program at its current levels.
Field Maintenance and Use Partnership
An additional partnership with PAUSD that allows for public access to PAUSD space is the field
maintenance agreement, which allows the community to use PAUSD spaces, in exchange, the
City maintains and shares costs of upkeep. The agreement was started in 1995 as a way for the
City to provide more recreational spaces for members of the community. The agreement
provides access to the fields on elementary and middle school sites as well as access to the tennis
courts on high school campuses, during non-school use hours.
The available space can be used by the public on a drop-in basis, but also for permitted use for
organized sports leagues. For permitted uses, fields are brokered based on priority users. Priority
is given in the following order:
1. City programming
2. Youth, nonprofit organizations with 50% or more Palo Alto Residents
3. Adult, non-profit organizations with 35% or more Palo Alto Residents
4. Non-profit groups with 25% or more Palo Alto residence
5. Other groups not meeting 25% requirement or for-profit groups.
The Priority brokering system is designed to ensure fair and equal access for Palo Alto residents
with a focus on youth, non-profit organizations that need space to operate.
The costs to maintain the shared fields and courts is roughly one million dollars and the
maintenance costs are split evenly with PAUSD. In addition to the field maintenance costs, there
is also a 60(City)/40(PAUSD) split of revenue from field permits on PAUSD school sites. The
revenue to PAUSD is roughly $30,000 per year, but changes based on permitted use.
The Field Maintenance and MSA agreements are two crucial partnerships with PAUSD that
provide substantial resources to the community for recreation, and there would be substantial
loss to the community without them.
5
Packet Pg. 29
ATTACHMENTS:
•
•
Attachment A: Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan
Attachment B: Current Middle School Athletics Registration
5
Packet Pg. 30
PA LOALTO PARKSTRAILSNATURAL OPEN SPACE& RECREATIONMASTERPL AN
ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 2017
5
Packet Pg. 31
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN 5
Packet Pg. 32
5
Packet Pg. 33
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN 5
Packet Pg. 34
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CITY OF PALO ALTO
This project was a joint effort of the Community Services and Public
Works Departments of the City of Palo Alto.
The core team included the following staff members:
Rob de Geus, Director of Community Services
Kristen O’Kane, Assistant Director of Community Services
Brad Eggleston, Assistant Director of Public Works
Daren Anderson, Open Space, Parks & Golf Division Manager
Peter Jensen, Landscape Architect
Elizabeth Ames, Senior Engineer
The Parks and Recreation Commission advised staff throughout
the planning process:
Stacy Ashlund
Jim Cowie
Jeff Lamere
Ed Lauing
Anne Warner Cribbs
Dierdre Crommie
Jeff Greenfield
Jennifer Hetterly
Abbie Knopper
Pat Markevitch
Ryan McCauley
Don McDougall
David Moss
Keith Reckdahl
CONSULTANT TEAM
MIG, INC.
PALO ALTO COMMUNITY
Special thanks to the dedicated Palo Alto residents and community
members who contributed their time, energy and ideas to this
effort, particularly the members of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.
i
5
Packet Pg. 35
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN
ii
5
Packet Pg. 36
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN
CONTENTS
MASTER PLAN
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................................................v
Chapter 1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2. Elements of Palo Alto’s Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation System...........9
Chapter 3. Analysis & Assessment ....... .......................................................................................................... ... 23
Chapter 4. Our Future: Principles, Goals, Policies, Programs & Projects................................................ 49
Chapter 5. Implementation ..................................................................................................................................... 79
Glossary........................................................................................................................................................................117
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................... 119
Photo Credits............................................................................................................................................................. 123
APPENDICES
A. Parks & Recreation Facilities Inventory.......................................................................................................A-1
B. Geographic Analysis............................................................................................................................................B-1
C. Community Engagement.............................................................................................................................. .....C-1
D. Existing Capital & Operations Funding Sources .......................................................................................D-1
E. Mitigation Documentation................................................................................................................................ E-1
FIGURES
Figure 1: Planning Process .........................................................................................................................................4
Figure 2: Existing Public Parks and Natural Open Space Map.................................................................... 14
Figure 3: Program Areas by Number of Participants..................................................................................... 20
Figure 4: Projected Growth in Palo Alto’s Senior Population...................................................................... 28
Figure 5: Palo Alto Race and Ethnicity..................................................................................................................29
Figure 6: Park Walksheds Map............................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 7: Prioritization Challenge Results.......................................................................................................... 39
Figure 8: Park Search Areas Map .......................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 9: Bikeways and Pedestrian Routes Map............................................................................................. 44
Figure 10: Natural Systems Map........................................................................................................................... 46
iii
5
Packet Pg. 37
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation MASTER PLAN
TABLES
Table 1: Palo Alto Parks and Natural Open Spaces Inventory.................................................................... 13
Table 2: Palo Alto Facility Inventory...................................................................................................................... 16
Table 3: City of Palo Alto Projected Population.................................................................................................26
Table 4: City of Palo Alto Key Age Groups...........................................................................................................27
Table 5: Funding Applicability................................................................................................................................105
Table 6: Existing Indicators ....................................................................................................................................113
Table 7: Recommended Indicators .....................................................................................................................115
iv
5
Packet Pg. 38
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To build on and continue the legacy of its strong parks system,
the City of Palo Alto developed the Parks, Trails, Natural Open
Space and Recreation Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide ongoing
investment in one of the community’s most treasured assets.
The Master Plan presents the vision for the future of Palo Alto’s
parks, trails, natural open space and recreation system, based
on guiding principles, goals and concepts developed through a
rigorous analysis of the existing system and a robust community
engagement process. It builds on this framework with a set of
policies, projects and programs and recommendations for future
renovations and capital improvements. It also includes guidance on
how to prioritize future recreation, programming, environmental
and maintenance investments to meet our community’s changing
needs and evolving demands for the next 20 years.
Planning Process
The Master Plan process consisted of three phases:
•Phase I: Community Engagement, Specific Site
Analysis and Program Analysis. This phase included
development of a comprehensive inventory and analysis
of all Palo Alto parks, trails, developed natural open
space areas (picnic areas, parking lots) and recreational
facilities and programs; analysis of current and
forecasted demographic and recreation trends; and
analysis of community recreation needs. It also included
identification of community and stakeholder needs,
interests and preferences for system enhancements
using a proactive community engagement process with
a broad range of activities.
•
•
Phase II: Developing and Prioritizing Project and
Program Opportunities. During this phase, Palo Alto
developed goals, policies and programs; identified capital
projects, needed renovations and other improvements;
and prioritized actions into short, medium and long-term
implementation timelines using what was learned in
Phase 1. The Palo Alto community provided feedback on
priorities and programs through several activities.
Phase III: Master Plan Drafting, Review and Adoption.
In Phase 3, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC),
City Council and Palo Alto community reviewed and
refined the draft Master Plan, and Council adopted it.
v
5
Packet Pg. 39
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community engagement opportunities were infused throughout
the planning process. Engagement methods included a wide
variety of tools and activities, offered within a range of formats,
time frames and levels of interaction, to engage with Palo Alto’s
diverse community members in ways that were comfortable and
convenient for them.
MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT METHODS
•A project webpage
•Public information updates
through a variety of online
and print communication
channels
Opportunities
The input from the community, combined with analysis of the
many aspects of the park system, generated a wide range of
opportunities. In the overall context of limited land, three properties
in Palo Alto represent unique opportunities, as they are already
owned by the City and are not yet designated for a specific use :
•
•
A series of face-to-face
“intercept surveys” at
popular locations and
community events •
•
•
Cubberley Community Center: The City owns 8 of the 35 acres
of this former high school campus and has managed leases
within the buildings with a number of community organizations
and businesses while also scheduling the gym and field space.
The City and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) have
agreed to jointly master plan the redevelopment of the site by
2020.
A variety of interactive
community workshops
•
•
A series of online surveys
Interviews with City staff
and community experts to
better inform topics that
emerged from community
engagement
Foothills Park Expansion: The City acquired 7.7 acres of land
adjacent to Foothills Park and has dedicated it as an expansion
of the park. The expansion is cut off from the developed
portion of the park by the existing maintenance facility.
Discussion of the future of this site is pending the results of
the Buckeye Creek hydrology study, which will be completed in
summer 2017.
•
•
Consultations with the
Parks and Recreation
Commission (PRC) and other
appointed commissions
City Council updates and
study sessions Baylands Athletic Center Expansion: As a result of the
redesign of the Palo Alto Golf Course, 10.5 acres of land was
added to the adjacent Baylands Athletic Center site for future
recreation opportunities.
In addition, three concept maps illustrate high-value opportunities
to further create a multi-layered system of parklands and
connections that serves both people and natural systems. The
maps can also serve as tools for supporting decisions on individual
policies, programs and projects.
vi
5
Packet Pg. 40
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Expand the System
This map identifies areas of Palo Alto where residents lack access
to parks and natural open spaces within ¼ mile of their homes.
These “park search areas,” labeled A through E for planning
purposes, will help Palo Alto focus future park additions in
neighborhoods with the greatest need: for example, those with the
highest density and/or largest population. Meanwhile, this map
shows the importance of public access to school grounds that fall
within park search areas (noted in purple), which have the potential
to be maintained and expanded.
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Schools
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
Features
A Park Search AreasCity Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Priority School SitesTrails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation
IÆ Palo Alto AirportE a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf Course S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
A t h e r t o n
?»E
M e n l o P a r k
Duveneck
ElementarySchoolAEl Palo
Alto Park Addison
ElementarySchool BCogswS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park Lytto
Plaz
Baylands Preserve
Jordan
MiddleSchoolParPark OhloneElementaryC
Peers Park
Palo Verde
ElementarySchoolPark Search Area B:
Lowest population and
lowest population density
Cameron D sParkPark
El CarmeloElementary
SchoolWerry Mayꢀeld Stanford-
Palo Alto
PlayingFie
Park Search Area D:
Highest population IÆParkPark
Weisshaar
Park berleyPark Search Area E:
Highest population density
munity Menlo ParkCenterS an M a teoobles
ark Count y Atherton East Palo Alto
E BaylandPreserve
Monroe
Park M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto%&j(Stanford
Terman
Park
Mountain
ViewS t a n f o r d Portola
Valley Pearson-ArastaderoPreserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills?»E
FoothillsPark
RanchoEsther Clark
Preserve
San AntonioL o s A l t o s Open Space
PreserveP o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
ArastraderoPreserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t yL o s A l t o s
H i l l s S anta ClaraCount y Cupertino
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County ParkFoothills Park
Park Search Areas
vii
5
Packet Pg. 41
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Connect the System
A selection of Palo Alto’s existing and planned bikeways and
pedestrian routes can be leveraged to improve park and recreation
access. This map illustrates this potential network of trails and
enhanced roadways that connect neighborhoods to local and
regional parks, recreation facilities and natural open spaces.
These routes are part of the City’s adopted Bicycle Pedestrian
Transportation Plan and related work on Safe Routes to School.
Recommended enhanced routes, labeled 1 through 3 for planning
purposes, provide main north to south travel corridors between
Palo Alto’s parks and into neighboring communities. Regional trails
like the Bay to Ridge and San Francisco Bay trails provide similar
travel corridors from Foothills Park and Arastradero Preserve in
the southwest to the Baylands Preserve and other shoreline parks
and natural open spaces to the northeast. Recommended park
connectors complete the network by linking the remaining park
sites.
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Schools
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
Enhanced Bikeway Features
1 Recommended Enhanced Bicycle
and Pedestrian RoutesCity Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Recommended Park Connectors
Regional and Countywide Trails
(Adobe Creek Connector,
San Francisco Bay Trail)Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation
IÆ Palo Alto AirportE a s t
P a l o A l t o3 Palo Alto
Golf Course S a n F r a n c i s c o B a yHopkins
Creekside ParkA t h e r t o n 1
?»E Johnson
Park Baylands
AthleticCenter
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El PaloM e n l o P a r k 2
Alto Park Cogswell Plaza
Williams
S a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
Baylands PreserveLytton
Plaza Park Rinconada
Park Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg ParkPark
3 Seale
ParkPeers Park
1 Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Cameron
Park
Sarah WallisPark2 Ramos
Park
Werry Mayꢀeld Stanford-
Palo AltoPlaying
Fields
Mitchell
ParkParkParkBoulware
Park IÆ
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
CommunityCenter
Cubberley
CommunityCenter Menlo ParkS an M a teoRobles
Park Count y Atherton East Palo Alto
BaylandPreserveBol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Park M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto%&j(Stanford
Terman
Park
Mountain
ViewS t a n f o r d PortolaValley Pearson-ArastaderoPreserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills?»E
FoothillsPark
RanchoEsther Clark
Preserve
San AntonioL o s A l t o s Open Space
PreserveP o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
ArastraderoPreserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t yL o s A l t o s
H i l l s S anta ClaraCount y Cupertino
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County ParkFoothills Park
Park Connections
viii
5
Packet Pg. 42
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Connect Natural Systems
This map illustrates how the same corridors recommended for
bike and pedestrian enhancements can also provide connectivity
for natural systems. Landscape design features such as increased
urban forest canopy, native species plantings and stormwater
bioswales can create safe paths of travel and provide habitat value
for local wildlife. Creek and riparian enhancements, supported
by these “pollinator pathways,” would improve water quality and
habitat connections between regionally significant habitats in the
hills and in the bay. New street and park trees would benefit areas
that currently have low tree canopy coverage, highlighted in tan.
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Schools
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
Natural System Features
Pollinator Pathways
City Natural Open Spaces
Other City Property
ks/ Riparian Enhancements
Urban Canopy Target Areas
Trails ian Connected Parks
Trails Community Gardens
Wetland HabitatStanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Mean Projected High Water -
3 ft Sea Level Rise (NOAA)Private Recreation
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in San Francisquito Creek:
Steelhead
California red legged frog
Western pond turtle
Showy rancheria clover
Valley oak woodland
Palo Alto AirportE a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf Course S a n F r a n c i s c o B a yHopkins
Creekside ParkA t h e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
S a n M a t e o C o u n t y Cogswell Plaza
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
Baylands PreserveLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in the Bayland Preserve:
Western burrowing owl
California seablite
Greer
ParkBowling
Green Northern coastal salt marshKellogg ParkPark
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Cameron
Park
Sarah Wallis
Park Ramos
Park
Werry Mayꢀeld Stanford-
Palo AltoPlaying
Fields
Mitchell
ParkParkParkBoulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
CommunityCenter
Cubberley
Community
Center Menlo ParkRobles
Park on E
BolPark Briones Park
Monroe
Park M o u n t a i n
V i e w
Stanford
Terman
Park
Mountain
ViewS t a n f o r d
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Pearson-Arastradero Preserve:
Western pond turtle
os Altos
Serpentine bunchgrass
Indian Valley bush-mallow
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Foothills Park:
Western Leatherwood
Valley oak woodland
RanchoEsther Clark
Preserve
San AntonioL o s A l t o s Open Space
PreserveP o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
ArastraderoPreserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t yL o s A l t o s
H i l l s Regional Habitat oConnection Concept
Foothills Park County Park
Natural Systems
ix
5
Packet Pg. 43
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Principles, Goals and Policies
Through the Master Plan process, the Palo Alto community defined
a future for parks, trails, natural open spaces and recreation. Distilled
community input and themes from the analysis process led to the
principles, goals and system-wide concepts that describe the community’s
long-term vision for the future system.
Principles
The eight principles represent the collective direction provided by hundreds
of participants from across the city as well as many local stakeholder
groups. Building on our assets, our vision for the continuing evolution of
the park system is encapsulated in the following eight principles:PLAYFUL
HEALTHY
SUSTAINABLE
INCLUSIVE
•
•
Playful: Inspires imagination and joy.
Healthy: Supports the physical and mental health and well-
being of individuals as well as the connectedness and cohesion
of the community.
•
•
•
•
Sustainable: Stewards natural, economic and social resources
for a system that endures for the long term.
ACCESSIBLE
FLEXIBLE
BALANCED
NATURE
Inclusive: Responsive to the entire Palo Alto community: all
ages, abilities, languages, cultures and levels of income.
Accessible: Easy for people of all abilities to use year-round and
access by all modes of travel.
Flexible: Supports multiple uses across time with adaptable
spaces that can accommodate traditional, emerging and future
uses.
•
•
Balanced: Is not dominated by any one type of experience or
place and includes both historic elements and cutting-edge
features, highly manicured and more organic spaces, and self-
directed and programmed activities.
Nature: Incorporates native species and habitat corridors, and
creates opportunities to learn about and interact with nature.
x
5
Packet Pg. 44
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Goals
Six goals state the community’s desired outcomes and provide an
organizational structure for the policies, programs and projects that
form the recommendations of the Master Plan.
•
•
•
Provide high-quality facilities and services that are
accessible, inclusive and distributed equitably across
Palo Alto.
Enhance the capacity, quality and variety of uses of the
existing system of parks, recreation and open space
facilities and services.
Create environments that encourage regular active and
passive activities to support health, wellness and social
connections.
•
•
•
Preserve and integrate nature, natural systems and
ecological principles throughout Palo Alto.
Develop innovative programs, services and strategies for
expanding the system.
Manage Palo Alto’s land and services effectively,
efficiently and sustainably utilizing quantitative and
qualitative measures.
Policies
The principles and goals will be realized through the policies
described in Chapter 4 of the Master Plan. These policies and
programs are organized within the framework of the six goals, with
implementing policies and programs following each goal.
Implementation The goals reflect the community’s
desired outcomes, examples of theseoutcomes are shown above.Over the next twenty years, the implementation of the projects and
programs recommended in the Master Plan will include an annual
process initiated by City staff with guidance and leadership from
the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. Palo Alto’s
dedicated community advocates and partner organizations will
also play an important role in ensuring the proposed programs and
projects align with the needs of the community.
Projects and programs were prioritized and will continue to be
evaluated by five criteria:
•Fill existing gaps: Bring recreation opportunities
(parkland, facilities, programs) to areas of the City and to
users where gaps were identified.
xi
5
Packet Pg. 45
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
•
Respond to growth: Add features or programs and/or
modify or expand components of the system to prepare
for and address increasing demand.
Address community preferences: Target the highest
priority types of projects and programs identified
through citywide outreach.
•
•
Maximize public resources: Create the most benefit for
each dollar of capital and operating expenditure possible.
Realize multiple benefits: Advance the principles of this
Master Plan as well as the goals, projects and directions
of other adopted City efforts.
High-Priority Projects and Programs
There are thirty-four projects and programs that we know
today are high priorities, based on feedback from the Parks and
Recreation Commission, City Council, stakeholders, the broader
community and City staff. These priorities are organized by projects
and programs in order of urgency. Urgency was determined by the
availability compared to the need, the time sensitivity or potential
for missed opportunities and is discussed in detail in Chapter 5 of
this plan.
Major projects needing further study andstrategic funding
•
•
Enhance existing sports fields
Plan, design and construct 10.5-acre site in Baylands for
park uses
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plan, design and redevelop Cubberley Community Center
Plan, design and construct a new public gymnasium
Improve the Rinconada Pool Facility
Examples of the types of programs and
projects that can be implemented by thededicated community of Palo Alto.
Incorporate 7.7-acre site into Foothills Park
Acquire new parkland in high-need areas
Improve golf course facility
xii
5
Packet Pg. 46
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Projects ready in the short term
•
•
•
•
Develop conservation plans for open space preserves
Develop new dog parks in underrepresented areas
Construct new restrooms in parks
Incorporate sustainable practices in the maintenance
and management of parks, open space and recreation
facilities
•Exceed Americans with Disabilities Act requirements in
parks
•
•
•
•
•
•
Improve trail connections and access
Develop adult fitness areas in parks
Integrate nature into urban parks
Develop new community gardens in underserved areas
Enhance seating areas in parks
Create wayfinding signage of safe routes to parks
Programs
•
•
•
Establish and grow partnerships and identify and
cultivate potenial park and recreation donors
Collaborate with school district to increase access to
playgrounds, gyms and other school facilities
Expand recruitment and training of coaches and
instructors
•
•
•
Expand aquatics programs
Expand programs for seniors
Some projects need further study and
funding, wheras others are ready in theshort-term based on feedback from thecommunity.
Expand non-academic programs for teens
xiii
5
Packet Pg. 47
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
•
Provide intramural sports program for middle and high
school students
Invest in staff training to enhance therapeutic and
inclusive program development
•
•
Increase the variety of activities available in parks
Encourage unstructured play at parks and community
centers
•
•
•
•
•
Connect youth, teens and families with nature
Expand programs related to health and wellness
Pilot temporary/pop-up programming in parks
Expand community-focused special events
Offer cultural enrichment programs
Master Plan Progress Tracking
Existing measures, from the Citizen Centric Report and the annual
citizen satisfaction survey, provide a large selection of indicators
for any part of the parks, trails, natural open space and recreation
system. Additional recommended indicators include new measures
of satisfaction, performance and funding.
Further progress tracking will include reports on specific actions or
projects that have been initiated or completed that contribute to
the achievement of the programs, policies and goals. This annual
progress report will also update funding status.
Examples of desired programs based on
feedback from the community.
xiv
5
Packet Pg. 48
5
Packet Pg. 49
CHAPT ER1
5
Packet Pg. 50
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE AND INTENT
It has been fifty years since Palo Alto has taken a
comprehensive look at the community’s needs for
parklands, natural open space, trails and recreation.
Past planning shaped our community’s present day
parks and recreation offerings and led to the creation
of the Baylands Athletic Center, expansion of athletic
fields throughout the City and an expansion of
Greer Park. Our predecessors established standards
for parks within one-half mile of every residential
development, and for neighborhood and district park
acreage to be added as the community grew.
Today Palo Alto residents, employees and visitors
value and enjoy the City’s high-quality system of
parks, recreation programs, trails and natural open
5
Packet Pg. 51
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
EVOLVE THE SYSTEM TO SERVE A LARGER ANDMORE DIVERSE SET OF COMMUNITY NEEDS
5
Packet Pg. 52
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
space. To build on and continue the legacy of a strong parks system,
the City developed this Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and
Recreation Master Plan (Master Plan) to guide ongoing investment
in one of the community’s most treasured assets.
Over the last five decades, the City has completed a series of
planning efforts that affect parks and recreation; implemented
capital improvement projects to maintain and renovate City
facilities; and applied development impact fees for parks,
community centers and libraries. In recent years, several major
projects have been completed, including the all-new Mitchell
Park Library and Community Center and the Magical Bridge
Playground, both of which opened in 2015 to community acclaim.
Today, Palo Alto has the opportunity to evolve the system to serve
a larger and more diverse set of community needs and tackle
challenges to maintain the high standard of living enjoyed by
residents. A particular focus will be finding and creating additional
spaces for parks and recreation to achieve the goals of the City’s
Comprehensive Plan and bring parks and recreation activities within
walking distance of all residents.
The park system of the 21st century calls for holistic guidance for
managing, improving and expanding park and recreation facilities
to keep programs, services and facilities relevant to present and
future populations; appropriately balance recreation and natural
open space conservation; and identify funding to meet these
challenges. For this reason, Palo Alto prioritized the development of
this Master Plan.
The Master Plan presents the vision for the future of Palo Alto’s
parks, trails, natural open space and recreation system, based
on guiding principles, goals and concepts developed through a
rigorous analysis of the existing system and a robust community
engagement process. It builds on this foundation with a set of
policies, projects and programs. It also includes guidance on how
to prioritize future recreation, programming, environmental and
maintenance investment to meet our community’s changing needs
and evolving demands for the next 20 years.
3
5
Packet Pg. 53
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
Planning Process Overview
The planning process to develop the Master Plan consisted of three
phases, as shown in Figure 1.
• Phase I: Community Engagement, Specific Site Analysis
and Program Analysis: This phase included two parallel
tracks that informed one another: the Community
Engagement and Stakeholder Engagement track and
the Technical Assessment and Analysis track. While
community engagement continued through all three
phases, the bulk of the proactive engagement process
occurred in this phase, drawing input from the public and a
broad range of stakeholders to identify community needs,
interests and preferences for system enhancements.
The Technical Assessment and Analysis track included
a comprehensive inventory and analysis of all Palo Alto
parks, trails, natural open space and recreational facilities
and programs; an analysis of current and forecasted
demographic and recreation trends; and an analysis of
community recreation needs.
• Phase II: Developing and Prioritizing Project and Program
Opportunities: The two tracks of Phase 1 merged in
Phase 2 with the preparation of principles, goals and
areas of focus, and the evaluation of project and program
opportunities with prioritization into implementation
timelines of short (5-year), medium (10-year) and long-
term (20-year) ranges.
FIGURE 1: PLANNING PROCESS
4
5
Packet Pg. 54
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
• Phase III: Master Plan Drafting, Review and Adoption: The
Master Plan document was designed and prepared for
review by the public, the Parks and Recreation Commission
(PRC) and City Council. A concurrent environmental review
led to adoption of the plan.
The process was led by the project team, consisting of City and
consultant staff. The PRC was involved throughout the process,
serving as strategic advisors and participating in-depth in reviewing
the assessment and analysis tasks.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GOALS
• Increase community
awareness of the project Community Engagement
The Master Plan was designed to be community and data driven,
to ensure that Palo Alto’s parks and recreation system reflects
the vision and supports the needs of our residents and visitors
over the next twenty years. A robust, layered outreach strategy
was implemented through each step of the planning process.
Engagement methods included a wide variety of tools and
activities, offered within a range of formats, time frames and
levels of interaction, to engage with Palo Alto’s diverse community
members in ways that were comfortable and convenient for them.
• Inform the community
about the challenges and
opportunities of the project
• Provide easy access
to project information
and opportunities for
participation
• Offer a range of
communication and Master Plan community engagement methods, described in
Chapter 3 and Appendix C, included:engagement tools to match
interests and preferences • A project webpage• Ensure the final Master
Plan reflects community
priorities, preferences and
values
• Public information updates through a variety of online and
print communication channels
• A community stakeholder advisory group
• Get community buy-in to
support plan adoption and
its short-, mid- and long-
term implementation
• A series of face-to-face “intercept surveys” at popular
locations and community events
• A variety of interactive community workshops
• A series of online surveys
• Interviews with City staff and community experts to better
inform topics that emerged from community engagement
• Consultations with the Parks and Recreation Commission
(PRC) and other appointed commissions
• City Council updates and study sessions
5
5
Packet Pg. 55
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
The process and findings for each of the community engagement
activities are detailed in summary reports on the City website. The
summary of the key findings from the community engagement are
included in Chapter 3 and Appendix C of this plan.
Specific Site and Program Analysis
The project team completed a detailed analysis of all aspects of the
system to inform the Master Plan. The multi-layered approach to
analysis, the interconnection between the community engagement
and the analysis tasks (each feeding into the other) and the
coordination with related concurrent planning efforts ensured
that this Master Plan is based on sound information and the best
available data.
LAYERS OF ANALYSIS
The layers of assessment and analysis included:
• Physical inventory of parks, preserves and facilities
• Recreation program inventory and analysis
• Geographic analysis
• Demographics and recreation trends analysis
• Planning environment summary
• Sustainability review
TECHNICAL SUPPLEMENT
To assist in referencing and using the large amount of data
developed during the process, tabbed binders were created
for each member of the PRC and project team with all of the
completed documents, numbered for quick reference. An outline
of the deliverables for the Master Plan process became the table
of contents for the binder. To facilitate broader distribution of the
data binders (and reduce paper use), the project team developed
a “digital binder,” available on the City website, which consists of
a table of contents with hotlinks to each section. This working
reference is the Technical Supplement, carrying forward the detail
of these working documents.
6
5
Packet Pg. 56
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation INTRODUCTION
Developing and Prioritizing Project andProgram Opportunities
As major elements of the the Community and Stakeholder
Engagement processes and the Technical Assessment and Analysis
were completed, the PRC and the project team began a detailed
review of the accumulated data as it related to each element
of the Master Plan, tying these two tracks of the Master Plan
process together in preparation for the critical step of developing
and prioritizing projects. The process for review, designed by the
project team with the input of the PRC, resulted in a detailed
reference matrix (with supporting documentation) identifying needs
and opportunities. This matrix served as the basis for developing,
evaluating and refining the projects and programs contained in this
Master Plan.
The matrix process allowed the PRC to review the large number of
possibilities against the extensive data available in a streamlined,
more accessible way. The matrix served as a key reference point
to assess and validate elements of the Master Plan as they were
developed. The complete matrix can be downloaded from the City
website, http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/parksmasterplan.
Through this process, the principles and goals were derived.
Master Plan Drafting, Review and Adoption
The final phase in the Master Plan process involved the drafting
of this plan document and formal review by the staff, PRC,
stakeholders, the public and City Council. The project team worked
to draft the policy and program and project recommendations.
These were refined with the input of the staff who manage
construction, operations and maintenance of the system, as well
as the input of the PRC and Council. This work formed the basis
for the final chapters of this plan and set a recommended path
forward. The draft plan was presented for review at the PRC as
well as a community workshop with an online comment tool to
collect specific feedback. To pave the way for implementation,
the project team initiated an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) process to advance the necessary California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation. Following the
public comment period, the plan was presented for adoption by
Palo Alto’s City Council.
7
5
Packet Pg. 57
CHAPT ER2
5
Packet Pg. 58
ELEMENTS OF PA LOALTO’S PARKS,TRAILS, NATURALOPEN SPACE &RECREATIONSYSTEM
FROM ITS EARLIEST YEARS, THE COMMUNITY OF PALO ALTO
HAS INVESTED IN THE SYSTEM OF PARKS, TRAILS, NATURAL
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION, LEAVING A LEGACY OF UNIQUE
AND HIGHLY VALUED LANDS AND FACILITIES. Philanthropic
donations, unique partnerships and forward-
thinking acquisitions have positioned the system
at the forefront of community identity. The level
of investment has created a complex system that
provides many different recreation opportunities, as
well as important natural functions and habitat for
wildlife.
To facilitate the analysis and understanding of Palo
Alto’s resources, the project team defined three
elements that make up the citywide system of parks,
natural open space, trails and recreation facilities and
programs.
5
Packet Pg. 59
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
THE LANDSCAPE OF PARKS, OPEN SPACESAND TRAIL CONNECTIONS PROVIDE THE SPACEWHERE RECREATION FACILITIES, NATURALHABITAT AND PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE.
5
Packet Pg. 60
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
These three elements were broken down further into constituent
“components” to provide a reference framework for system
analysis, community engagement and development of Master
Plan recommendations. Each of the elements is described below,
providing a view of the system today and highlighting key features.
Parks, Trails and Natural Open Space
The landscape of parks, open spaces and trail connections provides
the space where recreation facilities, natural habitat and programs
take place. Most of Palo Alto’s park sites are set in an urban
context, within neighborhoods connected by city streets. However,
the largest portion of the land in the system is held in natural open
space preserves. An expanding network of trails and bikeways
supplements the sidewalks and streets that connect these assets.
The analysis related to this element includes the proximity of
parklands and recreation activities; opportunities to experience and
protect natural habitats; trail connections; and the comfort and
accessibility of the sites.
ELEMENTS OF THE PALO ALTO
SYSTEM
•
•
•
Parks, Trails and Open Space
Recreation Facilities
Recreation Programs The System Today
Palo Alto maintains 174 acres of urban distributed throughout the
city as well as over 4,000 acres in natural open space preserves.
Table 1 lists the Palo Alto parks and natural open spaces. The
majority of the parks in Palo Alto are neighborhood parks, primarily
designed to support the everyday activities of local residents.
Several parks also feature unique facilities such as community
gardens and dog parks. There are several parks that draw visitors
from across the city and from neighboring communities. These
parks typically have a higher concentration of facilities, including
high-quality sports fields. Some of these parks are designed for a
specific use and do not serve immediate neighbors (e.g., Baylands
Athletic Center, El Camino Park and Stanford/Palo Alto Playing
Fields), while others, like Greer, Mitchell and Rinconada Parks, also
function as neighborhood parks. City parks are diverse in size and
amenities, but many are older and/or have aging facilities. Palo Alto
parks are highly developed with maintained landscapes across their
entire acreage. Native species and less manicured landscapes are
Article VIII of the Municipal
Charter is the authoritative
definition of “parks” in Palo Alto
including the allowed uses of
dedicated park land.
11
5
Packet Pg. 61
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
generally not present. Due to the era when they were built, many
parks are not flexible enough to allow different uses to be layered
in. Rather, they provide a collection of spaces designed for a single
activity. With design interventions, many existing parks have the
potential to support more use and activity.
PALO ALTO PARK ACREAGE
Urban Parks: 174
Natural Open Space Preserves: 4,030
There are four natural open space preserves: Baylands Nature
Preserve (which includes Byxbee Park), Esther Clark Preserve,
Foothills Park and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. These sites
are large, are rich in native species of plants and animal habitat
and have extensive internal trail systems. With the exception of
Esther Clark Preserve, the preserves also have recreational and
interpretive facilities.
NATURAL OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
Baylands Nature Preserve (including
Byxbee Park)
Esther Clark Preserve
Foothills ParkPalo Alto Open Space has 43.2 miles of trail. The Baylands Nature
Preserve trail system is approximately 15 miles long and Pearson-
Arastradero Preserve trail system is approximately 10.3 miles long.
The existing trail system is largely within parklands, but several
segments of designated or off-street trails connect parks and other
community destinations. Most significant among these are the
Bay to Ridge and San Francisco Bay regional trails. The public trail
system is further enhanced by privately owned trails with public
access, such as the recently completed Stanford Perimeter Trail.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Palo Alto’s parks, trails and natural open spaces are also home to
much of the urban forest. The lands and connections that make up
this element of the system are important to the goals of the City’s
Urban Forest Master Plan.
The Existing Public Parks and Natural Open Space map (Figure
2) depicts all City-owned (or controlled) park sites and natural
open space. Palo Alto Unified School District sites are also
acknowledged on this map due to the longstanding partnership
and their importance as park-like places. A complete set of park
site maps can be found in the Technical Supplement at http://
www.cityofpaloalto.org/parksmasterplan. A detailed inventory
of these sites can be found in Appendix A, which also includes
other recreation facilities that allow public access. While not an
exhasutive list, this inventory includes some of the significant
facilities (such as community centers, the golf course, Gamble
Garden and the Winter Lodge) that are not necessarily on dedicated
park land, but add to recreation opportunities in Palo Alto.
12
5
Packet Pg. 62
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
TABLE 1: PALO ALTO PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACES INVENTORY
Park or Natural Open Space Ownership Acres
Baylands Athletic Center
Bol Park
6
13.8
1.5
2
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Boulware Park
Bowden Park
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Stanford*
Bowling Green Park
(Juana) Briones Park
Cameron Park
1.9
4.1
1.1
0.5
12.2
9.6
0.5
22
Cogswell Plaza
El Camino Park
Eleanor Pardee Park
El Palo Alto Park
Greer Park
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Stanford*
Heritage Park 2.0
4.2
12.4
2.5
0.2
0.2
1.1
21.4
0.6
4.7
4.4
19
Hoover Park
Hopkins Creekside
Johnson Park
Kellogg Park
Lytton Plaza
Mayfield Park
Mitchell Park
Monroe Park
Peers Park
Ramos Park
Rinconada Park
Robles Park 4.7
0.4
4.3
5.9
7.7
0.3
1.1
1.1
0.7
174
Scott Park
Seale Park
Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields
Terman Park City of Palo Alto/ PAUSD
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Wallis Park
Weisshaar Park
Werry Park City of Palo Alto
City of Palo AltoWilliams Park (Museum of American Hertitage)
SUBTOTAL CITY PARKS
Baylands Nature Preserve (including Byxbee)City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
1,986
Esther Clark Preserve 22
1,400
622
Foothills Park
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
SUBTOTAL NATURAL OPEN SPACES
City of Palo Alto
4,030
* The two parks owned by Stanford are leased by the City. The El Camino lease expires in 2042
and the Stanford /Palo Alto Playing Fields lease expires in 2056.
13
5
Packet Pg. 63
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
FIGURE 2: EXISTING PUBLIC PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACES MAP
Palo
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside ParkA t h e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El PaloM e n l o P a r k Alto Park
Cogswell Plaza
Williams
Park Heritage Park
S a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
ParkScott Park Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayfield
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Park
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
P o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
14
5
Packet Pg. 64
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City ParkBaylands Preserve
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
e Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Ramos
Park
Mitchell
Park
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
SchoolsCubberley
Community
Center Menlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto
Bayland
Preserve
roe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
HillsPreserve
Foothills
Park
s Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y Feet
Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000 6,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
15
5
Packet Pg. 65
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Recreation Facilities PALO ALTO RECREATION
FACILITIESFrom community centers to sports fields to community gardens,
Palo Alto’s recreation facilities add variety to the experiences
possible at each of Palo Alto’s parks and natural open spaces.
Twelve types of recreation facilities are found throughout the
system. In addition, other specialized recreation facilities such as
the skate park at Greer Park, the lawn bowling green at Bowling
Green Park, and El Camino Park serve specific recreation needs.
• Play Areas
• Basketball Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Rectangular Sports Fields
• Diamond Sports Fields
• Picnic AreasThe number and type of facilities at each park and preserve are
summarized as part of the detailed inventory of the system found
in Appendix A.• Off-Leash Dog Areas
• Community Gardens
• Swimming PoolsPlay Areas
The most common, and expected, feature in a Palo Alto park is a
play area. Typically play areas include a manufactured playground
structure and may or may not include swings or other features.
Mitchell Park has particularly unique play experiences that include
both a historic Royston-designed “gopher holes” play area and the
Magical Bridge Playground, a destination play area designed to be
universally accessible for children of all abilities.
• Community Centers
• Special Purpose Buildings in
Parks
• Other Indoor Facilities
• Golf Course
TABLE 2: PALO ALTO FACILITY INVENTORY
Number of Facilities in Palo AltoBasketball and Tennis Courts
Courts, primarily for basketball and tennis, are incorporated into
many of Palo Alto’s parks. Most of the courts are provided singly
or in pairs, with the exception of Mitchell and Rinconada Park, with
7 and 9 tennis courts, respectively. These concentrations of tennis
courts provide a higher capacity for play and the potential to host
tournaments.
Play Areas 29
14
28
22
10
39
2
Basketball Courts
Tennis Courts
Rectangular Sports Fields
Diamond Sports Fields
Picnic Areas
Rectangular and Diamond Sports Fields Pools*
The City owns, manages and maintains dozens of rectangular and
diamond sports fields located throughout the City. Rectangular
fields accommodate a variety of sports, including soccer and
football. Diamond fields are designed for particular levels of
baseball or softball play. Most of the higher-level sports fields are
concentrated adjacent to Cubberley Community Center or in field
complexes such as the Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields and the
El Camino Park sports fields. The City also maintains sports fields
Dog Parks 3
Community Centers 3
Community Gardens
Interpretive Centers
*Two pools at the Rinconada Aquatic Center
4
3
16
5
Packet Pg. 66
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
on several School District sites. Some of the sports fields have
lighting that allows for extended play in the evening, a feature that
increases the playable time on a field but is not appropriate for all
locations. In addition to the formally developed sports fields, many
parks feature a large multi-purpose turf area that functions as a
sports field for league and casual sports activities. Reserved use of
fields and tennis courts is governed by the City’s Field Use Policy,
which specifies the preference for local youth play and limits private
use.
Picnic Areas
Most of Palo Alto’s parks also include at least one picnic area.
Most of these are small clusters of tables intended for first-come-
first-served use. Foothills Park, Rinconada Park and Mitchell Park
have designated picnic areas that are available for reservation to
accommodate larger gatherings.
Off-Leash Dog Areas
Three off-leash areas are provided for park users to exercise and
socialize dogs. All three sites, Mitchell Park, Hoover Park and Greer
Park, are separated and fenced (per City policy) to keep off-leash
dogs away from other users and areas of the parks.
Community Gardens
The City also provides four community gardens, two in parks
(at Johnson Park and Eleanor Pardee Park), one adjacent to the
Rinconada Library, and one adjacent to the Ventura Community
Center. These facilities are separated into plots and assigned
(based on an application and permitting process) to individuals for
gardening edible and decorative plants.
Swimming Pool
The Rinconada Pool, located in the park of the same name, is the
City’s only public pool facility. This outdoor facility includes a wading
pool with spray and waterfall features, a small slide and a zero-
depth “beach” area. A second pool features fourteen lanes and two
diving boards. These facilities offer recreational swimming, lessons
and private pool parties through the spring, summer and late
summer and lap swimming year-round.
17
5
Packet Pg. 67
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Community Centers, Special Purpose Buildingsand Other Indoor Facilities
Palo Alto maintains both general and specialized indoor recreation
facilities. The two largest facilities are the Cubberley Community
Center and the Lucie Stern Community Center, which offer a
wide variety of programs. However, neither was designed or built
primarily as a recreation facility or to provide the mix of programs
they currently offer. The majority of the Cubberley site is owned
by the Palo Alto Unified School District, with the balance owned
by the City. This site is home to a wide range of programs, largely
run by partner organizations. This facility is also home to the
only gymnasiums scheduled by the City. The future of this site
and a future redevelopment of the facilities there for school and
community use, is the subject of ongoing collaboration between
the City and the School District.
The Lucie Stern Community Center is a historic building, which
opened in 1934 and shares a campus with the Junior Museum and
Zoo, as well as the Children’s Theatre and is adjacent to Rinconada
Park. The formal ballroom and community rooms are ideal for
events and meetings of varying sizes and are used for a wide
range of indoor recreation activities, such as regularly scheduled
fitness and wellness classes. This building is also home to the
administration of Community Services and the Recreation Services
division.
The brand new Mitchell Park Community Center, adjacent to the
new Mitchell Park Library, is designed for flexibility with some
specialized spaces. The building includes a teen center that faces
the park (and the middle school beyond it) and has several large
spaces that can be configured into multiple class or meeting
rooms. An outdoor courtyard and the large El Palo Alto room host
numerous personal, business and community events.
Other buildings and major facilities are more specialized, focusing
on a narrower range of functions and representing a significant
community investment in one area. This includes the Palo Alto Arts
Center, which hosts the visual arts programming provided by the
City, as well as visitor centers and other interpretive facilities at
Palo Alto’s natural open space preserves.
18
5
Packet Pg. 68
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Recreation ProgramsPALO ALTO RECREATION
PROGRAM AREAS
• Adult Aquatics
The programming of recreation activities, ranging from sports and
fitness to specialized classes, is the most flexible and dynamic
element of the system. Many programs can be held in the most
basic of meeting rooms or outdoor spaces, making programming
the best way to utilize and activate existing facilities and spaces.
• Adult Fitness
• Adult Special Interest Classes
• Adult Sports Palo Alto benefits from a mix of public, non-profit and private
recreation program providers, each working in specific segments
of the recreation marketplace. In many cases, programming is
provided by private providers (often small businesses) within a
City of Palo Alto facility, or a City program may be held in a partner
facility such as a School District gym. These partnerships create
new opportunities to reach new participants and promote Palo Alto
as a place to learn, exercise and have fun.
• Day Camps
• Middle School Athletics
• Open Space/Outdoor
Recreation
• Youth and Teen Aquatics
• Youth and Teen Sports
• Youth and Teen Special
Interest Classes
• Youth and Teen Sports Camps
• Special Events
• Therapeutic Recreation
• Senior Programs
19
5
Packet Pg. 69
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Recreation Services
The Recreation Division of the Community Services Department
offers more than 1,300 classes, teams or camps across the
fourteen program areas. These programs served over 13,000
participants in 2014-15. Over half of this number were youth-and
teen-focused swimming programs and day camps. The Recreation
Division categorizes its recreation programs into fourteen areas, by
age and topic.
Sports programs, particularly middle school athletics and adult
sports, are operating over capacity, with full teams and waitlists
for most offerings. These programs are not easily expanded, as
they rely on limited gym and field space. Middle school athletics are
further constrained by a lack of coaches.
Other Providers
The City of Palo Alto also offers programming through other
divisions of Community Services, including the Art Center, Children’s
Theatre and Junior Museum and Zoo, and separate entities,
including the Palo Alto Library. Programs offered by these other
divisions serve thousands of additional adults, youth and teens.
FIGURE 3: PROGRAM AREAS BY NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Middle
School
Athletics
Adult FitnessYouth
& Teen
Sports
Youth Youth & Teen
Special Interest Classes& Teen
Sports
Camps Community GardensAdult
Sports
Open Space/Outdoor
Recreation
Adult Special
Interest Classes
Day
Camps
Youth &Teen
Aquatics
20
5
Packet Pg. 70
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Many of these programs have waitlists, partly because of limited
space in the specialized buildings associated with these divisions.
In addition to the City, the other major providers of recreation
programming in Palo Alto include the Palo Alto Unified School
District as well as many private businesses and non-profit
organizations who operate in partnership with the City:
• Avenidas
• Abilities United
• Ballet and Dance Studios
• Golf Pro Shop
• Community Sports Organizations (Little League, Soccer
Club, Lacrosse, Swim Club, etc.)
• Master Gardeners and Garden Shops
• Martial Arts Studios
• Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (JCC)
• Palo Alto Family YMCA
• Private Childcare Providers
• Private Gyms and Fitness Centers
• Stanford University
• University Club of Palo Alto
• Women’s Club of Palo Alto
21
5
Packet Pg. 71
CHAPT ER3
5
Packet Pg. 72
ANALYSIS &ASSESSMENT
THE MASTER PLAN WAS DEVELOPED THROUGH A
COMPREHENSIVE, DATA-DRIVEN AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED
PROCESS AND INCLUDES AN ARRAY OF ASSESSMENT, ANALYSIS
AND OUTREACH STRATEGIES. The results of the process
provide a detailed understanding of Palo Alto’s
current system of parks, trails, natural open space,
recreation facilities and recreation programs and
services. In addition, the process identifies current
and future needs of the community it serves and
opportunities for system enhancement.
5
Packet Pg. 73
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
RESIDENTS WANT A HIGH-QUALITY,
RESILIENT PARKS AND RECREATIONSYSTEM THAT EMBRACES AND PROTECTSTHE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, ADAPTSTO CHANGING NEEDS AND SERVES AGROWING VARIETY OF INTERESTS.
5
Packet Pg. 74
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
The identified needs and possible opportunities to enhance the
parks and recreation system is based on three types of data and
analyses:
1) Demographic and Recreation Trends - Quantitative
forecasts of previously published data on growth trends
in areas such as overall population and growth of key
demographic segments.
2) System Analysis - Park, facility and program inventory
data including the quantity and location of parks; field, pool
and other facility usage program registration; and other
similar inventory data.
3) Community Engagement Results - Qualitative data
compiled from the input of citizens and stakeholders
through a multitude of outreach tools.
Ultimately these data sources resulted in the “findings”
summarized in this chapter. The findings address the most notable
population-based shifts supported by population and demographic
growth forecasts that the City will need to accommodate and
respond to in the next ten to twenty years. Conclusions drawn from
the system analysis identified needs currently not being met or
that will not be met in future years and are considered gaps in the
system, or “needs” for the City. Community preferences identified
in the community engagement and outreach phase identified
areas that the City can evaluate and implement to address citizens’
“votes” in various forums provided during this study. These are
community “wants” versus demonstrated gaps or needs.
The following sections describe the analysis completed and key
findings from the process. More detailed versions of the reports
and work products summarized here can be found in the Technical
Supplement on the City website.
Demographic and Recreation Trends
The project team evaluated the existing demographic profile of
Palo Alto, including population, household characteristics and
transportation behavior, to identify patterns and trends that
influence recreation needs and preferences. In addition, this
analysis evaluated regional and national trends in health, sports,
socializing, recreation, family and urban form for their potential to
affect the direction of the Master Plan.
25
5
Packet Pg. 75
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC DATA AND TRENDS
Population
Over the past five years, Palo Alto has grown faster than projected,
with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The population of
Palo Alto in 2015, as estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau, was
66,853. Additionally, the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update (Draft
Environmental Impact Report, 2016) contemplates housing
scenarios that would exceed current total population projections,
indicating potential for an even greater rate of growth over the
life of this Master Plan. Meeting the demands of Palo Alto’s
growing population without compromising the level of service
will require significant investment in park and recreation facilities,
maintenance and programming.
TABLE 3: CITY OF PALO ALTO PROJECTED POPULATION
HighLowProjection
(Association
of Bay Area
Governments)
Projection (City
of Palo Alto
Scenario 1)
Population 2014
Population 2030
Percent Change
66,800
72,285
8%
66,800
77,100
15%
Roughly 60,000 commuters come to Palo Alto to work, along
with thousands of Stanford students, resulting in a daytime
population well in excess of the City’s resident population. Efforts
to better understand the park and recreation use patterns of this
sizable group should inform strategic planning around facilities,
maintenance and programming.
Source: City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Update Draft EIR
Housing and Income
Over half (57.5%) of Palo Alto residents live in single-family
detached homes, while over one third (37.9%) live in multifamily
units. As Palo Alto expands its housing stock, the City anticipates
that the vast majority of new housing will be multi-family units
(Comprehensive Plan Update Draft EIR, 2016). This shift to a
housing type that lacks the private open space typical of a single
family home will create an increasing need for publicly accessible
outdoor space and recreation opportunities.
Median household income in Palo Alto grew by 73% between 1990
and 2012, to $118,936 per household. However, housing costs
have also increased dramatically. The median home sales price in
Palo Alto in 2013 was more than two and a half times that of the
county median price, and rental prices in 2014 were more than
double county-wide fair market rental prices (Comprehensive Plan
Update Draft EIR, 2016). Palo Alto’s high median income conceals
the economic challenges faced by many residents spending an
increasing amount on housing. Recreation is a crucial quality of life
asset, and people with less disposable income rely more heavily on
public recreation facilities. Planning for parks and recreation should
reflect the unique local economic conditions in Palo Alto and not
rely heavily on statewide or regional data to determine income-
based trends or demand.26
5
Packet Pg. 76
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Transportation
The city has a significant share of commuters who travel by bike
(11%) and has seen a sizable increase in student ridership, with
approximately 40% of high school students and many elementary
and middle school students bicycling to school. Palo Alto can
support and expand this popular mode choice by providing safe
routes to parks and recreation facilities. In addition to providing safe
bike routes, users should be encouraged to use alternative modes
of transportation, such as the Palo Alto free shuttle, to parks and
recreation faclities.
Demographic GroupsTABLE 4: CITY OF PALO ALTO KEY AGE
GROUPS National and regional recreation trends emphasize an outdoor
lifestyle, physical and mental health, diverse options for older
adults at multiple stages of life, universal design and access for
people of all abilities and a movement to connect children with
nature. These trends point to several specific segments within the
population that require special consideration in this plan.
Age Percent
Persons under 5 years
Persons under 18 years
Persons 65 years and over
5.1%
23.3%
16.9%
While the average age of residents is increasing, the city has a
sizable population of children under 18 years of age. Seniors and
children represent the largest growth segments in Palo Alto since
1980 and stand at 17% and 23%, respectively, of the City’s total
population. These age groups are, anecdotally, high users of parks
and recreation facilities and services in Palo Alto and are the most
likely to access facilities by walking or biking.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 5-Year
American Community Survey
Youth and Teens
Palo Alto’s under 18 population has grown steadily over the past 25
years, representing the City’s fastest growing age segment (totaling
15,019 in 2010). However, PAUSD projects a downward trend
in school enrollment beginning in year 2020. Currently, PAUSD
assumptions about future new housing types and volume differ
from those used in the City’s Comprehensive Plan Update analysis,
leading to inconsistent projections regarding the future size of Palo
Alto’s school-aged population. Once the updated Comprehensive
Plan is completed it will be important to coordinate assumptions
about housing growth and student generation rates in order to plan
appropriately to serve this large segment of the population.
Efforts have grown in recent years to build stronger community
connections for area teens. Innovative programs such as Maker
Space and Think Fund teen grants (previously Bryant Street Garage
Fund) are gaining popularity. Additional programs such as The Drop
27
5
Packet Pg. 77
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
teen center and LEAP (Learning Enrichment After School Program)
are also well attended. Additional teen programs are needed
to better tailor offerings to attract broader teen participation
consistent with the goals of Project Safety Net.
PROJECT SAFETY NET
“Project Safety Net is a
collaborative community network
held together by a common
interest of fostering youth well-
being in Palo Alto. Our mission
is to develop and implement a
community-based mental health
plan that includes education,
prevention and intervention
strategies that together provide a
“safety net” for youth in Palo Alto,
and defines our community’s teen
suicide prevention efforts.”
Seniors
The senior population is large and rapidly increasing. One-half of
all Palo Alto residents are expected to be age 55 or above by 2030.
In 2000, it was projected that the senior population for Palo Alto
and surrounding cities will double between 2000 and 2020 and
will continue to grow until 2040 (Source: Avenidas), as illustrated
in Figure 4. As more seniors choose to “age in place,” programming
and services must evolve to address new demands.
Special Needs
Though the majority of Palo Alto residents with disabilities are
65 or older (2,842 people), our community is also home to an
unusually high number of special needs students (1,100 students
in PAUSD as of September 2014). These two growing population
segments call for expanded inclusion efforts related to facilities,
services and programming.
Ethnicity and Culture
Figure 5 illustrates U.S. Census data showing Palo Alto’s cultural
and ethnic diversity is steadily expanding. In the past decade, the
City’s Asian population alone grew by 10 percentage points. Of all
FIGURE 4: PROJECTED GROWTH IN PALO ALTO’S SENIOR POPULATION
Source: Avenidas
28
5
Packet Pg. 78
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Palo Altans, 31% are foreign-born and 38% speak a language other
than English at home. PAUSD data reveals that the City’s minority
population is young, with a higher rate of Hispanic/Latinos and
Asians in the school system (11% Hispanic/Latino and 39% Asian)
than in the general population of Palo Alto. Sensitivity and attention
to the needs of this growing and significant segment of the
population will require expanded outreach, partnership with PAUSD
and targeted efforts at inclusion.
System Analysis
The analysis of the system began with a site visit to each park,
facility and preserve to document and evaluate existing conditions
to develop an accurate and in-depth foundation of baseline
information. The observations recorded during these visits are
compiled within a set of existing conditions maps. These maps
include the history, a summary of features and a description
of opportunities and constraints for each site. Each map also
incorporates site-specific public input gathered through the
community engagement process. For the full set of existing
conditions maps, see the Technical Supplement on the City website.
Geographic Analysis
A geographic analysis of the parks, trails and natural open space
system evaluated walkability and accessibility. A Geographic
FIGURE 5: PALO ALTO RACE AND ETHNICITY
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
White Black or African American Indian Asian Native Hawaiian/ Two or More
Other Pacific
Islander
Hispanic or
LatinoAmericanand Alaska
Native
Races
2000 2010 2014
29
5
Packet Pg. 79
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Information Systems (GIS) model of the surrounding streets,
sidewalks, trails and pathways was constructed using ESRI
Network Analyst software to identify “walksheds” or catchment
areas for each park, reflecting the way people move through the
city. The analysis used ¼ and ½ mile travel distances, reflecting
research on the distance a typical person can walk in five and ten
minutes, respectively. This analysis refined the understanding of
the ½ mile distance often cited as walking distance and aligned
with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. The project team also
factored in physical barriers that impede access, incorporating
feedback from the public engagement process about specific
streets and intersections people report as being difficult to cross.
Figure 6, on page 32, shows the ¼ and ½ mile walksheds for all
parks in Palo Alto.
Many communities also analyze park systems using a function-
based parks classification scheme (neighborhood parks, community
parks, regional parks). However, the parks in Palo Alto serve
multiple and often overlapping functions. Community feedback
indicated that people in Palo Alto are looking for the park system
to deliver five categories of activities on a widely accessible basis,
regardless of how the park is classified functionally. The analysis
assessed the community’s access to each of these activities by
defining criteria for each category and applying the criteria to the
geographic analysis model.
The five categories of activity and their analysis criteria are
summarized below.
• Relax and Enjoy Outdoors. Palo Altans place a high value
on parks that provide a quiet and calm place to relax and
enjoy the outdoors. While most Palo Alto parks support
this activity, some parks experience noise from highway/
road traffic or from heavy sports use. Comments made by
the public on the online interactive map (and confirmed by
site visits) also identified parks without quiet areas.
• Play for Children. Children and youth were regularly cited
as one of the most important audiences for the park
system. Parks containing a playground, play area or unique
play feature (sculpture, nature play, etc.) best support this
audience.
• Throw a Ball. This activity encompasses kicking, hitting
and throwing balls and other objects such as Frisbees,
30
5
Packet Pg. 80
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
including both self-directed and league-based play. Parks
containing open turf areas, sports fields, or courts best
support this activity.
• Exercise and Fitness. Health and wellness have been
shown to be important to Palo Alto residents in this and
other planning processes. Parks with perimeter or looped
paths support both walking and running, which are the top
recreation activities both in Palo Alto and in the country.
Palo Alto’s Rinconada Pool also provides an exercise option
for swimmers.
• Gathering. The Palo Alto park system is an important
provider of space for family, friends and the larger
community to gather for picnics, social events and group
activities. Formal picnic areas, shelters and features such
as amphitheaters facilitate this activity.
GEOGRAPHIC NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The spatial analysis revealed the following:
• Most Palo Alto residents have access to a city park within
a ¼ to ½ mile. Gaps exist north of the Oregon Expressway
near Highway 101 and along Sand Hill Road near
commercial and institutional land uses. Adding additional
parks or park-like lands can improve park accessibility
for residents in these areas. Fewer neighborhoods have
activity access to all five identified activities within a ½ mile.
• Parks that offer exercise and fitness opportunities are
more common south of the Oregon Expressway. The
addition of exercise opportunities to north Palo Alto parks
should be considered.
• Dog parks are all located south of the Oregon Expressway.
Since dog owners prefer to use dog parks near their
residences, adding dog parks to north Palo Alto parks will
improve residents’ dog exercise opportunities.
• Community gardens are currently located entirely north of
Oregon Expressway The addition of community gardens
in south Palo Alto can improve garden access for those
residents.
31
5
Packet Pg. 81
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
FIGURE 6: PARK WALKSHEDS MAP
Palo Alto
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkt o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylandsLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park Ra
Pa
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchell
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center
C
C
CRobles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Park Mr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t yPearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
32
5
Packet Pg. 82
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Walksheds
1/4 Mile or Less Walkinꢄ ꢅistance
1/2 Mile or Less Walkinꢄ ꢅistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
ꢀitꢁ Park
ꢀitꢁ Natꢂral Open ꢃpace
Other ꢀitꢁ Propertꢁ
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Creeks and Channels
Water BodiesMenlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto Schools
BaylandPreserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-
Arastadero
Preserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills
FoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Sant a Clara
Cou nt y Cupertino
Date: October 2016
Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park
33
5
Packet Pg. 83
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Palo Alto does not have a public gym, and the City’s only
public pool is located north of Oregon Expressway. The
addition of a public pool or improving access to other public
or private pools should be explored to provide more access
during peak times.
Additional geographic analysis evaluated access to experiences,
natural open space and recreation facilities that were identified
as highly desired by the community during the intercept surveys.
These include:
• The experience and preservation of nature;
• Improved ease of access to natural open space preserves
(e.g., bike routes and shuttles);
• Community gardening;
• Recreation with dogs; and
• Gymnasiums and swimming pools.
Recreation Program Analysis
To evaluate the capacity of Palo Alto’s facilities and programs to
meet demand, the data on reservations, minimum participation,
program registrations and waitlists was analyzed along with
observations collected from staff and consultants. A crucial
performance indicator in recreation programming is enrollment at
or above minimum participation, which is the minimum number
of participants needed to achieve the cost recovery goals of each
class. These goals are set according to the City’s cost recovery
policy and the individual class budget. This, along with classes
indicated as full or with waitlists, provided insight into the capacity
and demand for categories and specific types of programs.
RECREATION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
• The highest participation in City programs is in sports
(adult and youth), aquatics (youth and teen) and day
camps. Continued demand for these program areas is
anticipated, and program offerings should respond to this
demand.
• The current policy of “everyone plays” is widely supported
for middle school athletics. Since limited gym and field
space makes it difficult to expand these programs, the
City and PAUSD should consider additional facilities or
improved scheduling to maximize student involvement
34
5
Packet Pg. 84
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
in these popular programs. Furthermore, a shortage of
instructors and coaches exacerbates the difficulty of
expanding these programs. Recruitment, training and
increased pay should be considered to improve the supply
of qualified instructors and coaches.
• Demand for some classes and programs varies greatly by
time of day. The program scheduling should attempt to
provide additional classes during the most popular times.
• A limited number of gymnasiums available to the
public and the lack of a City-owned gym complicate
the expansion of most sports programs. Increasing
sports facilities, sharing of facilities and adjusting facility
scheduling should be investigated.
• Academic support programs offered to youth and teens
are typically operating under capacity. Improved marketing
and updated offerings should be considered to increase
the popularity of these programs, or resources should be
shifted to other types of teen programming.
• Programs offered by the Art Center, the Junior Museum
and Zoo and the Children’s Theatre serve thousands
of additional adults, youth and teens. Many of these
programs have waitlists, partly because of limited
space in the specialized buildings associated with these
divisions. Adjusting the scheduling of current facilities and
developing access to other facilities (such as PAUSD) may
increase the number of people that can be served by these
popular programs.
Community Engagement Results
A variety of community engagement efforts, conducted at
several stages in the process, collected input from hundreds of
residents and stakeholders. The input of community members and
stakeholders guided decisions about where to focus assessment
efforts. Resident and stakeholder input highlighted the need to look
at walkability and park access, as well as access to highly desired
experiences, such as play for children. In addition, the analysis
examined equitable distribution and need for specific facilities, such
as restrooms, dog parks and community gardens, as a result of the
35
5
Packet Pg. 85
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
community interest in these features.COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
THEMESCommunity feedback largely confirms conclusions drawn from
the demographic trends analysis. The following section describes
the key topics and themes that emerged from the Master Plan
community engagement process.• Walkability and Access to
Parks and Preserves
KEY COMMUNITY TOPICS AND THEMES • Activity Access:
º Play for Children
º Exercise and Fitness
º Throw a Ball
The following topics and themes were referenced multiple times by
the community, City staff, partners and decision makers. The key
themes were critical in shaping the overall analysis of the system
and provided direction for the development of the Master Plan
principles, goals, policies and recommended actions.º Gathering
• Respondents value, support and appreciate their park
system. They recognize that it is a high-quality system.º Relax and Enjoy the
Outdoors
• Respondents believe that strategic enhancements and
improvements are needed to better meet evolving needs
and trends, adapt to growth and changing demographics
and continue to provide world-class experiences to
residents.
• Experience Nature
• Preservation of Nature
• Trail Connections
• Availability of Restrooms
• Limited land availability and high cost is seen as the major
limiting factor to pursuing new park opportunities.• Site Amenities and
Experience
• Providing accessible and safe active transportation
(walking, biking, etc.) routes to natural open space,
community centers and parks is a high priority.
• Universal Accessibility
• Enhancing physical and mental well-being is a critical
function of parks for Palo Altans. Loop trails, bicycle and
pedestrian paths to parks and places to relax are top
priorities, along with exercise equipment or additional
classes.
• Protection of nature is very important to residents. There
is widespread support for the continued protection,
enhancement and restoration of open spaces and wildlife
habitat.
• Residents want to feel connected to nature in their urban
parks. There is interest in adding nature play elements and
wildlife habitats to more traditional park settings.
• There is widespread interest in bringing community
gardens, dog parks and aquatic facilities to new areas
of the city to improve access to these amenities for all
neighborhoods.
36
5
Packet Pg. 86
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Residents strongly support improved and additional
restrooms in parks. In addition, there is a clear preference
for features and amenities that support comfort,
convenience and longer stays at parks, including water
fountains and places to sit.
• The Palo Alto community strongly supports universal
design and access, and there is interest in adding inclusive
play elements to more parks.
• Current policies that prioritize the availability of facilities
for Palo Alto residents are widely supported and
stakeholders generally agree that providing services to
local residents is a higher priority than providing regional
attractions.
• Residents would like to see enhancements to parks
throughout the City, including more types of play
experiences and environments. There is also support
for smaller, more locally focused events and programs
(e.g., movies in the park) that are held in different parks
throughout the City.
• The community strongly supports the kinds of local and
regional partnerships (particularly with the School District)
that expand recreation opportunities and services for
youth, teens and residents of all ages and abilities.
Needs and Opportunities Summary
Review of the data from the Technical Assessment and Analysis
and the Community and Stakeholder Engagement tied these two
tracks of the Master Plan process together in preparation for
Developing and Prioritizing Projects. As described in Chapter 1,
this process produced a detailed reference matrix (with supporting
documentation) identifying needs and opportunities across the
system.
The Data and Opportunities Summary Matrix included in the
technical supplement synthesizes findings from both the Technical
Assessment and Analysis and the Community and Stakeholder
Engagement tracks across nine topics:
• Current service/inventory
• Level of control
37
5
Packet Pg. 87
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Geographic analysis
• Capacity/bookings
• Perception of quality
• Expressed need
• Demographic trends
• Barriers to participation
• Projected demand
The final step of the process was to summarize opportunities
to enhance Palo Alto’s system through the addition, distribution
or modification of a particular element and component. These
actions were prioritized to develop the Master Plan’s final
recommendations, based on the constraints posed by limited land,
staff, funding and other resources in the community.
Key Findings
The review of the matrix identified groupings of opportunities
that had emerged from the many analysis and community input
activities. The opportunities were crafted into a set of twelve Areas
of Focus, which represent a major development step toward goals
for the master plan. The Areas of Focus are:
• Distributing park and recreation activities and experiences
across the city
• Improving the accessibility of the full range of park and
recreation opportunities
• Exploring new types of programs, classes, events and
activities for all ages and abilities
• Improving and enhancing community center and recreation
spaces across the community
• Enhancing capacity and quality of sports fields
• Increasing the variety of things to do in existing parks
• Enhancing comfort and making parks more welcoming
• Increasing health and wellness opportunities in parks and
programs
38
5
Packet Pg. 88
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Integrating nature into Palo Alto parks
• Improving spaces and increasing options for off-leash dogs
• Expanding the system
• Offering more of the existing programs, classes and events
The community prioritization challenge, a combination of online
survey and in-person workshop, reviewed the community’s
opinions of these areas. Participants were asked to allocate a
$10 budget across each of the areas of focus, with the amounts
allocated indicating the priority they place on a particular area.
The analysis of the results reflects the strong interest heard
throughout the process for community center space improvements,
integrating nature more thoroughly in the park system and making
parks more welcoming.
A relatively smaller number of participants placed a very high
priority (and resulting larger budget allocation) on improving options
for off-leash dogs.
These results of the community prioritization challenge provided
additional insight into the community’s opinions about the future
of Palo Alto’s parks and recreation. The full summary is available in
the technical supplement.
Figure 7 shows a sample survey question result. Full results are
available in the technical supplement.
FIGURE 7: PRIORITIZATION CHALLENGE RESULTS
39
5
Packet Pg. 89
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Opportunities for the System
Three concept maps (Figures 8-10) illustrate opportunities to
further create a multi-layered system of parklands and connections
that serves both people and natural systems. The maps can also
serve as tools for supporting decisions on individual policies,
programs and projects.
EXPAND THE SYSTEM
Figure 8 identifies areas of Palo Alto where residents lack access to
parks and natural open spaces within ¼ mile of their homes. These
“park search areas,” labeled A through E for planning purposes, will
help the City focus future park additions in neighborhoods with
the greatest need: for example, those with the highest density
and/or largest population. Meanwhile, public access to school
grounds that fall within park search areas (noted in purple) should
be maintained and expanded to better support neighborhood park
uses and enhance their natural open space value. Other City-
owned properties (noted in brown) may represent future park
opportunities, but nearly all of these lands fall outside of the park
search areas.
CONNECT THE SYSTEM
A selection of Palo Alto’s existing and planned bikeways and
pedestrian routes can be leveraged to improve park and recreation
access. Figure 9 illustrates this potential network of trails and
enhanced roadways that connect neighborhoods to local and
regional parks, recreation facilities and natural open spaces.
These routes are part of the City’s adopted Bicycle Pedestrian
Transportation Plan and the Santa Clara County Countywide Trails
Master Plan Update. Recommended enhanced routes, labeled
1 through 3 for planning purposes, provide main north to south
travel corridors between Palo Alto’s parks and into neighboring
communities. Regional and countywide trails like the Adobe Creek
Connector and San Francisco Bay trails provide similar travel
corridors from Foothills Park and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in
the southwest to the Baylands Nature Preserve and other shoreline
parks and natural open spaces to the northeast. Recommended
park connectors complete the network by linking the remaining
park sites.
40
5
Packet Pg. 90
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
CONNECT NATURAL SYSTEMS
Figure 10 illustrates how the same corridors recommended for
bike and pedestrian enhancements can also provide connectivity
for natural systems. Landscape design features such as increased
urban forest canopy, native species plantings and stormwater
bioswales can create safe paths of travel and provide habitat value
for local wildlife. Creek and riparian enhancements, supported
by these “pollinator pathways,” would improve water quality and
habitat connections between regionally significant habitats in the
hills and in the bay. New street and park trees would benefit areas
that currently have low tree canopy coverage, highlighted in tan.
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY SITES
In the overall context of limited land, three properties in Palo Alto
represent unique opportunities, as they are already owned by the
City and are not yet designated for a specific use. These three sites
each have unique opportunities for park development, but also
constraints. The status of each is summarized below:
• Cubberley Community Center: The City owns 8 of the 35
acres of this former high school campus and has managed
leases within the buildings with a number of community
organizations and businesses while also scheduling the
gym and field space. The City and the Palo Alto Unified
School District have agreed to jointly master plan the
redevelopment of the site by 2020.
• Foothills Park Expansion: The City acquired 7.7 acres of
land adjacent to Foothills Park and has dedicated it as an
expansion of the park. The expansion is cut off from the
developed portion of the park by the existing maintenance
facility. Discussion of the future of this site is pending the
results of the Buckeye Creek hydrology study, which will be
completed in summer 2017.
• Baylands Athletic Center Expansion: As a result of the
redesign of the Palo Alto Golf Course, 10.5 acres of land
was added to the adjacent Baylands Athletic Center site
for future recreation opportunities. Considerations for
developing this site include its relative isolation from
residences (and access through a complicated and heavily
impacted roadway exchange), its proximity to adjacent
park sites, site limitations due to wetlands and its location
below the mean projected high water line after 3 feet of
sea level rise, which could influence the type of recreation
opportunities at the site.41
5
Packet Pg. 91
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
FIGURE 8: PARK SEARCH AREAS MAP
IÆ P
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf Course
A t h e r t o n
?»E Duveneck
ElementarySchoolAEl Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k AddisonElementarySchool BCogswS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park BLytto
Plaz
Jordan
Middle
SchoolKe lo g Par
Park Ohlone
ElementaryC
Peers Park
Pa
El
ScPark ꢃearch Area Bꢄ
Lowest popꢂlation and
lowest popꢂlation densitꢁ
Cameron
Park Park D
El Carmelo
Elementary
SchoolMayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo AltoPlayingFie
t
rWerry
ParkPark ꢃearch Area ꢅꢄ
Hiꢆhest popꢂlation
Weisshaar
ParkPark ꢃearch Area ꢇꢄ
Hiꢆhest popꢂlation densitꢁRobles
Park
E
Monroe
Park%&j(
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
P o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
ArastraderoPreserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o uL o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
42
5
Packet Pg. 92
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto Airport
to
rse S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
ꢀitꢁ ParkBaylands Preserve
ꢀitꢁ Natꢂral Open ꢃpace
Other ꢀitꢁ Propertꢁ
Trails
Trailsary
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)e
a
Private Recreation
Palo Verde
Elementary
School
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
s
IÆ Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
berley
munityCenter
Schools
Menlo ParkS a n M a te oC o u n t y Atherton East Palo Alto Features
Bayland
Preserve A Park Search Areas
Monroe
ark
Priority School SitesM o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Los AltosPearson-
ArastaderoPreserve
Los Altos
Hills?»E
Foothills
Park
RanchoSan Antoniot o s Open Space
Preserver a C o u n t y
S a n t a C l a raC o u n t y Cupertino
Date: October 2016
Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park
43
5
Packet Pg. 93
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
FIGURE 9: BIKEWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES MAP
IÆ P
E a s t
P a l o A l t o 3 Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside ParkA t h e r t o n 1
?»E Johnson
Park Baylands
AthleticCenter
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El PaloM e n l o P a r k 2
Alto Park Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg ParkPark
3 Seale
ParkPeers Park
1 Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah WallisCameron
Park Park 2
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
PlayingFields
Mit
ParWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
CommunityCenter Robles
Park
BolPark Briones Park
Monroe
Park%&j(
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
P o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
ArastraderoPreserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o uL o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
44
5
Packet Pg. 94
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto Airport
to
rse S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
ꢀitꢁ ParkBaylands Preserve
ꢀitꢁ Natꢂral Open ꢃpace
Other ꢀitꢁ Propertꢁ
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)eale
ark
Private Recreation
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Ramos
Park
Mitchell
Park IÆ Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Cubberley
CommunityCenter
Schools
Menlo ParkS a n M a te oCo u n t y Atherton East Palo Alto Enhanced Bikeway Features
1 Recommended Enhanced Bicycle
and Pedestrian RoutesBayland
Preserve Recommended Park Connectors
Regional and Countywide Trails
(Adobe Creek Connector,
San Francisco Bay Trail)
Monroe
ark M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastadero
Preserve Los Altos
Hills?»E
Foothills
Park
RanchoSan Antoniot o s Open Space
Preserver a C o u n t y
S a n t a C l a raCo u n t y Cupertino
Date: July 2017
Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park
45
5
Packet Pg. 95
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
FIGURE 10: NATURAL SYSTEMS MAP
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in San Francisquito Creek:
Steelhead
California red legged frog
Western pond turtle
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside ParkShowy rancheria clover
Valley oak woodlandA t h e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
AthleticCenter
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
S a n M a t e o C o u n t y Cogswell Plaza
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg ParkPark
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo AltoPlayingFields
Mit
ParWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
CommunityCenter Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Park
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Pearson-Arastradero Preserve:
Western pond turtle
Serpentine bunchgrass
Indian Valley bush-mallow
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Foothills Park:
Western Leatherwood
Valley oak woodland
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
P o r t o l a
V a l l e y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
S a n t a C l a r a C o uL o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
46
5
Packet Pg. 96
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto Airport
o
se S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
Baylands Preserve ꢀitꢁ ParkSpecial Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in the Bayland Preserve:
Western burrowing owl
California seablite
ꢀitꢁ Natꢂral Open ꢃpaces
Other ꢀitꢁ Propertꢁ
Northern coastal salt marsh Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)eale
ark
Private Recreation
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Ramos
Park Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Cubberley
CommunityCenter
Schools
Menlo Park
on E Natural System Features
Pollinator Pathways
ks/ Riparian Enhancements
Urban Canopy Target Areas
onroe
ark M o u n t a i n
V i e w ian Connected Parks
Stanford Community Gardens
Wetland HabitatMountain
View Mean Projected High Water -
3 ft Sea Level Rise (NOAA)
os Altos
RanchoSan Antoniot o s Open Space
PreserveaC o u n t y
Regional Habitat
Connection Concept Date: October 2016
Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
47
5
Packet Pg. 97
CHAPT ER4
5
Packet Pg. 98
OUR FUTURE:PRINCIPLES, GOALS,POLICIES, PROGRAMS& PROJECTS
THROUGH THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS, THE PALO ALTO
COMMUNITY HAS DEFINED A FUTURE FOR PARKS, TRAILS,
NATURAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION. Distilled
community input and themes from the analysis
process result in principles, goals and system-wide
concepts that describe the community’s long-term
vision for the future system.
The principles and goals will be realized through the
recommended programs described in this chapter.
The recommendations were developed through an
assessment of community input and an analysis of
needs and opportunities. These recommendations
reflect both changing needs and evolving demands
for parks, trails, natural open space and recreation.
They are organized within the framework of the eight
principles and six goals, with policies and programs
following each goal.
5
Packet Pg. 99
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
A MULTI-LAYERED SYSTEM OF PARKLANDSAND CONNECTIONS THAT SERVE BOTH PEOPLEAND NATURAL SYSTEMS.
5
Packet Pg. 100
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Principles
Building on our assets, our vision for the continuing evolution of the
park system is encapsulated in the following eight principles:
•
•
Playful: Inspires imagination and joy.
Healthy: Supports the physical and mental health and
well-being of individuals as well as the connectedness
and cohesion of the community.
•
•
Sustainable: Stewards natural, economic and social
resources for a system that endures for the long term.
Inclusive: Responsive to the entire Palo Alto community:
all ages, abilities, languages, cultures and levels of
income.
•
•
Accessible: Easy for people of all abilities to use year-
round and to get to by all modes of travel.
Flexible: Supports multiple uses across time with
adaptable spaces that can accommodate traditional,
emerging and future uses.
•
•
Balanced: Is not dominated by any one type of
experience or place and includes both historic elements
and cutting-edge features, highly manicured and more
organic spaces and self-directed and programmed
activities.
Nature: Incorporates native species and habitat
corridors, and creates opportunities to learn about and
interact with nature.
Together, these principles provide the foundation for the Master
Plan.
Master Plan Goals
The input from the community, including all twelve areas of focus,
form the long-term direction for the City’s park and recreation
system. The following six goals state the outcomes and provide an
organizational structure for the policies, programs and projects that
form the recommendations of this plan:
1. Provide high-quality facilities and services that are
accessible, inclusive and distributed equitably across
Palo Alto.
51
5
Packet Pg. 101
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
2. Enhance the capacity, quality and variety of uses of the
existing system of parks, recreation and open space
facilities and services.
3. Create environments that encourage regular active and
passive activities to support health, wellness and social
connections.
4. Preserve and integrate nature, natural systems and
ecological principles throughout Palo Alto.
5. Develop innovative programs, services and strategies
for expanding the system.
6. Manage Palo Alto’s land and services effectively,
efficiently and sustainably utilizing quantitative and
qualitative measures.
Recommended Programs
The goals, policies and programs are intended to be a guide for
decision making. Choices will need to be made annually through the
City budget process, recognizing that the City has limited resources,
multiple priorities and competing resource needs. The goals, polices
and programs that follow represent a path to a preferred future.
It is aspirational, while also tangible, providing a specific menu of
potential investment and resource allocation opportunities for the
parks, trails, natural open space and recreation system. Chapter
5 provides tools and recommendations on how the community
and City can effectively evaluate options and make sound and
reliable choices to improve the parks, trails, natural open space and
recreation system.
Each goal is numbered, and under each goal a list of related
policies is provided. The policies are numbered according to goal
and ordered by letter for easy reference (1.A, 1.B, 1.C, 2.A, 2.B,
etc.). Most policies are followed by a list of programs, which have
complementary numbering (1.A.1, 1.A.2, 2.A.1, etc.). The numbering
is for reference only. Prioritization is covered in Chapter 5.
52
5
Packet Pg. 102
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 1: Provide high-quality facilities and services
that are accessible, affordable, inclusive and distributed
equitably across Palo Alto.
Policy
1.A Emphasize equity and affordability in the provision
of programs and services and the facilitation of
partnerships, to create recreation opportunities that:
•Advance skills, build community and improve the quality
of life among participants, especially Palo Alto youth,
teens and seniors; and
•Are available at a wide range of facilities, at an increased
number of locations that are well distributed throughout
the City.
PROGRAMS
1.A.1 Periodically evaluate the use and effectiveness of the Fee
Reduction Program for low-income and disabled residents.
1.A.2 Develop free or low-cost teen programs that develop
life skills and developmental assets, such as leadership,
community service and health.
1.A.3 Develop a teen advisory committee to provide feedback on
newly proposed parks, recreation and open space projects
and programs.
Duveneck
ElementarySchool 1.A.4 Partner with local recreation providers to relocate existing
programs or offer new programs in Palo Alto parks.B
Baylands Preserve
1.A.5 Recruit or develop programs for additional and alternative
sports that can take place in existing parks and make use
of existing outdoor recreation facilities. Examples include
cross country running, track and field, rugby and pickleball.
JordanMiddle
School OhloneElementaryC
ers Park
Palo Verde
ElementarySchool
eron
ꢀeld
ar
DPark s
El CarmeloElementarySchool 1.A.6 Expand offerings of preserves’ interpretive facilities to area
schools through curriculum packages (backpacks, crates,
etc.) that can be brought into the field or the classroom.
Stanford-Palo AltoPlayingFie
IÆ
erleymunityCenteroblesark
S aCno uM
n
E
1.A.7 Evaluate the geographic distribution of program offerings
and make adjustments to equally offer programs
throughout the City.
MonroePark M o u n t a i n
V i e w
Map showing geographic distribution of
program offerings
53
5
Packet Pg. 103
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
1.B Expand parkland inventory using the National
Recreation and Park Association standard as a
guide (see sidebar) for park development in Palo
Alto’s Urban Service Area. New parkland should
be added to meet and maintain the standard of 4
acres/1,000 residents. Parkland should expand with
population, be well distributed across the community
and be of sufficient size to meet the varied needs
of neighborhoods and the broader community.
Maximum service area should be 1/2 mile.
PARKLAND STANDARDS
The Palo Alto
Comprehensive plan
references (Policy C-28)
National Recreation and Park
Association standards:
• Two acres of neighborhood
parkland should be
provided for each 1,000
people; and
PROGRAMS • Two acres of district
parkland should be
provided for each 1,000
people.
1.B.1 Develop design standards for privately owned public open
spaces that clearly set the expectation for public access,
recreation activities and natural elements. .
1.B.2 Establish a system in the City’s real estate office that
identifies land being sold and reviews it for park potential,
prioritizing review of land within park search areas. (See
Figure 8: Park Search Areas Map).
1.B.3 Review all City-owned land and easements (starting in
park search areas) for potential parkland development or
connection locations. (See Figure 8: Park Search Areas Map
and Figure 9: Bikeways and Pedestrian Routes Map).
1.B.4 Examine City-owned rights-of-way (for example, streets,
which make up the biggest portion of publicly owned
land) to identify temporary or permanent areas for
improvements that connect or add recreation activity
space. (Examples: California Ave., Indianapolis Cultural Trail,
parklets).
1.B.5 Identify and approach community organizations and
institutions that own land in park search areas to create
long-term agreements and improvements for public park
space. (Examples: Friendship Sportsplex in Charlotte, N.C.,
New Riverside Park in Boston.)
Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces are
built and managed by private entities
and are required to allow public access.
1.B.6 Create usable park space, or other recreational
opportunities, on top of utilities, parking or other
infrastructure uses. (Examples: Anaheim Utility Park, UC
Berkeley Underhill Parking Structure, Portland’s Director
Park, Stanford University Wilbur Field Garage.)
54
5
Packet Pg. 104
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
1.B.7 Monitor properties adjacent to parks that are smaller than
the minimum recommended size for potential acquisition
to expand existing parks.
1.B.8 Increase collections through revised or alternative park
impact fee structures that are sufficient to expand
inventory. Develop a system to reserve funds for parkland
acquisition and proactively pursue strategic opportunities
for expansion.
1.B.9 Acquire and develop a new neighborhood park in each park
search area, starting with the most underserved areas
and targeting a central and well-connected location to
maximize access.
3 Palo AltoGolf Course
Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park 1.B.10 Develop a creek walk along Matadero Creek that links
parks and creates open space and a habitat corridor.k BayRinconada
Park Greer
ParkBowling
Green 1.B.11 Incorporate other underutilized City-owned outdoor
spaces for park and recreational programming.
gg Park
ark
3 Seale
ParkPeers Park 1.B.12 Identify and dedicate (as parkland) City-controlled spaces
serving, or capable of serving, park-like or recreational
uses, where appropriate (e.g., Winter Lodge, Gamble
Gardens, Rinconada Community Gardens, GreenWaste
Facility at the former PASCO site, former Los Altos Sewage
Treatment Plan, Kingsley Island).
1 Hoover
ParkBowden
Park
ameron
ark
Sarah WallisPark2
Mayꢀeld
ark
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitch
ParkBoulware
Park
shaar Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Policy
Inventory of well-distributed parkland
1.C Ensure the maximum distance between residents’
homes and the nearest public park or preserve is 1/2
mile, 1/4 mile preferred, that is evaluated using a
walkshed methodology based on how people travel.
PROGRAMS
1.C.1 Maintain the City’s digital map developed during this
Master Plan process, updating for new activities and
access points.
1.C.2 Establish a review step in the Planning and Community
Environment Department for any major redevelopment or
the purchase/sale of any City land in the park search areas.
55
5
Packet Pg. 105
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
1.D Adopt standard wayfinding signage for Palo Alto
parks and provide standardized directory signs for all
large parks, preserves and athletic field complexes.
PROGRAMS
1.D.1 Create and implement a signage and wayfinding program
that conveys the park system identity, incorporates art,
connects bike paths to parks and enhances the experience
of park visitors.
1.D.2 Install directional signs at parks that include the walking
time to the next nearest park or parks.
Policy
1.E Apply universal design principles as the preferred
guidance for design solutions in parks, striving to
exceed Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
PROGRAMS
1.E.1 Create a process to address adaptive program requests for
individuals with cognitive, sensory and physical disabilities
(to be coordinated with upcoming ADA Transition Plan).
Magical Bridge Playground: Universally
accessible children’s park facilities1.E.2 Adopt a standard of universal park design for accessibility
and/or upgrade play areas and picnic facilities to meet or
exceed the standard.
1.E.3 Upgrade open space trails to be more universally
accessible where environmentally appropriate.
Policy
1.F Maintain a Field and Tennis Court Brokering and Use
Policy as well as the Gymnasium Use Policy (as well
as any subsequent updates) to guide the allocation of
these recreation facilities with a preference for youth
and Palo Alto residents.
PROGRAMS
1.F.1 Periodically review the existing Field and Tennis Court
Brokering and Use Policy and Gymnasium Policy and
update as needed.
1.F.2 Develop an annual field usage statistics report, including
56
5
Packet Pg. 106
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
the number of prime timeslots that were unused due to
field condition/resting and the number of requests for field
space that were unfilled due to lack of capacity.
Policy
1.G Encourage walking and biking as a way of getting to
and from parks, supporting implementation of the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.
PROGRAMS
1.G.1 Select parks as destinations along routes for “Ciclovia” or
“Sunday Streets” type events where streets are closed
to traffic and opened up for citizens of all ages to interact
with each other through exercise, entertainment and fun.
1.G.2 Provide bike parking for cyclists as a standard feature at
parks, open spaces, preserves and community centers.
1.G.3 Provide, identify and mark “Safe Routes to Parks” from
locations such as schools, shopping centers, libraries,
after-school programs, community centers and residential
neighborhoods.
1.G.4 Educate residents about the city’s Bike Boulevards –
streets prioritized for bicycles – to promote greater use,
and plan new Bike Boulevard projects that connect parks,
open spaces and recreation facilities.
1.G.5 Identify gaps in the walking and cycling network to
improve access to parks, open spaces, preserves and
community centers, including sidewalk repairs, easements,
trail improvements/repair and improved pedestrian
visibility.
1.G.6 Collaborate with school communities to enhance routes to
schools, especially where they pass through parks.
1.G.7 Develop a regular bicycle and walking tour of Palo Alto
parks and preserves as a new recreation program. Develop
online materials for self-guided tours.
1.G.8 Improve trail connections to neighboring communities
(Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Stanford
University, Portola Valley, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View,
East Palo Alto, etc.)
57
5
Packet Pg. 107
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
1.H Incorporate cultural diversity in projects and
programs to encourage and enhance citizen
participation.
PROGRAMS
1.H.1 Conduct a survey at least every two years of cultural
groups to identify gaps, barriers to access, preferred
design and awareness in recreation programming.
1.H.2 Provide multi-cultural and multi-lingual recreation
programs, signage and educational information.
1.H.3 Encourage and provide opportunities for civic engagement
by directly connecting with cultural groups.
Policy
1.I Increase stewardship and volunteerism by creating
and promoting opportunities for youth and adults to
participate in parks, recreation, open space events,
projects and programs.
PROGRAMS
1.I.1 Create a robust volunteer recruitment and management
program.
1.I.2 Continue to offer volunteer habitat and landscape
improvement projects and support partnership
organizations that offer volunteer programs in Parks and
Open Space areas.
Volunteers assisting with maintenance
of a natural area
58
5
Packet Pg. 108
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 2: Enhance the capacity, quality and variety of uses
of the existing system of parks, recreation and open space
facilities and services.
Policy
2.A Sustain the community’s investment in parks and
recreation facilities.
PROGRAMS
2.A.1 Collaborate with Palo Alto Unified School District to
develop and implement a vision and master plan for the
future of the Cubberley Community Center.
2.A.2 Continue to program and prioritize projects for existing
facilities as identified in the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Commission report, and plan the upkeep of new facilities
as they come on line, recognizing their expected lifespan
and revising based on real-world experience.
2.A.3 Research best practices to design park and recreational
facilities that can be maintained with existing or lower
budgets.
2.A.4 Encourage residents to organize and participate in park
maintenance and cleanup events to foster a sense of
ownership, establish social connections and reduce
maintenance costs.
2.A.5 Develop a proactive Asset Management Program to
maintain existing park and recreation infrastructure.
2.A.6 Provide additional lighting to enhance park safety and
expand park use to dusk while minimizing impacts to
wildlife.
2.A.7 Find ways to mitigate conflicts between different trail
user groups, particularly in the Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve and Bol Park where mulitple types of users share
pathways.
59
5
Packet Pg. 109
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
2.B Provide opportunities for creative expression in park
and recreation facilities and programs.
PROGRAMS
2.B.1 Incorporate artists and art into youth recreation
programming, particularly day camps, utilizing the
expertise of the Arts and Sciences Division.
2.B.2 Create outdoor studios and program spaces for creating
art in parks (coordinated with the Public Art Master Plan).
2.B.3 Encourage the community to participate in more
expressive projects led by the department, such as
community mural projects in facilities, pop-up open mics
or chalk art programs in parks.
2.B.4 Continue to provide “maker” space to Palo Alto teens to
encourage creative thinking and expression.
Policy
2.C Design and maintain high-quality natural and
synthetic turf fields to support maximum use in parks
by multiple local organized sports and casual users
with areas large enough for practice or play.
PROGRAMS
2.C.1 Conduct an athletic field condition and maintenance
assessment of the City’s natural turf fields, and upgrade
fields at select parks to high-quality natural turf
standards including irrigation system upgrades, drainage
improvements, etc. The field assessment report should
include analysis and recommendations regarding the soil
profile, agronomy, irrigation systems, field slope, drainage,
field-use demand and maintenance.
2.C.2 Actively monitor and track industry developments and
the latest reputable scientific studies regarding synthetic
turf to understand the environmental and human safety
impacts of our existing synthetic turf fields.Natural and sythetic turf fields
2.C.3 Assess the type of turf (new synthetic turf product or
natural turf) that should be used when replacing an
existing synthetic turf field that is due for replacement.
60
5
Packet Pg. 110
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
2.C.4 Stripe synthetic turf fields for multiple sports to maximize
use. Whenever possible, synthetic turf playing fields should
have lights in order to maximize use of the field.
2.C.5 Collaborate with Palo Alto Unified School District to
develop and implement a design and maintenance plan for
high-quality natural and synthetic turf fields.
Policy
2.D Actively pursue adding dedicated, fenced dog parks
in multiple neighborhoods, equitably distributed
between north and south Palo Alto. The size of the
dog parks will vary but should strive to be at least 1/4
acres. Dog parks should not be placed in open space
preserves.
PROGRAMS
2.D.1 The City will evaluate and select at least six* dedicated,
fenced dog parks, equitably distributed across north
and south Palo Alto, from the following list of potential
locations:
• Eleanor Pardee Park (North, .41 Acres)
• Bowden Park (North, .37 Acres)
• Greer Park (Improve existing) (South, .87 Acres)
• Peers Park (North, .73 Acres)
• Hoover Park (Improve existing) (South, 1 Acre)
• Robles Park (South, .47 Acres)
• Mitchell Park (Expand existing) (South, 1.2 Acres)
• Kingsley Island Park (North, .27 Acres)
• Werry Park (North, .31 Acres)
• Juana Briones Park (South, .47 Acres)
• Heritage Park (North, .27 Acres)
2.D.2 Develop rules and regulations specific to dog parks
focusing on safety and limits of use.Dedicated dog park spaces
*It is acknowledged that Hoover and Greer’s current dog parks are inadequate in
terms of size, and they should not be counted in their current configuration toward
the minimum of six dog parks recommended in this program.
61
5
Packet Pg. 111
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
2.E The City will actively pursue adding park restrooms
in parks that are approximately 2 acres or larger,
have amenities that encourage visitors to stay in the
park, have a high level of use and have no nearby
restrooms.
PROGRAMS
2.E.1 Develop a restroom standard, in collaboration with the
Architectural Review Board, for neighborhood parks.
2.E.2 The City will actively pursue adding park restrooms at the
following potential locations:
• Bol Park
• Bowden Park
• Eleanor Pardee Park
• Johnson Park
• Ramos Park
• Robles Park
• Terman Park
Policy
2.F Develop additional community gardens focusing
on underrepresented areas of the City and provide
community engagement opportunities around
gardens.
Policy
2.G At least every five years, quantitatively evaluate
demand and capacity of major recreation facilities
including pools, gyms, tennis courts and teen
centers with appropriate attention to geographical
distribution in the city. Adjust plans as appropriate
to accommodate significant demographic or demand
changes.
Community gardens
62
5
Packet Pg. 112
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 3: Create environments that encourage active and
passive activities to support health, wellness and socialHEALTHY CITY /
HEALTHY COMMUNITY connections.
In 2015, the City Council
adopted a resolution Policy
3.A Implement the Healthy City/Healthy Community
resolution with the community’s involvement.
recognizing its role and
responsibility to promote
and support a Healthy City/
Healthy Community. Four
areas of action are identified
in this resolution:
PROGRAMS
3.A.1 Convene and lead a Healthy City/Healthy Community
stakeholder work group consisting of other agencies,
nonprofit organizations and citizens that supports building
a healthy community.•Healthy Culture
•Healthy Environment
•Healthy Food Access
•Healthy Workplace
3.A.2 Develop an annual plan that supports implementation of
the resolution.
3.A.3 Achieve designation as an Age-Friendly Community.
3.A.4 Add drop-in programs (free or BOOST!) focused on physical
and mental health in settings that are near home/work
and maximize the health benefits of being outside and
surrounded by nature.
3.A.5 Connect walking paths within and between parks to create
loop options of varying length that encourage walking and
jogging.
3.A.6 Enhance seating areas to take advantage of quiet spaces
or to create opportunities for social interaction.
3.A.7 Promote and enforce the ban on smoking in Palo Alto’s
parks through a marketing campaign and signage program.
3.A.8 Upgrade or add drinking fountains with water bottle filling
and water for dogs.
3.A.9 Develop adult fitness areas in parks including exercise
areas for the exclusive use of older adults (seniors).
Policy
Bicycling and walking path promoting
outdoor fitness 3.B Incorporate art into park design and recreation
programming (consistent with the Public Art Master
Plan).
63
5
Packet Pg. 113
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
3.B.1 Promote temporary public art installations in local parks.
3.B.2 Promote interactive public art features that also serve as
play features (i.e. climbable sculptural elements integrated
into the natural environment that invite touch and
exploration).
3.B.3 Update park design policies to incorporate artistic
elements consistent with the Public Art Master Plan.
3.B.4 Commission artwork that interprets local history, events
and significant individuals or represents City core values of
sustainability, youth well-being, health and innovation.
3.B.5 Bring in performance-based work, social practice,
temporary art and community art.
Public art in Palo Alto
3.B.6 Explore suitable art for preserves and natural areas.
3.B.7 Incorporate public art in the earliest stages of the design of
parks and facilities that may utilize wind direction, sunlight
and ambient sound (coordinated with the Public Art Master
Plan).
3.B.8 Install permanent and temporary installations and exhibits
in well-trafficked parks and plazas, following the guidance
of the Public Art Master Plan.
3.B.9 Integrate functional public art into play areas, seatwalls
and other built features in parks across the system.
3.B.10 Integrate art and nature into bike lanes, routes and paths
as appropriate.
Policy
3.C Require that proposed privately owned public spaces
that are provided through the Parkland Dedication
Ordinance meet Palo Alto design guidelines and
standards for publicly owned parks, allow public
access, and be designed to support recreation,
incorporate natural ecosystem elements and comply
with the policies of the Urban Forest Master Plan.
PROGRAMS
3.C.1 Develop and apply clear expectations and definitions of
public access (hours, rules) for privately owned public
spaces.
64
5
Packet Pg. 114
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 4: Protect natural habitat and integrate nature,
natural ecosystems and ecological principles throughout
Palo Alto.
Policy
4.A In natural open space, ensure activities, projects
and programs are compatible with the protection of
nature.
PROGRAMS
4.A.1 Develop comprehensive conservation plans for Baylands
Preserve, Foothills Park, Esther Clark Park and Pearson-
Arastradero Preserve to identify strategies to balance
ecosystem preservation, passive recreation and
environmental education. The protection of biological
resources from visitor use impacts shall be the priority in
the Open Space Preserves.
4.A.2 Continue to work with partner organizations to remove
invasive weeds and plant native plants and trees in riparian
and natural open space areas.
Natural open space
4.A.3 Update the Arastradero Preserve Trail Management Plan
(March 2001) and the Foothills Park Trail Maintenance
Plan (January 2002), and incorporate into in the Foothills
Park, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve and Esther Clark Park
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Project.
Policy
4.B Connect people to nature and the outdoors through
education and recreation programming.
PROGRAMS
4.B.1 Expand access to nature through elements and
interpretive features that explore ecological processes,
historical context, adjacent waterways and specific plant/
animal species that can be encountered onsite and have
elements tailored to be of interest to youth as well as
multiple ages, cultures and abilities.
4.B.2 Update or rebuild interpretive centers with modern
interactive exhibits.
65
5
Packet Pg. 115
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
4.B.3 Improve and increase access to creeks for learning and
stewardship experiences by designing access points that
minimize impact on the waterway.
4.B.4 Expand programs such as Foothills camps to connect
youth with parks year-round.
4.B.5 Partner with boys/girls scouting organizations for outdoor
education programs and/or the Junior Rangers program.
4.B.6 Expand and increase events that educate and promote
native plants, species and wildlife.
4.B.7 Provide shade for play areas, using shade trees as the
preferred solution.
4.B.8 Update and improve the Toyon Trail Interpretive Guide to
make it more engaging and educational.
4.B.9 Develop a Trail Interpretive Guide for Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve and the Baylands Nature Preserve.
Nature education programming
Policy
4.C Connect natural areas, open space, creeks and
vegetated areas in parks and on public land to create
wildlife, bird, pollinator and habitat corridors by
planting with native oaks and other species that
support pollinators or provide high habitat values.
PROGRAMS
4.C.1 Develop a map that identifies locations for habitat
corridors, including the appropriate plant palette for each
corridor.
4.C.2 Work with local environmental groups to grow native plant
species and utilize their network of volunteers to install
and maintain planted areas.
4.C.3 Establish low-impact buffer zones with native plant
species along creeks to enhance habitat value.
66
5
Packet Pg. 116
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
4.D Promote, expand and protect habitat and natural
areas in parks and open space.
PROGRAMS
4.D.1 Identify and pursue strategies and opportunities to expand
native trees and planting areas in urban parks.
4.D.2 Integrate and implement the Urban Forest Master Plan
Policies and Programs as applicable to parkland in Palo
Alto.
4.D.3 Update the preferred plant palette and approved tree
species list.
4.D.4 Collaborate with habitat restoration organizations such as
Save the Bay, Canopy and Grassroots Ecology (Acterra).
4.D.5 Replace low-use turf areas with native shrubs and
grasses, incorporating educational elements about native
habitats.
4.D.6 Support regional efforts that focus on enhancing and
protecting significant natural resources.
4.D.7 Utilizing volunteers, expand programs to remove invasive
species and to plant native vegetation in open space, parks
and creek corridors.
4.D.8 Collaborate with regional partners to control the spread of
invasive species and plant pathogens.
4.D.9 Contact partner entity (such as Stanford University)
conservation program manager before planning projects
that disturb the ground on properties they own (including
the Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields and El Camino Park)
to allow review of their habitat conservation requirements.
67
5
Packet Pg. 117
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 5: Develop innovative programs, services and
strategies for expanding the park and recreation system.
Policy
5.A Identify and pursue strategies to activate underused
parks and recreation facilities
PROGRAMS
5.A.1 Implement short-term placemaking improvements
(flexible, small scale interventions such as seating, art,
programming or planters that have minimal capital cost) to
attract users and experiment with potential longer-term
options.
5.A.2 Emphasize flexibility and layering uses (allowing for
different uses at different times of day, week, etc.) in
parks over installing fixed-use equipment and single-use
facilities.Examples of placemaking improvements
5.A.3 Expand day camp program opportunities, utilizing all
preserves and more local park sites and additional topic
areas, to meet excess demand.
5.A.4 Leverage social media and develop marketing materials
to encourage “pop-up” recreational activities in rotating
parks.
5.A.5 Create small (10-12 people) and medium-sized (20-25
people) group picnic areas that can be used for both picnics
and programming.
5.A.6 Assess high-demand park features and identify those that
can be added or relocated to low-use parks.
Policy
5.B Support innovation in recreation programming and
park features and amenities.
PROGRAMS
5.B.1 Review program data based on clearly communicated
objectives for reach, impact, attendance and financial
performance.
5.B.2 Retire, end or refresh programs that require staff, facility
and financial resources but do not achieve program
objectives, thereby freeing up resources for new programs.
68
5
Packet Pg. 118
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
5.B.3 Actively develop a small number of pilot programs each
year to test new ideas, locations and target audiences.
5.B.4 Build on partnership with Avenidas to expand
intergenerational programming as well as additional older
adult programming.
5.B.5 Expand BOOST!, the pay-per-use exercise class system to
cover fees for any drop-in classes or facility use (lap swim,
drop-in gym time, new programs in parks).
5.B.6 Set a goal of 10% new program offerings each season; new
programs should be offered based on needs assessment,
industry trends and/or class evaluation data.
5.B.7 Create a robust marketing and outreach program to
highlight new and innovative programs to community.
5.B.8 Develop short-term recreation access strategies (such
as temporary use agreements for vacant or park-like
property) and seek long-term or permanent park and
recreation space in each park search area. Actively
recruit property and facility owners to participate in the
development of the short- and long-term strategies.
5.B.9 Explore addition of intramural sports for middle and high
school students through a partnership with Palo Alto
Unified School District.
5.B.10 Provide opportunities for “pickup” or non-league sports
activities at City parks and recreation facilities.
Policy
Underhill Parking Garage at UC Berkeley
includes a full size soccer field built over
a 1,000 space, four-level parking facility
5.C Expand the overall parks and recreation system
through repurposing public land, partnering with
other organizations for shared land, incorporating
public park spaces on parking decks and rooftops, if
appropriate and using other creative means to help
address shortages of available land.
PROGRAMS
5.C.1 Explore a process to utilize and reserve select public and
private lands for “park-like” functions that allows for more
flexibility than formal park dedication.
69
5
Packet Pg. 119
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
5.D Explore alternative uses for newly acquired parkland
to optimize for long-term community benefit.PARKLET:
PROGRAMS An inexpensive infrastructure
investment that creates a
public gathering space or
small park from on-street
parking spaces.
5.D.1 Determine optimal usage for Foothill Park’s 7.7 acres of
parkland.
5.D.2 Evaluate optimal usage, including open space, for 10.5-
acre land bank created by golf course reconstruction in the
Baylands.
5.D.3 Evaluate feasible uses for the south end of El Camino Park.
Policy
5.E Explore and experiment with parklets and other
temporary park spaces for both long- and short-term
uses.
Policy
5.F Enhance partnerships and collaborations with Palo
Alto Unified School District and Stanford University
to support access and joint use of facilities, where
appropriate, for effective delivery of services and
programs.Parklet on Noriega Street in San
Francisco
PROGRAMS
5.F.1 Partner with PAUSD to open middle and high school
recreation facilities for community use (basketball,
badminton, indoor soccer, swimming pools, tennis courts)
during the evening, weekend and summer hours.
5.F.2 Develop a steering committee that consists of key
officials from the City, PAUSD and Stanford to explore
partnership agreements and connect facility managers and
programmers.
5.F.3 Increase access to PAUSD public schools (outside of school
hours) to increase the availability of recreation activity
spaces. Target school sites that are within or adjacent to
“park search areas.”
70
5
Packet Pg. 120
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
5.F.4 Explore partnerships with Stanford to create or increase
access to athletic facilities and other recreational facilities
for Palo Alto residents.
5.F.5 Develop a common reservation system for community
access to shared facilities.
Policy
5.G Pursue other/private funding sources for recreation
programming, capital improvement projects and
facility maintenance.
PROGRAMS
5.G.1 Encourage foundations to assist with soliciting
sponsorships and grants.
5.G.2 Create a more formalized annual or one-time sponsorship
program that provides the donor with marketing and
promotional opportunities.
5.G.3 Contract or add job responsibilities for managing
fundraising and developing donors for the park system to
pursue funding opportunities and sponsorships.
5.G.4 Engage non-profit friends groups to seek donor funding,
including foundation grants, corporate giving and small and
major philanthropic gifts by individuals, for priority projects
and programs.
Policy
5.H Partner with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District and other land conservation groups to expand
access to open space through new acquisitions and
improved connections.
Fitness program
71
5
Packet Pg. 121
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Goal 6: Manage Palo Alto’s land and services effectively,
efficiently and sustainably utilizing quantitative and
qualitative measures.
Policy
6.A At least every five years actively review demographic
trends and interests of the City population by
segment for critical drivers of facility usage including
schoolchildren, teens, seniors and ethnic groups, and
adjust programs and plans accordingly.
PROGRAMS
6.A.1 Create pilot recreation programs to test the public’s
interest in new types of classes, events and activities
utilizing an evaluation process.
6.A.2 Initiate a community-wide focus group on an annual basis
to provide feedback on programs, facilities and long-term
roadmaps.
6.A.3 Create a streamlined and effective quarterly survey system
that solicits feedback from customers, including program
participants, facility renters and the general community.
Policy
6.B Continue to implement the Cost Recovery Policy for
recreation programs, refining the cost and fees using
the most current information available.
PROGRAMS
6.B.1 Periodically benchmark the City’s Cost Recovery Policy
against other cities’ cost recovery models.
6.B.2 Invest in and market city facilities to increase revenue for
cost recovery.
Policy
6.C Limit the exclusive use of Palo Alto parks (booking a
park site or recreation facility or significant portion
thereof) for events by private organizations that are
closed to the general public.
PROGRAMS
6.C.1 Exclusive use of parks or athletic fields by a private party
72
5
Packet Pg. 122
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
or corporation for events that are closed to the general
public will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will
be assessed using the following criteria:
• No exclusive use by private parties is permitted on
peak days (e.g., weekends, holidays) or peak times
(e.g., evening hours on weekdays, 10 am – 6 pm
on weekends) as defined by Community Services
staff unless approved in advance by the Director of
Community Services;
• Private uses will be limited to a maximum of five
consecutive days, including event set-up and break-
down;
•For any multi-day private event including set up and
break-down, notice of the private event will be made
to the neighboring community and facility users, a
minimum of 14 days in advance allowing for public input
prior to the permit being issued;
• Cost recovery, including wear and tear on facility should
be 100%.
• Explore establishing incremental deposits and fees for
such use.
6.C.2 Exclusive use of parks or athletic fields for locally focused
events that allow registration by the general public (e.g.,
races, obstacle course events, triathlons, etc.) may be
considered by staff if consistent with this Master Plan.
6.C.3 Exclusive use of certain sites and facilities within parks,
such as reservable picnic areas, is permitted in accordance
with the City’s Park and Open Space Regulations.
6.C.4 Events that allow public access are permitted in
accordance with Special Event Permit procedures.Solar installation
Policy
6.D Periodically review and update existing guidance for
development, operations and maintenance of Palo
Alto’s parks, trails, natural open space and recreation
system based on the best practices in the industry
and this Master Plan, including:
•
•
•
•
•
Park Rules and Regulations;
Open Space Policy & Procedure Handbook;
City of Palo Alto Landscape Standards;
City of Palo Alto design guidelines and standards; and
Tree Technical Manual.
73
5
Packet Pg. 123
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
6.E Incorporate sustainable best practices in the
maintenance, management and development of open
space, parks and recreation facilities where consistent
with ecological best practices.
PROGRAMS
6.E.1 Increase energy efficiency in Palo Alto parks, including
allocating funding to retrofit facilities for energy efficiency
with increased insulation, green or reflective roofs and
low-emissive window glass where applicable.
6.E.2 Conduct energy audits for all facilities, establish an energy
baseline for operations, benchmark energy performance
against comparable facilities and implement energy
tracking and management systems for all park facilities
and operations.
6.E.3 Select Energy Star and equivalent energy-efficient
products for park equipment purchases.
Palo Alto park maintenance
6.E.4 Expand the collection and use of solar power (parking lots,
roofs) and other renewable energy sources at parks and
facilities (e.g. pools).
6.E.5 Provide convenient and well-marked compost and
recycling receptacles throughout the park system, in
recreation facilities and at special events.
6.E.6 Ensure that trash, recycling and compost receptacles have
covers to prevent wildlife access to human food sources.
6.E.7 Review purchasing policies and improve employee
education to reduce overall consumption of materials
throughout the system.
6.E.8 Procure environmentally preferable products (as required
by the City’s Environmentally Preferred Purchasing policy)
as the “default” purchasing option.
6.E.9 Initiate composting of green waste within the park system.
6.E.10 Work with Public Works to replace the vehicle fleet with
electric vehicles whenever practical.
6.E.11 Install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at park
facilities with parking lots.
6.E.12 Enforce a “No Idle” program with vehicles and other gas-
powered equipment.
74
5
Packet Pg. 124
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
6.E.13 Conduct water audits for all parks and recreation facilities
and park operations.
6.E.14 Install high-efficiency urinals, toilets, sinks and showers in
all facilities.
6.E.15 Extend recycled water use to more park sites.
6.E.16 Explore stormwater runoff capture opportunities in parks
for recycling in irrigation.
6.E.17 Ensure irrigation systems on public landscapes (including
those expanding the use of recycled water) are run by a
smart controller and/or sensors and that staff are trained
in programming them.
6.E.18 Link all park facilities to a centralized irrigation
management system to maximize water use efficiency.
6.E.19 Promote urban greening by integrating storm water
design into planting beds, reducing irrigation and providing
interpretive information about park contributions to city
water quality.
Example of urban greening/green
infrastructure
6.E.20 Train City maintenance staff and include specific standards
and expectations in maintenance contracts for the
care of low-water, naturalized landscapes, natural play
environments and other new types of features in the
system.
6.E.21 Ensure project designs for new facilities and retrofits
will be consistent with sustainable design principles
and practices. This includes evaluating all projects
for opportunities to implement green stormwater
infrastructure such as bioswales, stormwater planters,
rain gardens, permeable pavers and porous concrete and
asphalt.
6.E.22 Identify locations and develop swales, detention basins
and rain gardens to retain and treat storm water.
75
5
Packet Pg. 125
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
6.F Strengthen the Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
policy as written. While some parks may be managed
as “pesticide free” on a demonstration basis, IPM
should continue to be Palo Alto’s approach, grounded
in the best available science on pest prevention and
management.
PROGRAMS
6.F.1 Periodically review and update the IPM policy based on
best available data and technology.
Policy
6.G Strategically reduce maintenance requirements at
parks, open spaces, natural preserves and community
centers while maintaining Palo Alto’s high quality
standards.
PROGRAMS
6.G.1 Locate garbage and recycling receptacles in a single
location that is easily accessible by maintenance staff and
vehicles.
6.G.2 Explore high capacity, compacting and smart garbage and
recycling receptacles that can reduce the frequency of
regular collection.
6.G.3 Select standardized furnishing palettes for durability,
vandal-resistance and ease of repair.
Policy
6.H Coordinate with and/or use other relevant City plans
to ensure consistency, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Baylands Master Plan;
Urban Forest Master Plan;
Urban Water Master Plan;
Accessible garbage and recycling
receptacles
Long-term electric acquisition plan (LEAP);
Water Reclamation Master Plan;
Recycled Water Project;
76
5
Packet Pg. 126
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
•
•
•
•
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan;
Comprehensive Plan;
Public Art Master Plan; and
Others adopted in the future.
Policy
6.I Continue to engage other relevant City departments
and divisions in planning, design and programming,
drawing on the unique and specialized skills and
perspectives of:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
City Manager’s Office;
The Palo Alto Art Center;
Library, including Children’s Library;
Junior Museum and Zoo;
Children’s Theatre;
Public Art;
Transportation;
Urban Forestry;
Planning;
Public Works; and
Palo Alto Youth and Teen Leadership.
Policy
6.J Participate in and support implementation of regional
plans related to parks, recreation, natural open space
and trails, such as:
•
•
•
•
2014 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Vision;
Santa Clara County Countywide Trails Master Plan;
Clean Bay Pollution Prevention Plan; and
Land Use near Streams in Santa Clara County.
77
5
Packet Pg. 127
CHAPT ER5
5
Packet Pg. 128
IMPLEMENTATIO
N
OVER THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS
MASTER PLAN WILL INCLUDE AN ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS
INITIATED BY CITY STAFF WITH GUIDANCE AND LEADERSHIP
FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (PRC) AND
CITY
COUNCIL. Palo Alto’s dedicated community advocates
and partner organizations will also play an important
role in ensuring the proposed programs and projects
align with the needs of the community. Many
projects, such as large capital projects, will require
long-term strategic thinking and development of
funding strategies. Strategic planning for these long-
term, high-capital projects will occur concurrently
with the annual review process.
The annual review process described in this chapter
involves implementing projects and programs
described in Chapter 4 through an annual cycle of
reviewing, planning, implementing and reporting.
These programs have undergone review by the
public, staff, PRC and City Council during the
development of this Master Plan. Although the
tools in this chapter are designed to work with Palo
Alto’s existing budget and capital improvement plan
processes, there may be instances where a strategic
action or proposal does not fit into the normal
budget process. In these cases, it will be necessary
for a separate PRC and City Council review and
approval process.
5
Packet Pg. 129
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
CREATE ENVIRONMENTS THAT
ENCOURAGEREGULAR ACTIVE AND PASSIVE
ACTIVITIES
5
Packet Pg. 130
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
The focus of discussion in this chapter includes:
•
•
•
A prioritization process to create and update the annual action
plan;
An evaluation process to consider new projects or programs
proposed in the future; and
A methodology for measuring the effective and efficient
implementation of the Master Plan.
Prioritization
This plan is intentionally ambitious, to reflect the high standards
of the Palo Alto community. Not all of these projects will move
forward immediately, and the City needs to have a method of
prioritization. This process of prioritization is designed to inform the
projects that move forward first and to help guide implementation
throughout the life of the Master Plan.
Prioritization Process
The prioritization process applies a set of criteria drawn from the
extensive community input during the master planning process.
These criteria are applicable to the entire range of projects and
programs and reflect both the Master Plan principles and goals.
When considering the priority of projects and programs and the
order in which they are implemented, the following set of criteria
will be used as a guide to identify the benefit to the community and
parks system in relation to other projects and programs. Proposed
projects and programs will be ranked using a range of low, medium
and high on how well the programs meet the criteria. These criteria
will not provide a numerical score but will inform staff, the PRC
and the Council how a particular program could serve community
needs. Projects and programs will be evaluated against criteria
to identify the benefit to the overall system in relation to other
programs. Staff, PRC, and ultimately the City Council will determine
the final order of implementation as part of the established Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) and operating budget process. The
criteria are defined below:
• Fill existing gaps: Bring recreation opportunities (parkland,
facilities, programs) to areas of the City and to users where
gaps were identified.
• Respond to growth: Add features or programs and/or
modify or expand components of the system to prepare
81
5
Packet Pg. 131
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
for and address increasing demand.
• Address community preferences: Target the highest
priority types of projects and programs identified through
citywide outreach.
• Maximize public resources: Create the most benefit for
each dollar of capital and operating expenditure possible.
• Realize multiple benefits: Advance the principles of this
Master Plan as well as the goals, projects and directions of
other adopted City efforts.
HIGH-PRIORITY PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
There are some programs and projects that we know today are
high-priority needs and/or opportunities. The list below reflects
those priorities as identified in the Master Planning process.
The priorities were developed with feedback from the Parks
and Recreation Commission, community, stakeholders and City
staff and priorities include a summary of planning effort, capital
cost (funding), annual operating cost, time frame and urgency
for each. The programs and projects have been arranged from
high to low urgency with the projects divided into two groups: 1)
large-scale projects that will require more study and a long-term
planning and funding strategy and 2) those projects that can be
initiated immediately, usually of smaller scale and lower funding
requirements. While all the projects and programs that appear on
this list are considered a priority, completion of large-scale capital
projects will require efforts over the life of the plan, with several
steps beginning in the near term and continuing through planning,
design and ultimately construction.
Projects (High to Low Urgency per group)
Major projects needing further study and strategic funding
• Enhance existing sports fields
• Plan, design and construct 10.5-acre site in Baylands for
park uses
• Plan, design and redevelop Cubberley Community Center
• Plan, design and construct a new public gymnasium
• Improve the Rinconada Pool Facility
• Incorporate 7.7-acre site into Foothills Park
• Acquire new parkland in high-need areas
• Improve golf course facility
82
5
Packet Pg. 132
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Projects ready in the short term
• Develop conservation plans for open space preserves
• Develop new dog parks in underrepresented areas
• Construct new restrooms in parks
• Incorporate sustainable practices in the maintenance and
management of parks, open space and recreation facilities
• Exceed Americans with Disabilities Act requirements in
parks
• Improve trail connections and access
• Develop adult fitness areas in parks
• Integrate nature into urban parks
• Develop new community gardens in underserved areas
• Enhance seating areas in parks
• Create wayfinding signage of safe routes to parks
Programs
• Establish and grow partnerships and identify and cultivate
potential park and recreation donors
• Collaborate with School District to increase access to
playgrounds, gyms and other school facilities
• Expand recruitment and training of coaches and
instructors
• Expand aquatics programs
• Expand programs for seniors
• Expand non-academic programs for teens
• Provide intramural sports program for middle and high
school students
• Invest in staff training to enhance therapeutic and inclusive
program development
• Increase the variety of activities available in parks
• Encourage unstructured play at parks and community
centers
• Connect youth, teens and families with nature
• Expand programs related to health and wellness
• Pilot temporary/pop-up programming in parks
83
5
Packet Pg. 133
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
• Expand community-focused special events
• Offer cultural enrichment programs
IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS
Each priority program or project is described and evaluated based
on the following five factors:
1. PLANNING EFFORT represents the amount of time, effort
and cost associated with planning the project and could
include community outreach, budget and resource allocation,
environmental review and PRC and Council approval.
2. CAPITAL COST provides an indication of the magnitude of
capital cost to implement the project, shown by dollar signs
as follows:
• $ (<$250,000)
• $$ ($250,000 to $1,000,000)
• $$$ ($1,000,000 to $5,000,000)
• $$$$ (>$5,000,000)
3. ANNUAL OPERATING COST estimates the added annual
operating cost once the project is in place, also indicated by
dollar signs as follows:
• $ (<$5,000)
• $$ ($5,000 to $25,000)
• $$$ ($25,000 to $75,000)
• $$$$ (>$75,000)
4. TIME FRAME indicates whether project activity will occur in
the near, mid, or long term. All the following projects identified
as priorities will require attention in the near term, although
some are major projects and will not be completed for years.
Some projects can be both planned and constructed in the
same year, while others will take years longer to complete.
Additionally, some projects will require different actions
throughout the life of the project.
This Master Plan looks at three time frames for
implementation. All of the high-priority projects identified
will require attention in the near term. Some projects can be
initiated and completed within a single time frame. However,
84
5
Packet Pg. 134
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
many will be ongoing or will require different actions across
multiple time frames. Actions related to identified priorities
will be integrated into City planning within the structure of
each time frame described below.
• Near-Term (0-5 years): The City’s CIP includes capital
projects planned for a five-year period. As each year’s
projects are completed, the annual budgeting process
includes the addition of another year on the rolling five-
year CIP. New projects identified in the Master Plan will be
proposed through the annual CIP process. Programs can
be implemented sooner, as funding is available.
• Mid-Term (6-10 years): In the mid-term, more of the
new ideas generated in this plan will be cycled into the
CIP process, and preliminary work will advance the larger
capital projects. New programs will be established enough
to evaluate, and new ideas can continue to be added.
• Long-Term (11-20 years): The long-term timeline includes
projects that require significant up-front work and
planning, represent long-term, ongoing investments or
demand extraordinary funding strategies. Several projects
may not be completed until this time frame; however, all
will have been initiated and incorporated into the planning
structure in a previous time frame.
5. URGENCY indicates the level of need. All projects within this
Master Plan have a demonstrated need, but the level of
urgency varies based on the availability of a particular amenity
or program as compared to the demand. Urgency can also be
a consideration of time sensitivity. For example, if a project
will influence or guide future operations, such as development
of open space conservation plans, that project would have
a high level of urgency. A project could also be considered
high urgency if failure to act results in a missed opportunity,
such as purchase of an available open parcel that could be
dedicated as parkland.
PLANNING EFFORT
Low to High
CAPITAL COST
$ to $$$$
OPERATING COST
$ to $$$$PROJECT AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
The following pages provide information about proposed programs
and projects and assign the appropriate criteria for prioritization to
each of the programs and projects. The graphic on the left indicates
the ranges of each factor that will be seen in this section.
TIME FRAME
Near, Mid, or Long
URGENCY
Low, Medium, or High
85
5
Packet Pg. 135
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Major projects that need further study and
strategic funding
(Arranged from High to Low Urgency)
Enhance existing sport fields PLANNING EFFORT
High
CAPITAL COST
$$$
OPERATING COST
$$$
With current high demand, heavy wear and potential future growth,
improving and maintaining the City’s large open play fields with
limited resources (water & maintenance budget) requires a clear
plan to maintain quality and longevity. The following steps are
recommended for Enhancing Existing Sport Fields:
TIME FRAME
Near (Study and Planning)
Near to Long (Construction)
URGENCY
• Hire a sport field turf consultant, review and analyze the
existing City sport fields and make recommendations on
how to improve and maintain them to increase quality and
use. (Near Term)High
• Develop an ongoing capital fund project that focuses on
enhancing the fields consistent with the field analysis
study. (Near to Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Outreach to sport field users and interested parties for
private donations
86
5
Packet Pg. 136
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Plan, design and construct 10.5-acre site in
PLANNING EFFORT
High
Baylands for park uses
The development of the 10.5-acre Baylands site will require a long-
term planning and funding effort. Because Palo Alto is a built-out
city with limited areas to expand the park system, the planning of
the project should take into account the location of the site in the
Baylands and should start in the near term to establish the site
design and cost to complete this large project. The planning effort
will focus on the design of the site with direct community input.
Staff will strategize options for phasing and funding the project
in the near term and establishing a schedule for implementation.
Some of the possible concepts for the use of this site that came
from the public outreach include athletic fields and native habitat.
CAPITAL COST
$$$$
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near (Planning and Design)
Near to Mid (Construction)
URGENCY
High
The following steps are recommended for the development of the
10.5-acre site:
• Hire a consultant to study the location and provide a
recommendation how to use the site for both athletic use
and native habitat use. (Near Term)
• Establish a phasing plan for the project for
implementation.
• Implement the recommendations of the study.
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Outreach to sport field users and interested parties for
private donations
• Native habitat and restoration grants
87
5
Packet Pg. 137
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Plan, design and redevelop Cubberley
Community Center PLANNING EFFORT
HighCubberley Community Center currently sits on a 35-acre site, of
which 8 acres are owned by the City and the remaining 27 acres are
owned by the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). The City
leases the PAUSD’s 27 acres and operates the community center
on the combined 35-acre site. The City and PAUSD have committed
to jointly develop a plan for the future of the entire Cubberley
Community Center site that represents the administrative,
educational and community needs of the School District and the
City. Planning and design of the site will require an assessment
of the current and projected future needs of the community with
respect to education and recreation. Information and data gathered
as part of this Master Planning effort and the Citizens Advisory
Committee process will help to inform the needs assessment for
Cubberley. Future renovations will provide increased and enhanced
services to the community.
CAPITAL COST
$$ to $$$$
OPERATING COST
$$ to $$$$
TIME FRAME
Near (Planning and Design)
Mid to Long (Construction)
URGENCY
High (Planning and Design)
Medium to High (Developing)
The following steps are recommended to support the future
implementation of this project:
• Formalize an agreement between the City and School
District will for future development and renovation of the
site. (Near Term)
• Prepare a comprehensive master planning study for the
site, including a needs assessment. (Near Term)
• Develop a funding strategy for implementation of the
Master Plan. (Near Term)
• Develop a long-range implementation plan. (Near to Mid
Term)
• Implement the master plan. (Mid to Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
• Consider the passing of a bond
• Grants
88
5
Packet Pg. 138
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Plan, design and construct a new gymnasium
PLANNING EFFORT
High
CAPITAL COST
$$$$
OPERATING COST
$$$$
TIME FRAME
Mid (Planning and Design)
Long (Construction)
URGENCY
Currently the City of Palo Alto has no gymnasiums of its own. A
gymnasium at the Cubberley Community Center is the main gym
utilized by the City, but is owned by Palo Alto Unified School District
and operated by the City through a lease agreement. The middle
school gyms are used for middle school athletic programs, while
the Lucie Stern Community Center and Mitchell Park Community
Center are utilized for a variety of physical and social activities.
As of means of responding to growth and to maintain, expand
and provide future programming, at least one multi-purpose
gymnasium is recognized as a community need.Medium (Planning and
Design)The following steps are recommended in the future renovation and
development of this site:Medium (Developing)
• Consider a gymnasium as part of the planning effort for
the Cubberley Community Center and determine if it is
compatible with the development direction of the site or
if another separate location should be considered. (Near
Term)
• Develop a funding strategy for implementation of a new
gymnasium, or multiple gyms in one building if funding
allows. (Near Term)
• Plan and design. (Near to Mid Term)
• Construct gymnasium project. (Mid to Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Park impact fees
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
• Consider the passing of a bond
• Grants
89
5
Packet Pg. 139
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Improve the Rinconada Park pool facility
PLANNING EFFORT
High
CAPITAL COST
$$$$
OPERATING COST
$$$$
TIME FRAME
Mid (Planning and Design)
Long (Construction)
URGENCY
The pool facility at Rinconada Park is the only City-owned pool
facility. During its operational season the pool is in high demand
from the community and local swim groups. To meet growing
demand, a programming policy to open the pool for a longer
season and extended times is being explored. Along with increased
demand comes the needs for pool facility improvements. The
existing lap pool is undersized to meet demand in both overall
size and swimming length, falling a few feet short of a regulation
pool length. The existing locker room and restroom facilities are
small and lack separate areas for children, families and adults.
Appropriate pool facility improvements were identified in the
Rinconada Master Plan. They include:
Medium (Planning and
Design)
Medium (Developing)
• Expanding and reconfiguring the existing lap pool,
• Fully remodeling the existing locker room and restroom
building,
• Adding a much-needed community room for meetings and
training, and
• Expanding the deck area around the pool for seating.
The following steps are recommended in the future renovation and
development of this site:
• Develop a funding strategy for implementation of a full
pool remodel. (Near Term)
• Plan and design. (Near to Mid Term)
• Remodel Rinconada Pool. (Mid to Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Park impact fees
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
90
5
Packet Pg. 140
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Incorporate the 7.7-acre site into Foothills
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium to High
CAPITAL COST
$$$ to $$$$
OPERATING COST
$
Park
The development of the 7.7-acre site at Foothills Park will require
a long-range planning and funding effort. The planning of the
project should start in the near term to develop the site design
and identify funding to complete this large project. The planning
effort will focus on the design of the site with direct community
input. As a precursor to the project, a hydrological study of Buckeye
Creek will be completed (September 2017) to understand how the
solutions to the Creek’s erosion problem frame the possible uses
for the 7.7-acres. Staff will research options for funding the project
in the near term and establish a schedule for implementation.
Public recommendations for possible uses of the site ranged from
restoring the site to developing it for some form of recreation.
TIME FRAME
Near (Planning and Design)
Near to Mid (Construction)
URGENCY
High (Opening Area to Public)
Low (Developing)
The following steps are recommended for the future renovation
and development of this site:
• Hire a consultant to recommend options and pricing for
restoring the 7.7-acre site. (Near Term)
• Establish a phasing plan for the project for
implementation. (Near Term)
• Develop a funding strategy. (Near Term)
• Implement the recommendations of the study. (Near to
Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Park impact fees
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
• Grants
91
5
Packet Pg. 141
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Acquire new parkland in high-need areas
PLANNING EFFORT
High
CAPITAL COST
$$$$
Expand parkland inventory in Palo Alto’s Urban Service Area where
gaps exist geographically as illustrated in the Park Search Areas
System Concept Map (Figure 8).
While this is a long-term effort, there are short-term strategies
and actions needed to achieve results. Based on the goal, policy
and program described in Chapter Four 1.B.1-12, some near-term
actions include review of all City-owned land and easements
(starting in park search areas) for potential parkland development
or connection locations, and evaluation of City-owned or controlled
spaces serving, or capable of serving, park-like or recreational uses
for potential dedication as parkland.
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
High (Funding Strategy)
Medium (Implementation)
The following additional steps are recommended for acquiring new
parkland:
• Develop and implement a strategy to build up funding
sufficient for future parkland acquisitions.
• Review all City-owned property in the high-needs areas
for parkland potential.
• Develop a process to review and pursue potential
properties available for acquisition or long-term lease for
park purposes.
• Review options to increase development fees to facilitate
future acquisitions.
• Identify undeveloped properties in high-needs areas and
pursue purchasing or long-term lease agreements with
the owner.
• Develop a process to accept private donations and
bequests of money for parkland.
The following steps are recommended to gain community access to
additional parkland through partnerships:
• Collaborate with the School District to make school
grounds open space available for use by the surrounding
communities during non-school hours.
• Contribute to planning, funding and maintaining the
construction of park elements on school grounds in
collaboration with the School District to ensure community
access and provide needed park amenities to high-needs
areas.
92
5
Packet Pg. 142
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Park impact fees
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
• Consider the passing of a bond
• Grants
Golf course facility improvements
PLANNING EFFORT
High
CAPITAL COST
$$$
OPERATING COST
$$$
TIME FRAME
Mid (Planning and Design)
Long (Construction)
URGENCY
The pro shop, clubhouse and parking lot facilities were not included
in the scope of work of the newly renovated golf course. Each of
these facilities needs improvements to maintain the viability of
the overall golf course facility. Improvements would include a full
remodel of the existing clubhouse and pro shop building with an
expansion of a larger multi-purpose room that could be used for
community and private events. Reconfiguration of the large asphalt
parking lot to create a better entry statement when arriving to the
golf course facility is also necessary.
Medium (Planning and The following steps are recommended for improvement of the golf
course facility:Design)
Medium (Developing)
• Hire a golf course consultant to review and analyze the
existing facilities and make recommendations on how to
improve quality and overall use, along with an operating
cost study that reviews potential improvement options for
generating revenue. (Near Term)
• Establish a phasing plan for the project for
implementation.
• Implement the recommendations of the analysis and
study.
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
93
5
Packet Pg. 143
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Projects ready in the short term
(Arranged from High to Low Urgency)
Develop conservation plans for open space
preserves PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
$$
OPERATING COST
$ to $$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
High
Comprehensive conservation plans are necessary to develop
guiding principles and best management practices for holistic
management of Palo Alto’s open space preserves and to balance
ecosystem protection, environmental education and passive
recreational uses. Conservation plans will be completed for the
Baylands, Foothills Park, Pearson-Arastradero, and Esther Clark
Preserves and will provide City staff, the Parks and Recreation
Commission and City Council with clear direction on how to manage
Palo Alto’s open space preserves using an ecosystem-based model
that considers both conservation and recreation goals of this
master plan.
Develop new dog parks in underrepresented PLANNING EFFORT
Mediumareas
There are currently three dog parks in Palo Alto, all of which are
located south of Oregon Expressway. The lack of dog parks on
the north side of the City, together with the prevalence of people
allowing dogs to run off-leash outside of designated dog parks
in parks and on school property, underscores the need for more
off-leash dog parks in the near term. Locations for dog parks have
been strategically selected at certain parks and planning efforts are
underway. Existing park features such as native trees, public art
and playground equipment as well as community feedback all will
be considered when planning for the construction of a dog park.
The addition of dog parks will be phased and is proposed to occur in
the near- and mid-term.
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
High
Construct new restrooms in parks PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
$$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
High
Through this planning process, the community generally came to
a consensus that restrooms make sense in parks with amenities
that draw people, especially children and seniors, and encourage
them stay at the park for a span of time. Though there have been
varying opinions regarding specific sites, additional review will be
conducted to site restrooms and identify security measures such
as automatic locking mechanisms and lighting, addressing some of
the concerns related to restrooms.
94
5
Packet Pg. 144
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Incorporate sustainable practices in the
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
$ to $$
OPERATING COST
0 to $
TIME FRAME
Near (Strategic Plan)
Ongoing (Implementation)
URGENCY
maintenance and management of parks, open
space and recreation facilities
Staff responsible for the care of Palo Alto’s parks and open space
will commit to staying current with sustainable practices. As part
of this effort, staff will develop a strategic plan for incorporating
sustainable practices for maintenance and management of parks,
open space and facilities, including updating current practices.
Maintenance staff will consult with the City’s Sustainability
Department to discuss how they can help meet the sustainable
goals of the Sustainability Master Plan (under development as of
the adoption of this Master Plan), and to develop measures for
tracking the adoption of sustainable maintenance practices.
High
Exceed Americans with Disabilities Act
requirements in parksPLANNING EFFORT
Low The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides regulations that
inform and guide the amenities and design of parks and requires
an ADA Transition Plan to remove barriers that may prevent people
with disabilities from fully enjoying the City’s parks and recreation
services. The ADA requirements represent the legal minimum that
is required. Feedback from the community during the Master Plan
process was supportive that Palo Alto seek, when possible, to
exceed ADA minimums and strive for universal accessibility, where
people of all abilities can utilize and enjoy parks. During all parks-
related capital improvement projects, staff will not only update
amenities and design to current ADA standards, but will also seek
opportunities to achieve universal access. This will occur in the near
term and will be ongoing.
CAPITAL COST
$ to $$$
OPERATING COST
$ to $$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Medium to High
95
5
Packet Pg. 145
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Improve trail connections and access
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
$ to $$$
OPERATING COST
$ to $$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Improving trail connections and access to parks and open space
areas was identified as an important priority by the community.
Linkages to parks also promote the “Green Necklace” vision for
the City and allow regional connections to adjacent cities and open
natural areas. Staff will utilize existing capital improvement projects
as a platform on which to improve trail connections into parks,
access and connections between parks and between multi-modal
trails. They will also seek to provide linkages to regional trails
and neighboring agency sites. In addition, staff will identify trail
connections and improvements that will require new individual
capital projects, up to and including purchasing land, and will
propose those through the City’s CIP process.
Medium
Develop adult fitness areas in parks
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Medium to Low
Health and fitness is a priority for the Palo Alto community and an
important reason for park use. Palo Alto can help support health
and wellness for adults and older adults, a population segment that
is growing, by providing outdoor fitness options, especially in close
proximity to playgrounds, creating a multi-generational playground.
These adult fitness areas can take on a variety of forms: from
outdoor workout equipment areas (free weight and cardio
machines) to simple open rubber surface areas for open activity
(e.g., yoga, meditation, weight and cardiovascular training). These
spaces will be designed for both individual use and group gathering
and as a means of activating a park, and will be a high-value, simple
addition during park renovation projects.
Integrate nature into urban parks
PLANNING EFFORT
Low to Medium
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
This project includes converting areas in parks, usually turfgrass
that is not used for recreation, into native plantings (e.g. riparian,
grassland or oak woodland) or a specific habitat planting (e.g.,
pollinator, hummingbird or butterfly). This type of project may also
include bioswales designed to maintain on-site drainage and create
habitat, and may even include aspects of a natural play area.
Low to High (Depends on
drought status)
96
5
Packet Pg. 146
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Develop new community gardens in
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
underserved areas
Community gardens provide a place for healthy outdoor activity,
social gathering and community connections. Ultimately,
community gardens should be evenly distributed throughout the
park system. Staff will look for opportunities to add community
gardens when parks are renovated, looking for underutilized
turfgrass or planting areas as potential locations for community
gardens. In addition, staff will seek to expand the variety of
community gardening opportunities, by considering children’s or
inclusive garden plots or even entire community gardens.
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Low
Enhance seating areas in parks
PLANNING EFFORT Seating is an important part of creating a welcoming park
environment and was identified as a priority by community
members during the outreach process. When park renovations
occur, staff will identify opportunities to enhance seating areas
(making them more comfortable and functional) or provide
additional seating. Enhancements may include providing more
seating, providing additional seating options (e.g., movable seating,
artist-designed or embellished benches), and creating enclosures
to define the seating area as a low-activity area used for urban
retreat.
Low
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Low
97
5
Packet Pg. 147
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Create wayfinding signage showing safe
routes to parks PLANNING EFFORT
Medium to High
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Wayfinding signage is a means of connecting and expanding the
park system. Wayfinding signage designed to direct the community
to designated safe routes between parks will help provide
linkages between all of Palo Alto’s open spaces, which will in turn
expand the system. The Community Services, Public Works and
Transportation departments will work together to establish these
safe routes and engage the community for wayfinding and route
options. Future infrastructure development of these safe routes
may also include the addition of park-like features along the length
of the route to further expand the park system.
Low
The following steps are recommended for wayfinding signage
showing safe routes to parks:
• Hire a consultant to put together a proposed signage
design, layout and phasing for the project. (Near Term)
• Work with City, the community and stakeholders to
develop the overall safe routes to parks plan. (Near Term)
• Develop a funding strategy for implementation. (Near
Term)
• Implement the design. (Near to Long Term)
FUNDING OPTIONS
• Capital improvement funds
• Park impact fees
• Outreach to the general community for private donations
• Grants
98
5
Packet Pg. 148
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Programs
Establish and grow partnerships and identify
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near
and cultivate potential park and recreation
donors
In collaboration with the Friends of Palo Alto Parks and the Palo
Alto Recreation Foundation among other partners, Palo Alto will
develop a marketing campaign to engage members of the public
to volunteer and contribute financially to the improvement and
expansion of Palo Alto’s parks, open space and recreation programs
and facilities.URGENCY
High
Expand recruitment and training of coaches
PLANNING EFFORT
Low to Medium
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
and instructors
Palo Alto staff will develop a system and strategies to broaden
the recruitment and training of coaches and instructors, including
exploring public/private partnerships, to meet the programming
demands of the City and to ensure staffing of high-quality, qualified
coaches and instructors.
High
Expand aquatics programs
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near
Community feedback has consistently shown that residents
want more pool access during the day and into the spring and fall
seasons. Both recreational swimming and swim lessons are in
high demand, and added pool hours would allow more aquatics
programs to occur. City staff will provide expanded programs and
explore new aquatic programs, such as water polo and water
fitness classes, that would add to the diversity of programming.
URGENCY
High
99
5
Packet Pg. 149
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Collaborate with School District to increase
access to playgrounds, gyms and other school PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
facilities
City staff will work with PAUSD to increase access to playgrounds,
gyms and other school facilities. Staff will concentrate on specific
locations in the city with limited park space with the intent of
ensuring access to school open areas and playgrounds during non-
school hours, and establishing a gym use agreement for additional
City programs and activities in school gyms during non-school
hours.
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near
URGENCY
Medium
Expand programs for seniors
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near
With the population of older adults and seniors in Palo Alto
projected to be on the rise, Palo Alto will need to adjust program
offerings to meet demand, especially programs tailored to the
needs of active seniors. This may include both indoor and outdoor
activities. Staff will also coordinate with Avenidas as an important
part of the planning effort to ensure that redundancy is minimized
and enhancements are based on needs and gaps in the current
level of service.URGENCY
Medium
Expand non-academic programs for teens
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near
Palo Alto will implement recreation programs and services to
provide additional opportunities for teens to explore a wide
variety of non-academic interests in an accessible, relaxed
and fun environment. Examples of current programs include
the MakeX maker space, Think Fund Grant program and the
counselor-in-training program. Enhancing and expanding these
types of programs is important to provide balance in the busy and
demanding lives of teens.URGENCY
Medium to High
100
5
Packet Pg. 150
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Provide intramural sports program for middle
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
and high school students
Intramural sports provide the opportunity for children to learn
a new sport, develop social skills, practice teamwork and build
friendships. They also promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Palo
Alto will explore creating an intramural sports program for middle
and high school students. Implementation of intramurals will
require coordination with PAUSD and would require additional field
and gym space.
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
Medium
Invest in staff training to enhance therapeutic
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
and inclusive program development
The Palo Alto community highly values accessibility and inclusion.
Community Services will expand therapeutic and inclusive
programming, including increasing funding for staff training in this
area.
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
Medium
Increase the variety of activities available in
PLANNING EFFORT
Low to High
CAPITAL COST
$ to $$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
parks
When renovating parks, Palo Alto staff will explore adding
both active and passive spaces and elements to increase the
variety of activities that can be experienced in a particular park.
Recommended additions to a park should consider the user groups
of the parks as well as different age groups. Further engagement
of the community should be considered. Examples of potential
elements include: outdoor gathering areas, small-scale active
spaces (bocce, pickleball courts), and quiet retreat spaces.Low
101
5
Packet Pg. 151
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Encourage unstructured play at parks and
community centers PLANNING EFFORT
Low to Medium
CAPITAL COST
N/A to $
OPERATING COST
$ to $$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
Providing spaces and programs, both indoors and outdoors,
where children can play in a less structured format, away from
electronic devices, encourages creativity and problem solving and
fosters social connections with other youth. Palo Alto will support
unstructured play, such as providing space for “pick-up” games,
providing sports equipment in parks and gyms, and offering
programs with minimal direction and oversight.
Low
Connect youth, teens and families with nature
PLANNING EFFORT
Low
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near
Parks and open space preserves provide a direct connection to
nature. Connecting people to nature provides benefits to physical,
emotional and mental health and encourages preservation and
environmental education. Palo Alto will provide more programs
that focus on nature or take place in natural settings, and that are
geared toward specific age groups and families, enhancing the
community’s connection to nature.
URGENCY
Low
Expand programs related to health and
wellness PLANNING EFFORT
Low to Medium
CAPITAL COST
N/A
OPERATING COST
$ to $$
In recent years, Council has identified healthy city and healthy
community as a Council priority. Efforts underway include the
Healthy City Healthy Community Initiative, an annual health fair,
fitness classes and programs specific to teens. Palo Alto will
develop additional programming to encourage a healthy city and
community on an annual basis based on community need.
TIME FRAME
Near
URGENCY
Low
102
5
Packet Pg. 152
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Pilot temporary/pop-up programming in parksPLANNING EFFORT
Low to Medium
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
TIME FRAME
Near to Mid
URGENCY
Low
Palo Alto staff will develop a program series that would bring
activities to parks. Further review to identify locations for potential
pop-up programming sites will be carried out by Community
Services staff, who will also schedule and promote pop-up
programs. Examples of pop-up programs include: play activities;
fitness activities such as yoga or tai chi; nature-oriented programs
such as bird watching and park tree walks, or arts-related activities
such as painting or music.
Expand community-focused special events
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
Palo Alto will develop a yearly community survey to determine
the popularity of current special events and explore possible
new events. Staff will use survey results to pilot new events and
determine the feasibility of continuing these in the future.
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Low
Offer cultural enrichment programs
PLANNING EFFORT
Medium
CAPITAL COST
$
OPERATING COST
$
Community Services will develop cultural enrichment programs
that celebrate the diversity of Palo Alto’s community. This will
create opportunities for the community to come together and share
their distinct cultural backgrounds.
TIME FRAME
Near to Long
URGENCY
Low
103
5
Packet Pg. 153
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Action Plan
The complete set of projects and programs identified during the
Master Plan process are summarized in a working document called
the Action Plan. The Action Plan is maintained separately from
this Master Plan document and is designed to adapt and change
with the completion of projects, passage of time and shifting
funding opportunities. Each project and program is described in
terms of location, the relevant element of the system and the
plan framework reference (which policy the project or program
originates from). The action plan also indicates the anticipated
year(s) of implementation and the total estimated costs (capital
and operational). Capital costs are broken down between planning/
design and the implementation of the project. Operation costs
are further clarified by the staff time required per year of project
implementation.
The action plan allows a comprehensive look at the projects and
programs resulting from this Master Plan. Each year, as the next
year is added to the CIP, the Action Plan will feed a new set of
projects based on the timelines as they have evolved. Further, new
projects will continue to be added to the Action Plan, using the
prioritization process described earlier in this chapter.Shown below are examples of action
plans ( top: program) (below: projects)
104
5
Packet Pg. 154
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Funding Today and Tomorrow
The City of Palo Alto uses a minimum of seven funding sources
for the majority of its capital, operational and recreation program
funding:
• General Fund
• Consumer and Participant Fees
(which go to the General Fund)
• Parkland Dedication Fees
• Development Impact Fees
• Public Private Partnerships
• Grants
• Donations
These funding sources are defined and described in Appendix D:
Existing Funding Sources.
There are limitations (both statutory and in practice) on the use
of many of the existing funding sources. Table 5 summarizes
TABLE 5: FUNDING
APPLICABILITYEXISTING FUNDING
SOURCE
CAPITAL OPERATIONAL/
PROGRAMMING
GENERAL FUND
PARKLAND DEDICATION
FEES
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
FEES
PUBLIC PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIPS
GRANTS
DONATIONS
KEY
ELIGIBLE
LIMITED
NOT ELIGIBLE
105
5
Packet Pg. 155
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
the existing funding sources by their applicability to capital and
operational projects and programs.
In addition, Palo Alto’s Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission
(IBRC) process established a schedule to “Keep-Up” with the
current maintenance needs of City-owned parks, facilities and
open space. The Commission also identified maintenance needs
that had not been planned and the cost and schedule to “Catch Up.”
City Staff has utilized the IBRC process over the past five years to
schedule needed maintenance and have greatly reduced the “Catch
Up” items.
Potential Funding Options
Although there are multiple funding sources for capital and
operating projects and programs, there remains a gap in funding.
While the total capital funding needed for new projects is
substantial, the limited options currently available for maintenance,
operations and programming funding is a bigger constraint on
achieving the Master Plan goals. The potential for a funding method
to expand funding for maintenance, operations and programming
should be carefully considered as the City explores options to fill
the funding gap.
EXPAND EXISTING FUNDING OPTIONS
One important option is increasing the amount of funding from
existing sources. The General Fund could be expanded by increasing
revenue generation.
• Parkland dedication fees could be reevaluated to ensure
the rates are keeping up with land costs.
• Development impact fees could be increased through
action by the City Council.
• Donations and grants could also be expanded with effort
by the City.
• Public-private partnerships could include allocating staff
time, creating a new position focused on expanding these
sources, or hiring a consultant experienced with grant
writing.
• Participation and membership fees could be evaluated
to increase cost recovery and to help pay for new and
enhanced programs and services.
106
5
Packet Pg. 156
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
EXAMPLES OF PAST SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS
Heritage Park
In 2007, the Friends of Heritage Park gave the City a donation
of $197,572 to contribute toward a capital project to build the
Heritage Park Playground. The City contributed $75,000 toward
the project. Council approved a limited-term agreement with
the Friends of Heritage Park to design, construct and install the
playground facilities and other improvements at Heritage Park.
Magical Bridge Playground
The City partnered with the Friends of the Magical Bridge to
design and build Palo Alto’s first “inclusive” playground at Mitchell
Park. The City contributed the land and $300,000 to the project
for planning and design purposes, while the Friends contributed
approximately $3.5 million for construction. A grant was also
secured for $80,000 for improvements to the pathways that lead
to the playground. The playground opened to the public in April
2015 and is a regional draw, winning several design awards and
high praise from the community.
Lytton Plaza Renovation
The City formed a public-private partnership with the Friends
of Lytton Plaza to renovate Lytton Plaza. The Friends donated
$750,000 for the renovation of the plaza. The project was
completed in December 2009.
Acquisition of new park land at the Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
The City contributed $1,110,305 along with $2,592,210 in grant
money for the acquisition of 13-acre open space Bressler Property
from the Peninsula Open Space Trust. In October 2002, the
Peninsula Open Space Trust purchased a 13-acre property from the
Estate of Jacqueline Bressler with the intent of holding the parcel
for open space purposes until the City of Palo Alto could purchase
the property. The City acquired the Property and added it to the
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in 2005.
Save the Bay Partnership:
The City partnered with Save the Bay in 2001 in order to
accomplish the shared goal of restoring sensitive wetland
habitat at the Baylands Nature Preserve. Annually, Save the Bay
contributes hundreds of hours of staff time to organize and lead
107
5
Packet Pg. 157
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
volunteer restoration programs (thirty-five per year on average)
in the preserve. Save the Bay has also fully funded the cost to
construct a native plant nursery at the Baylands to propagate
native plants that volunteers use to restore Baylands habitat. The
partnership continues to provide benefit to the sensitive habitat
at the Baylands Nature Preserve and to the Palo Alto community
members that participate in the volunteer programs.
ISSUE BONDS
There are two types of bonds relevant to the Master Plan. While
the City Council would need to initiate either type of bond, only one
method would require a public vote.
General obligation bonds are voter-approved bonds with the
assessment placed on real property. The money can only be used
for capital improvements, not for maintenance or operations. This
property tax is levied for a specified period of time (usually 15-20
years). Passage requires a two-thirds majority approval by the
voters.
Revenue bonds are sold to finance revenue-generating facilities,
such as community centers, performing arts centers and in some
cases sports complexes. The interest and capital are paid from the
revenue produced from the operation of such a facility. The City has
to guarantee repayment, meaning that if revenue from the facility
does not cover the necessary bond payments, the City will be
required to pay from another source.
CREATE A SPECIAL DISTRICT
There are several types of special districts allowable by California
law for recreation purposes.
The Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 allows any
county, city, special district, school district or joint powers authority
to establish a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District (a “CFD”)
to finance public improvements and services. The services and
improvements that Mello-Roos CFDs can finance include streets,
sewer systems and other basic infrastructure, police protection, fire
protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums
and other cultural facilities.
Formation of a CFD requires a two-thirds vote of residents
living within the proposed boundaries. If there are fewer than
twelve residents, then the vote is instead conducted of current
108
5
Packet Pg. 158
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
landowners. The assessment cannot be based on property value;
instead it is based on the size of the property or square footage
of structures. By law, the CFD is also entitled to recover expenses
needed to form the CFD and administer the annual special taxes
and bonded debt. The special assessment continues until bonds
are paid off and then is typically reduced to a level to maintain the
investments.
The Landscaping and Lighting Act permits a public agency to
assess housing units or land parcels for a variety of city services,
including parks. The assessment revenues can be used for parkland
acquisition, development and/or maintenance. The agency can
choose to use the revenue generated on a pay-as-you-go basis
or can sell bonds in order to receive a lump sum amount which
is then paid back from the annual revenue generated from the
assessment. The pay-as-you-go method provides steady ongoing
revenue to fund services. Bonding against revenue provides a
larger sum to undertake a bigger project. Establishment of a new
assessment district or revision to an existing one requires a simple
majority vote of property owners.
EXCHANGE OR SELL PROPERTY
If the City has an excess piece of property, the City could sell or
trade the property to obtain a site more suitable for park use.
COMBINING MASTER PLAN PROJECT WITH OTHER
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
As the primary part of Palo Alto’s green infrastructure, the
parks, natural open space and trails system connects to many
other city services. Some projects can be vital parts of other
infrastructure projects or be applicable for funding from sources for
transportation, stormwater, flood protection and other engineered
infrastructure projects. Combining or coupling Master Plan projects
with other infrastructure projects can reduce the costs all around,
open up new funding streams, provide mitigation and achieve
multiple objectives.
ESTABLISH AN ENDOWMENT FUND FOR MAINTENANCE
Recognizing that operations and maintenance funding is not likely
to get any easier to obtain, Palo Alto could fund, or could seek
109
5
Packet Pg. 159
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
philanthropic donations to fund, a endowment for the long-term
maintenance of parks, natural open space or recreation facilities.
This effort could be started with a smaller, targeted effort to endow
the maintenance of a specific type of facility and then grown
over time to eventually cover a significant portion of the system
maintenance.
Evaluating Future Projects
As time passes, new ideas will emerge about how to optimize an
individual site, add to the system or change the mix of recreation
opportunities. The combination of the goals (detailed in Chapter 4)
and the prioritization criteria create a framework that can be used
to evaluate future proposals for changes to the parks, trails, natural
open space and recreation system.
Review Process
Following a similar process to developing the Master Plan projects
and programs, the review process for new ideas includes both staff
and PRC review. The review process will follow the steps below.
Step 1: Staff, individual or community group proposes a project or
program.
Step 2: Staff reviews the proposal to determine if the project
aligns with the community’s vision as expressed in the Master
Plan principles and goals. If a compelling case cannot be made, the
process stops here.
Step 3: Staff analyzes need using the same categories as in the
Needs and Opportunities (see Master Plan Chapter 3):
• Current Service/Inventory
• Level of Control
• Geographic Analysis
• Capacity/Bookings
• Perception of Quality
• Expressed Need
• Demographic Trends
• Barriers to Access/Participation
• Projected Demand
110
5
Packet Pg. 160
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
In some cases, information may not be readily available for staff
to make an adequate evaluation. In these cases, staff may obtain
additional data by meeting with the proposer or with local experts,
conducting regional or national research or seeking community
input. Staff may also recommend conducting a specific technical
study. Once adequate information is gathered, staff will complete
the analysis of need and document it in a brief report. If PRC review
is needed, staff will proceed to Step 4.
• Staff makes a recommendation to the PRC. Using the
results of the analysis of need (Step 3), staff evaluates
the proposal using the prioritization criteria and prepares
a staff report to the PRC with a recommendation. Staff
may recommend that the PRC add the proposed project
or program for further development and eventual addition
to the Action Plan. Staff may also recommend against the
proposal if the prioritization scoring is low. Low scoring is
an indicator that the proposal is not a priority, compared to
all opportunities.
• The PRC considers the staff’s recommendation at a
meeting. The proposer is encouraged to attend and to
present the proposal. After consideration at the meeting,
the PRC makes a determination and directs staff how to
proceed.
For proposals recommended for further action, staff can explore
the financial and practical considerations and incorporate the
proposal into Action Plan and/or the CIP process as applicable.
111
5
Packet Pg. 161
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
Progress Reporting
Palo Alto annually collects data, both internally and from the
community, to measure and track performance, budget and
expenditures. These existing measures provide a large selection
of data points to draw from when looking at any part of the parks,
trails, natural open space and recreation system, including annual
trends. Many of the existing indicators are directly related to
Master Plan goals, while others indirectly provide valuable insight
into the progress of the Master Plan.
Palo Alto has a standing practice of reporting on the annual
National Citizen Survey1, a citizen satisfaction survey, as well as a
performance-based Citizen Centric Report2, both of which provide
data on parks and recreation programs and services. A City-wide
Performance Report that provides information to City Council,
management and the public contains information on spending,
staffing, workload and performance results. In addition, there is
internal reporting at the department level that informs program
and service delivery decisions, budget proposals and policy and
procedure changes. Below are the indicators and measures that
Palo Alto currently collects, along with additional recommended
indicators to effectively monitor and report on Master Plan
progress.
1
The National Citizen Survey™ is a collaborative effort between the Nation-al Research Center, Inc., (NRC) and the International City/County Manage-
ment Association. The NRC uses a statistically valid survey methodology to
gather resident opinions across a range of community issues, including the
quality of the community and services provided by the local government.
2 The Citizen Centric Report is a summary document highlighting perfor-
mance, financial data and an overview of the City’s economic outlook.112
5
Packet Pg. 162
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6: EXISTING
INDICATORS
Goals
Indicator Rating Source
1 2 3 4 5 6
Please rate each of the following
characteristics as they relate to Palo
Alto as a whole:
•
•
•
Availability of paths and
walking trails
Public places where people
want to spend time
Fitness opportunities (including
exercise classes and paths or
trails, etc.)
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
5=Don’t Know
National Citizen
Survey X X X X
•Recreational opportunities
In the last 12 months, about how
many times, if at all, have you or
other household members done
each of the following in Palo
Alto?
1=2 times a week
or more
2=2-4 times a
month
3= Once a month
or less
4=Not at all
National Citizen
Survey X X X X•Used Palo Alto recreation
centers or their services
Visited a neighborhood park or
City park
•
Please rate the quality of each of the
following services in Palo Alto:
•
•
•
•
City parks 1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
5=Don’t Know
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation centers or facilities
Preservation of natural areas
such as open space, farmlands
and greenbelts
National Citizen
Survey X X X X X X
•
•
Palo Alto open space
Your neighborhood park
1=Excellent
2=Good
3=Fair
4=Poor
5=Don’t Know
Please rate the quality of Palo Alto’s
trees and landscaping for Parks
National Citizen
Survey X
X
X
Suggested improvements to
Parks or Recreation Activities and
Programs (open-ended question,
which may change annually)
National Citizen
SurveyN/A X X
X
X X X
X
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
Parks/Land Maintained by
Community Services # of acres
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
Participants in community garden
program # of participants
113
5
Packet Pg. 163
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 6: EXISTING INDICATORS
(CONTINUED)
Goals
Indicator Rating Source 1 2 3 4 5 6
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
Visitors at Foothills Park # of visitors X X
X
X X
Community Services volunteer hours
in restorative/resource management
programs and neighborhood parks
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
# of hours X
X
Enrollment in recreation classes and
camps:
•
•
•
•
Summer camps and aquatics
Kids (excluding camps)
Adults
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
# of enrolled
participants X X X X X
Preschool
City of Palo Alto
Performance
Report
Participants in teen programs # of participants X
X
X
X
Amount of General Fund
expenditures spent on Community
Services
Percent of total
expenditures
Citizen Centric
Report X X X X
To track progress on Master Plan implementation, additional
specific measurable indicators that relate directly to the goals,
policies and programs were identified. These will be applied and
reported annually to the PRC, City Council and the community.
Additional indicators may be added if a need is identified by staff,
the PRC or City Council. Table 7 lists the recommended additional
indicators.
114
5
Packet Pg. 164
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
TABLE 7: RECOMMENDED
INDICATORS
Goals
Recommended Indicator
1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of park visitors X X X
Number of visits to community centers, pools and recreation sites
Diversity of participation and visitors age/culture/ abilities
Senior participation numbers in recreation programs and services
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Percent of residents satisfied or very satisfied with the affordability
of recreation programs
Percent of residents satisfied or very satisfied with the inclusivity
of recreation programs
Percent of residents satisfied or very satisfied with the accessibility
of recreation programs
Percent of residents who rate the number and variety of recreation
programs as good or very good X
X
Number of participants in outdoor education programs X X
Number of new recreation programs, events and locations piloted
Percentage of residents who live within a ½ mile distance of a City
park
Number of acres dedicated as parkland
Number of projects that improved accessibility by meeting or
exceeding American Disability Act requirements
Number of dog park users by site X
X
X
X
X
Number of timeslots used on sports fields X
XPercent of sports fields in the community available for use
Acres of new native landscape and new habitat
Number of public restrooms in parks
X
X
Percent of potable water use reduced (based on 2013 base year)X
X
Amount of funding obtained from grants, sponsorships and other
private funding sources X
Recreation Division budget that is derived from recreation fees
115
5
Packet Pg. 165
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation IMPLEMENTATION
A Message from the Parks and Recreation Commission
After almost two years of effort, outreach and collaboration we are pleased to share the City of Palo Alto’s Parks, Trails, Natural
Open Space and Recreation Master Plan (Parks Master Plan) that will guide the future of these treasured assets for the next
20 years.
Through multiple research techniques and at multiple points in this process we confirmed that Palo Alto residents cherish
their parks and recreation programs. Their feedback - corroborated by national studies - confirms that parks are highly valued
not just for their beauty or enjoyable experiences, but for a connection that is much deeper. They are valued because they
contribute directly to one’s fundamental mental and physical health, even for those who are only rare or occasional users. Palo
Alto’s parks, open space and recreation programs and facilities enhance our connections with people and nature, our sense of
community and our very quality of life.
The Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan was undertaken to ensure the City provides for the ongoing
health and well-being of all our citizens as we move into the future - and to provide the City the strategic direction for doing
so. Forecasted changes that demand proactive planning and funding strategies include an increase in Palo Alto’s population,
substantial changes in the demographic makeup of our citizens, and further competition for available land from expected office
and housing growth.
The plan identifies and addresses the current gaps in services and real needs for change such as adapting parks and programs
to a growing senior citizen population, improving access and programming to embrace all members of our diverse community,
and creating more parkland over time to handle the forecasted population increase. It also addresses preferred amenities and
enhancements to parks expressed by citizens and highlights gaps in resources available for maintenance and operations.
This process established that not only must we preserve and maintain our valued existing parks and programs, but we also
must invest in critical new projects to meet verified needs and increasing demand. This plan outlines the road map and process
to do both. Implementing the master plan will require a focused and dedicated commitment from both the City and the public,
in partnership, to fund and enhance this vital civic infrastructure.
Thank you to all who have participated - citizens, Commissioners, staff members, stakeholders, and City Council -and to those
who have invested countless hours to bring this effort to reality. The Parks and Recreation Commission calls on all Palo Altans
to help us realize the vision embodied in the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan, for this vision can
only be realized with the community’s enthusiasm and commitment.
City of Palo Alto
Parks and Recreation Commission
116
5
Packet Pg. 166
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Glossary
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Capital Project: Any physical improvement with a minimal cost of
$50,000, a useful life of at least 5-7 years, or that extends the life
of an existing asset by at least 5 years. Planning and design are
considered a part of a capital project.
Creek/Riparian Enhancement: Conceptual enhancement
opportunity for all of the creeks passing through Palo Alto.
Element: One of three divisions of the plan for analysis purposes:
parks, trails and natural open space; recreation facilities; and
recreation programs.
Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian Route: A concept to improve
routes identified in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan to
create a network of high-quality on- and off-street connections
that link parks. These routes are envisioned to have enhanced
crossings, street treatments and other improvements beyond the
bicycle infrastructure outlined in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
Streetscape and plantings are also linked to the idea of Pollinator
Pathways.
Facility: A built feature in a park or preserve that adds, supports or
enhances a recreation activity.
Goals: A broad statement of direction describing the desired end
state. Goals are qualitative in nature and collectively should achieve
the system envisioned by the principles.
Mean Projected High Water 3-Foot Sea Level Rise: The line at
which water meets the land surface at the mean high water point
projected in NOAA models for 3 feet of sea level rise.
Natural Open Space Preserve: A category of parkland that is
designated to protect and provide access to nature. The four
natural open space preserves are: Baylands Preserve (which
includes Byxbee Park), Esther Clark Preserve, Foothills Park and
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve.
Park Connector: A conceptual second tier of enhanced bicycle and
pedestrian routes that link the major routes to a few isolated sites.
Park Search Area: The inverse of the park service areas,
highlighting the areas outside of a ½-mile walk from any parkland.
These areas are the targets for strategies to add to the park
system.
117
5
Packet Pg. 167
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Glossary
Policy: A values-based framework that provides clear direction and
guides an action toward achieving the goal. Policies state what will
be done, but not how.
Pollinator Pathway: A concept for pathways, utilizing the Enhanced
Bicycle and Pedestrian Route network, that feature plantings and
tree canopy along the streetscape to enhance habitat connections
for birds and insects with multiple benefits, including enhancing
pollination.
Principles: A fundamental basis that describes a desired state or
preferred direction. Collectively, the principles articulate the Palo
Alto community’s vision for the future parks, trails, natural open
space and recreation system.
Recreation Program: A class, league, camp, tour or event that
facilitates participating in an activity.
Riparian Connected Parks: Sites with a creek (natural or
channelized) passing through or adjacent.
Universal Design: “The concept of designing all products and the
built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent
possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in
life.” - Ronald L. Mace of North Carolina State University, College of
Design
Urban Canopy Target Area: The lowest canopy coverage
neighborhoods in the Urban Forestry Master Plan (0-30%
coverage).
118
5
Packet Pg. 168
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Bibliography
Bibliography
Documents
1. Association of Bay Area Governments. “Projections and Priorities: 2009. Building Momentum.”
2. Association of Bay Area Governments. “Projections 2013.”
3. City of Palo Alto, Administrative Services Department. “2014-2015 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report.” June 30, 2015.
4. City of Palo Alto City Manager. “Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Foothills
Fire Management Plan.” May 18, 2009. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/
documents/15866
5. City of Palo Alto. “Blue Ribbon Infrastructure Advisory Committee Report: Palo Alto’s Infrastructure:
Catching Up, Keeping Up, and Moving Ahead.” December 21, 2012. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/
civicax/filebank/documents/29729
6. City of Palo Alto. “Bicycle + Pedestrian Transportation Plan.” July 2012.
7. City of Palo Alto. “Bicycle Plan Implementation Projects.” March 17, 2014. https://www.
cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/39437.
8. City of Palo Alto. “Clean Bay Pollution Prevention Plan.” February 2012. http://www.cityofpaloalto.
org/civicax/filebank/documents/28774
9. City of Palo Alto. Climate Protection Plan. December 3, 2007. www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/
filebank/documents/9986
10. City of Palo Alto. “Citizen Centric Report for Fiscal Year 2013.” March 17, 2014.
11. City of Palo Alto. “City of Palo Alto Field and Tennis Court Use Policy.” www.cityofpaloalto.org/
civicax/filebank/documents/38719
12. City of Palo Alto. City Council Informational Report. “Downtown Monitoring Report 2010-2011.”
March 5, 2012.
13. City of Palo Alto, City Manager’s Office. “Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and the
Foothills Fire Management Plan.” May 18, 2009.
14. City of Palo Alto, Community Service Department. “Adoption of Healthy Cities, Healthy Communities
Resolution.” October 26, 2015.
15. City of Palo Alto, Community Services and Public Works Department. “Parks and Recreation Master
Plan Staff Report.” October 23, 2012.
16. City of Palo Alto.” Community Services Class Cost Recovery Policy.” Adopted by Council November
26, 2007.
17. City of Palo Alto. “Comprehensive Plan Update Draft EIR: Biological Resources.” February 5, 2016.
119
5
Packet Pg. 169
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Bibliography
18. City of Palo Alto. “Comprehensive Plan Update: Population, Housing, and Employment.” August 29,
2014.
19. City of Palo Alto. “Comprehensive Plan Update: Public Services.” August 29, 2014.
20. City of Palo Alto, Department of Planning and Community Environment. “Tree Technical Manual:
Palo Alto Municipal Code, Chapter 8.10.030.” June 2001. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/
filebank/documents/6937.
21. City of Palo Alto Department of Utilities, Utility Marketing Services in cooperation with the
Department of Water Resources.“ January 2009. Landscape Standards.” http://www.cityofpaloalto.
org/civicax/filebank/documents/18226.
22. City of Palo Alto. “Development Impact Fees for Parks, Community Centers, and Libraries.” October
2001.
23. City of Palo Alto. “Development Impact Fees.” August 17, 2015.
24. City of Palo Alto. “Field and Tennis Court Use Policy.” June 2013.
25. City of Palo Alto, Finance Committee. “Proposed Changes in Development Impact Fees.” May 6,
2014.
26. City of Palo Alto. “Fiscal Year 2013 Adopted Capital Budget.” April 30, 2012.
27. City of Palo Alto. “Fiscal Year 2014 Adopted Operating Budget.” August 5, 2013.
28. City of Palo Alto. “The National Citizen Survey.” January 23, 2015.
29. City of Palo Alto. “Palo Alto Baylands Master Plan.” 4th Edition. 2008.
30. City of Palo Alto. “Palo Alto Municipal Code.” www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/
paloalto_ca/paloaltomunicipalcode?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:paloalto_ca
31. City of Palo Alto. “Performance Report for FY 2013.” March 17, 2014.
32. City of Palo Alto. “Public Art Master Plan.” Revised Draft. April 18, 2016.
33. City of Palo Alto, Public Works Department. “Management Plan for the Western Burrowing Owl,
Byxbee Park Hills.” May 2015.
34. City of Palo Alto, Office of the City Auditor. “Study Session: Service Efforts & Accomplishments
Report FY 2011.” March 19, 2012.
35. City of Palo Alto Recreation Division: Community Services Division. “Summary of Programs and
Services.” Hard copy only.
36. City of Palo Alto Safe Routes to School. “Bicycle Counts.” 2010.
37. City of Palo Alto. “Urban Forest Master Plan.” February 2015.
38. City of Palo Alto Utilities. “Urban Wastewater Management Plan.” June 2011. www.cityofpaloalto.
org/civicax/filebank/documents/27107
39. Cubberley Community Center. “Cubberley Community Advisory Committee Report.” May 2013.
120
5
Packet Pg. 170
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Bibliography
40. Fehr and Peers. ”Maybell Plan Drawings.” January 28, 2014. http://www.bpapaloalto.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/02/Maybell-drawings-01.30.14.pdf
41. Gallagher, Tim. “Developing Sustainable Park Systems in Oregon.” June 2012
42. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. “Imagine the Future of Open Space 2014 Vision Plan.”
http://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2014_Vision_Plan.pdf
43. National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) and the International City/County Management Association
(ICMA). “National Citizens Survey: City of Palo Alto 2013.” 2013.
44. Palo Alto Unified School District, prepared by Decision Insight. “Analysis of enrollment projections:
Fall 2014.” December 2013.
45. Project Safety Net. “Strategic Plan 2013-2014.” www.psnpaloalto.com/home/psn-strategic-plan/.
46. Stanford University / City of Palo Alto. “The Stanford and Palo Alto Trails Program: Connecting the
Bay to the Ridge.” Stanford University / City of Palo Alto Joint Grant Application, September 6, 2012,
Santa Clara County Recreation Fund Established by the County / Stanford Trails Agreement. http://
www.sccgov.org/sites/scc/Documents/Recreational%20Projects%20Applications/Stanford%20
and%20Palo%20Alto%20Application_Pt%203%20-%20Stanford%20Perimeter%20Trail.pdf
Databases
47. California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit: State and County Population
Projections by Major Age Groups (2010-2060). December 15, 2014.
48. California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit: State and County Population
Projections by Race/Ethnicity (2010-2060). December 15, 2014.
49. California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit: State and County Population
Projections by Total Population every 5 Years (2010-2060). December 15, 2014.
50. California Department of Finance Demographic Research Unit: State and County Population
Projections Median Age by Race/Ethnicity and Gender (2010-2060). December 15, 2014.
51. City of Palo Alto Open Data Portal http://data.cityofpaloalto.org/home
52. City of Palo Alto Recreation Registration System (2014 onward)
Websites
53. U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2012. http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/
jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml
54. U.S. Census Bureau; 2010 Census Summary. http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/
community_facts.xhtml
55. City of Palo Alto, CA. “City Sustainability Policy.” http://archive.cityofpaloalto.org/environment/news/
details.asp?NewsID=751&TargetID=59
121
5
Packet Pg. 171
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Bibliography
56. City of Palo Alto. Budget Viewer. https://paloalto.opengov.com/transparency#/329/accountType=ex
penses&breakdown=3ae92313-04df-42e6-aaf9-6428e2d2c5b5¤tYearAmount=cumulativ
e¤tYearPeriod=years&graph=stacked&legendSort=desc&month=6&proration=true&saved_
view=null&selection=F27FD044A63ADC842F2C21EB66DA828B&fiscal_start=earliest&fiscal_
end=latest
57. City of Palo Alto. “Golf Course Reconfiguration Project.” www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/golf/
new/default.asp
58. Safe Routes to School: Palo Alto. http://www.saferoutes.paloaltopta.org/
59. City of Palo Alto. “News Details: Rinconada Long Range Plan.” www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/
displaynews.asp?NewsID=1917&targetid=109
122
5
Packet Pg. 172
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Photo Credits
Photo Credits
The photos in this document were provided by the City of Palo Alto unless credited below.
Page xi
TOP: hustace_mig_santeepark_7321, MIG, Inc.
MIDDLE: P6240900, Ryan Mottau, MIG, Inc.
BOTTOM: Outdoor Fitness Machines, Barry Cawston, http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_
id=3978634
Page xii
TOP: 2012billyhustace_0812_7826_darker, MIG, Inc.
Page xiv
MIDDLE: hustace_0412_anaheimcove_0432, MIG, Inc.
BOTTOM: 8_BigBird’s Climbing Nest06, http://www.japanesesearch.com/big-birds-climbing-nest-in-
universal-studios-osaka/
Page 11
2011.05.28-027-Snowy-Egret-cedMed.jpg, Citizen Science League. http://csl.dynamicpatterns.
com/2011/05/28/nesting-season-at-the-palo-alto-baylands/
Page 54
P1030296.jpg, Advocates for Privately Owned Public Space, The Municipal Art Society of New York,
http://apops.mas.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/P1030296.jpg
Page 58
TOP: 1-2-JCWCEVENT_NaturalAreas, David F. Ashton, http://eastpdxnews.com/general-news-features/
hundreds-of-volunteers-clean-up-johnson-creek/
Page 60
BOTTOM: AA DroughtQ&A2, Andy Alfaro, http://www.modbee.com/news/article22403646.html
123
5
Packet Pg. 173
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation Photo Credits
Page 61
TOP: McAllisterdogpark, San Antonio Parks & Rec, http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/
ParksFacilities/AllParksFacilities/ParksFacilitiesDetails/TabId/3354/ArtMID/14820/ArticleID/2578/
McAllister-Park.aspx?Park=141&Facility=
BOTTOM: dog_parkrk, Username: Fidelity http://www.doggoes.com/parks/california/san-mateo-
county/foster-city-dog-park-boat-park
Page 62
TOP: Community-Garden, MIG, Inc.
BOTTOM: 6-East-Palo-Alto-United-States1, 350.org, http://lifeasahuman.com/2010/current-affairs/
social-issues/10-ways-to-celebrate-10-10-10/
Page 63
606wide, Jeff Banowetz, https://rootsrated.com/stories/new-proposed-bike-lanes-could-change-the-
way-you-ride-in-chicago
Page 64
PA7.jpg, Upper Playground. http://www.upperplayground.com/blogs/news-upperplay-
ground/15493048-brilliance-new-interactive-illuminated-sculpture-garden-in-palo-alto
Page 66
TOP: Earth Day 045, Dr. Laura Russomano, http://character.org/schools-of-character/promising-
practices-overview/promising-practices-award-winners/winners-list/promising-practices-2012/
theunis-dey/
BOTTOM: Julio great horned owl2, MIG, Inc.
Page 68
TOP: INSTALLATIONS_c984b34b42fe0469a8f60619532cfdf0, JUSTIN SAGLIO, https://www.
bostonglobe.com/arts/theater-art/2014/09/11/interactive-art-piece-swing-time-lights-
lawn/4UQQCGiRZ0lPDysO4IYxNK/story.html
BOTTOM: The porch, MIG, Inc.
Page 69
150dpiUCBUnderhill-1024wx500h.jpg, Watry Design, http://watrydesign.com/projects/uc-berkeley-un-
derhill-parking-structure
124
5
Packet Pg. 174
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space & Recreation
Page 70
3876 Noriega Street SF Devils-teeth-baking-company, MIG, Inc.
Page 73
BOTTOM: Parachute solar flowers, Garfield Clean Energy, http://www.postindependent.com/news/in-solar-energy-
rifle-shines-most-brightly/
Page 75
stormwaterplanter_residential, sitephocus.com, https://hpigreen.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/highresdownload_
highpoint-005.jpg
Title Page, Appendix B
Youth Soccer_RAM, Ryan Mottau, MIG, Inc.
125
5
Packet Pg. 175
APPENDIX
A
5
Packet Pg. 176
PARKS AND
RECREATIONFACILITIE
SINVENTOR
Y
THE FOLLOWING PAGES CONTAIN AN INVENTORY OF PARKS
AND
RECREATION FACILITIES IN PALO ALTO.
5
Packet Pg. 177
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX A: PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
PALO ALTO PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
Ownership Address/Location
City Park
Baylands Athletic Center City of Palo Alto Geng Road, off Embarcadero 6 1 1
Bol Park City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Stanford University*
Laguna between Barron and Matadero
39 Fernando Avenue
13.8
1.5Boulware Park
Bowden Park Alma Street at California Avenue
474 Embarcadero Road
2
Bowling Green Park
(Juana) Briones Park
Cameron Park
Cogswell Plaza
El Camino Park
1.9
Arastradero at Clemo Street
211 Wellesley Street
4.1
1.1
Lytton Avenue at Bryant Street
1 El Camino Real
0.5
12.19 1
3
1
5
Eleanor Pardee Park
El Palo Alto Park
Greer Park
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
851 Center Drive 9.6
0.5El Camino Real at Alma Street
198 Amarillo Street 22 1
1
Heritage Park
Hoover Park
Homer at Waverley 2.01
4.2291 Cowper Street
Hopkins Creekside
Johnson Park
Palo Alto Avenue from Emerson to Marlowe
Everett and Waverley
12.4
2.5
Kellogg Park
Lytton Plaza
Mayfield Park
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Waverly at Embarcadero Road
202 University Avenue
23 Wellesley Street
0.245
0.2
1.1
Mitchell Park City of Palo Alto 6 East Meadow Avenue 21.4
Monroe Park City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Stanford University*
Monroe and Miller Avenue
1899 Park Boulevard
0.55
4.7
4.4
19
Peers Park
Ramos Park 8 East Meadow Avenue
777 Embarcadero Road
4116 Park Boulevard
Rinconada Park
Robles Park 4.7
0.4
4.3
5.9
1 1
Scott Park Scott Street at Channing Avenue
31 StocktonSeale Park
Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields El Camino at Page Mill Road 2
2City of Palo AltoTerman Park 655 Arastradero Road 7.7 1
6
(joint shared use with PAUSD)"
Wallis Park City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Grant Avenue at Ash Street
2298 Dartmouth Street
0.3
1.1Weisshaar Park
Williams Park
(Museum of American Heritage)City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
351 Homer Ave 0.7
Werry Park 23 Dartmouth Street 1.1
Subtotal 174.08 4 11
* Leased by the City of Palo Alto. The El Camino lease expires in 2042
and the Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields lease expires in 2056.A-1
5
Packet Pg. 178
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation APPENDIX A: PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
Other Facility Description
Concessions stand/maintenance equipmentyesA
E
2
1
1 2
1
storage; restrooms equipment storage
1
1
1
2
1
perimeter trail
perimeter trail
perimeter trail
2
2
Un-channeled creek
1
1
yes
1 Bowling green
E
E
2
1
footpath 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
Wireless internet access
yes perimeter trail
connections
Community gardens, multi-purpose concrete
bowl1C
B
B
E
2 yes
yes
yes
1
Skateboard park (outdated); dog "exercise
area"2
1
1
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
1
2
3 Fenced dog run, handball court, multi-
purpose bowl1
1
2 perimeter trail
perimeter trail Community garden, sand volley ball court,
open turf153
1yes
yes
Fountain
Library1
2
1
3
Magical Bridge accessible play area, fenced
dog run, water feature, handball courts,
horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, petanque,
multipurpose bowl, fieldhouse, concession
stand/kitchen area
1 7 4 0.25 miles 6 1
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
walking path 1
2
1
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
D
E
D
E
2
9
1 1 1
1
1
2
1
Field house with restroom
T-ball field
2
1
1
1
footpath
pathway
Multi-purpose bowl
Snack shack
1 C
A
1
1yesyes
yes
1
C 2
2
4 perimeter trail
E
Museum of American Heritage
1 E 1 1
11 0 3 24 14 0 1 29 8 8 39 13 22
A-2
5
Packet Pg. 179
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX A: PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
PALO ALTO PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
Ownership Address/Location
City Open Space/Conservation Lands
Baylands Preserve (including Byxbee)
Esther Clark Preserve
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
2775 Embarcadero Road
Old Trace Road
1,986
22
Foothills Park City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
33 Page Mill Road 1,400
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Subtotal
Arastradero Road at Page Mill Road 622
4,030 0 0
4
0
3
Other Recreation Facilities in Palo Alto
Cubberly Community Center and Fields
Gamble Garden
City of Palo Alto/PAUSD
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
Palo Alto Little League
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
City of Palo Alto
4 Middlefield Road, T-2
1431 Waverley Street
250 Hamilton Avenue
13 5 Middlefield Road
3672 Middlefield Road
3800 Middlefield Road
1451 Middlefield Road
1875 Embarcadero Road
3990 Ventura Court
King Plaza at City Hall
Lucie Stern Community Center
Middlefield Ballpark
Mitchell Park Community Center
Junior Museum and Zoo
Municipal Golf Course 181
181
Ventura Community Center
Winter Lodge 3009 Middlefield Road
Subtotal 0 4 3
Palo Alto Unified School District Facilities
Barron Park Elementary School
Duveneck Elementary School
El Carmelo Elementary School
Escondido Elementary School
Fairmeadow Elementary School
Greendell Early Childhood Education Center
Gunn High School
PAUSD 8 Barron Avenue
PAUSD 75 Alester Avenue
Loma Verde Avenue
89 Escondido Road
5 East Meadow Drive
412 Middlefield Road
78 Arastradero Road
445 E. Charleston Road
48 E. Meadow Drive
75 N. California Avenue
41 Orme Street
PAUSD
PAUSD
PAUSD
PAUSD
PAUSD 1*1*
1
2*
Hoover Elementary School
JLS Middle School
PAUSD
PAUSD 3
3Jordan Middle School PAUSD
Juana Briones Elementary School
Lucille Nixon Elementary School
Ohlone Elementary School
Palo Verde Elementary School
Palo Alto High School (Paly)
Terman Middle School
PAUSD
PAUSD Stanford Avenue
PAUSD 95 Amarillo Avenue
345 Louis RoadPAUSD
PAUSD 5 Embarcadero Road
655 Arastradero Road
3990 Ventura Court
1525 Middlefield Road
1*1*2*
2PAUSD (joint shared use with City)
Ventura Community Center (building only)
Walter Hays Elementary School
Subtotal
PAUSD
PAUSD
0 0 1 8
Palo Alto Total 4384.7 4 11 22
*Use of HS fields is coordinated by PAUSD
A-3
5
Packet Pg. 180
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX A: PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES INVENTORY
Other Facility Description
yes
yes
1
1
15 miles 1
1
2
1
1
2
3
5
Nature interpretive center
Campground; large turf area; Boranda Lake
dock; nature interpretive center15 miles
yes
3
1
3
10.3 miles 1
3
Nature interpretive center
0 0 0 0
6
0 0 0 0
B yes 1
1
2
1
Theater
Historic home and garden
2
2
Community Theatre and Children's Theatre
Snack shack and scoreboard
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
E 1
2
1
1
1
8
Ice skating rink
0 0 6 1 0 0 0 4
1
1
1
1
1
1
E
E
E
E
E
E
C
C
C
C
E
E
E
E
3
2
2
2
1*yes 7 3
3
1
1
1 6
6
6
7
1
1
1
1
4
3
2
4
1*yes 7 4
C
E
5
3 1
1 3
13
25
0 2 26 56
15
0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
0 5 56 1 2 30 11 13 0 41 20 33
Quality Rating Key
“A” Facility High-quality turf, possibly with lights and few time restrictions
“B” Facility High-quality turf, no nights and few time restrictions
“C” Facility Good quality turf, no lights
“D” Facility Fair turf quality, no lights, restrictions on use time and
close proximity to neighbors
“E” Facility Low turf quality, no lights, no bathroom access and time restrictions
A-4
5
Packet Pg. 181
APPENDIX
B
5
Packet Pg. 182
GEOGRAPHI
CANALYSI
S
THE MAPPING AND ANALYSIS OF PALO ALTO’S
SYSTEM USED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
SYSTEMS (GIS) DATA ON the parks, streets, trails
and recreation facilities to evaluate the system
from the perspective of a pedestrian or cyclist. The
core of the analysis is described and illustrated in
Chapter 3. This appendix includes additional mapping
that was completed to illustrate the distribution
of components and activities that emerged as
important in the planning process. These include:
exercise and fitness; gathering; play for children;
relax and enjoy the outdoors; throw a ball; recreation
with dogs; indoor recreation, and sports courts.
Additionally, community input through the Mapita
interactive map reported a park quality rating that is
visualized in a final map.
5
Packet Pg. 183
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo A
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-2
5
Packet Pg. 184
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Menlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto
Schools
BaylandPreserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
HillsPreserve Parks with
Exercise and FitnessFoothillsPark
RanchoSan AntonioOpen Space
PreserveC o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-3
5
Packet Pg. 185
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo A
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylanLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-4
5
Packet Pg. 186
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center Menlo Park Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
San Ma teoCou nt yAtherton East Palo Alto
SchoolsBayland
Preserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo AltoStanford
University
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-
Arastadero
Preserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills Parks with
Gathering SpacesFoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-5
5
Packet Pg. 187
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-6
5
Packet Pg. 188
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (PrivateTrail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center Menlo Park Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
San Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto
SchoolsBayland
Preserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
HillsPreserve Parks with
Play for ChildrenFoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-7
5
Packet Pg. 189
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-8
5
Packet Pg. 190
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo AltoMitchell
Park
Major Highways and Freeways
StreetsCubberley
Community
Center Menlo ParkSan Ma teo Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Cou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto
Bayland
Preserve Schools
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
Hills Parks with Space to
Relax and Enjoy the
Outdoors
Preserve
FoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016
Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park
B-9
5
Packet Pg. 191
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-10
5
Packet Pg. 192
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Ramos
Park
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Creeks and Channels
Water BodiesMenlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto Schools
BaylandPreserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo AltoStanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-
Arastadero
Preserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills Parks with Space to
FoothillsPark Throw, Catch, Shoot
or Kick a Ball
RanchoSan AntonioOpen Space
PreserveC o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-11
5
Packet Pg. 193
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayfield
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-12
5
Packet Pg. 194
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Dog Recreation Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1 Mile or Less Walking Distance
Baylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (PrivateTrail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Ramos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
Streets
Mitchell
Park
Cubberley
Community
Center Menlo Park Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
San Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto
SchoolsBaylandPreserve
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
HillsPreserve Parks with Recreation
Areas for DogsFoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000 6,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-13
5
Packet Pg. 195
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo A
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylanLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-14
5
Packet Pg. 196
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Community Recreation Centers Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1 Mile or Less Walking DistanceBaylands Preserve
Other Community Services Buildings Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1 Mile or Less Walking Distance
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Ramos
Park
Trails
Trails
Mitchell
Park Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation Route
Cubberley
Community
Center Menlo Park Base Map FeaturesSan Ma teoCou nt y Atherton East Palo Alto City of Palo Alto
Major Highways and FreewaysBaylandPreserveStreets
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Schools
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-
Arastadero
Preserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills Parks with Indoor
RecreationFoothills
Park
Facilities
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-15
5
Packet Pg. 197
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo A
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
El Palo
Alto ParkM e n l o P a r k
Cogswell PlazaS a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino
Park
Williams
Park Heritage Park
Scott Park
BaylaLytton
Plaza Rinconada
Park
Greer
ParkBowling
GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
ParkPeers Park
Hoover
ParkBowden
ParkS t a n f o r d
Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park
Mayꢀeld
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerry
Park Boulware
Park
Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center Robles
Park
Bol
Park Briones Park
Monroe
Parkr
Terman
ParkS t a n f o r d
Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s
Foothills Park
BC-16
5
Packet Pg. 198
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Experience Service Areas
1/4 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1/2 Mile or Less Walking Distance
1 Mile or Less Walking Distance
Baylands Preserve
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Trails
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)
Private Recreation RouteRamos
Park Base Map Features
City of Palo Alto
Mitchell
Park
Major Highways and Freeways
StreetsCubberley
Community
Center Menlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y Creeks and ChannelsAthertonEast Palo Alto
Water Bodies
BaylandPreserve Schools
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-
Arastadero
Preserve
Los AltosLos Altos
Hills Parks with Sports
CourtsFoothillsPark
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-17
5
Packet Pg. 199
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Palo A
E a s t
P a l o A l t o Palo Alto
Golf CourseHopkins
Creekside Parkh e r t o n
23
Johnson
Park Baylands
Athletic
Center
67Eleanor
PardeeEl Palo
Alto Park
68
M e n l o P a r k 76 74 ParkCogswell Plaza
55 Williams
S a n M a t e o C o u n t y
El Camino 31 59 Park Heritage Park BaylanLytton
Plaza Rinconada
ParkPark743675 75Scott Park Greer
ParkBowling 6169
65 GreenKellogg Park
Park
Seale
71 ParkPeers Park
78 Hoover
69 ParkBowden
Park61
S t a n f o r d 62 Sarah Wallis
ParkCameron
Park64 6
74 80Mayfield
Park
Stanford-
Palo Alto
Playing
Fields
Mitchel
ParkWerryBoulware
ParkPark48 7371
72 Weisshaar
Park Ventura
Community
Center
56
Robles
Park67
76 Bol
Park Briones Park
39 Monroe
Park
78
Terman
Park
42
S t a n f o r d
73Esther Clark
Preserve L o s A l t o s
S a n t a C l a r a C o u n t y
82l a
y Pearson-
Arastradero
Preserve
L o s A l t o s
H i l l s85
Foothills Park
BC-18
5
Packet Pg. 200
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX B: GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails,
Palo Alto Airport
Natural Open Space
and Recreation
Master Plan
S a n F r a n c i s c o B a y
Park Quality
10
25
Baylands Preserve 50
75
75
100
Palo Alto Existing Parks and Open Space (2016)
City Park
City Natural Open Space
Other City Property
Trails
Ramos Trails61 Park
Stanford Perimeter Trail (Private Trail with
Public Access)Mitchell
Park Private Recreation Route
Cubberley
Community
Center
Base Map Features
49 Menlo ParkSan Ma teoCou nt y City of Palo AltoAthertonEast Palo Alto
Major Highways and Freeways
BaylandPreserve Streets
Creeks and Channels
Water Bodies
Schools
oe M o u n t a i n
V i e w Palo Alto
Stanford
Mountain
ViewPortola
Valley Pearson-Los AltosArastaderoLos Altos
HillsPreserve Overall
Park QualityFoothills
Park
Rancho
San Antonio
Open Space
Preserve
C o u n t y
Feet
6,000Sant a Clara
Cou nt y
0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Cupertino
Date: October 2016Upper
Stevens
Creek
Stevens Creek
County Park Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS and
Santa Clara County GIS
B-19
5
Packet Pg. 201
CAPPENDIX
5
Packet Pg. 202
COMMUNIT
YENGAGEMEN
T
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS COMMITTED TO
CREATING A PLAN THAT ALIGNS WITH
LOCAL
NEEDS, PREFERENCES AND PRIORITIES.Community input was integral to each phase of the
Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master
Plan development. The engagement plan was
designed to: increase community awareness of the
project; inform the community about the challenges
and opportunities of the project; provide easy
access to project information and opportunities
for participation; offer a range of communication
and engagement tools to match interests and
preferences; ensure the final Master Plan reflects
community priorities, preferences and values; and
get community buy-in to support plan adoption and
its short-, mid- and long-term implementation.
5
Packet Pg. 203
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement Activities
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT
ATo achieve these goals, the Public Engagement Plan laid out
a robust, layered outreach strategy that included a variety of
engagement tools and activities so Palo Alto residents and other
interested community members could participate in a manner
convenient and comfortable for them. There were numerous
opportunities for participation, with a variety of formats, times and
levels of interaction offered as well as both online and face-to-face
methods.
GLANCE
200+Intercept Survey
Participants
487
65
Online Map-Based
Survey Participants
PROJECT WEBPAGE Community Input
Workshop ParticipantsA Master Plan project webpage, hosted on the City’s website with a
project-specific web address (paloaltoparksplan.org), served as the
information portal and document library for the planning effort.1,100+ Online Community
Survey Participants
16 Follow-up Stakeholder
Interviews
736 Community
Prioritization Challenge
and Workshop
Participants
200+Site Concept Review
Comments
Project webpage
PUBLIC INFORMATION UPDATES
The project team disseminated public information updates through
the City’s established mailing lists, newsletters and social media
accounts. These updates informed the community about upcoming
meetings, online participation opportunities and project status.
C-2
5
Packet Pg. 204
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY
GROUPThe Stakeholder Advisory Group provided an informed sounding
board for ideas and provided updated information about related
efforts and organizations. This group was also asked to help boost
participation in other engagement activities by passing along
information to existing networks and constituent groups about the
Master Plan process. This group consisted of representatives from
local advocacy groups, recreation organizations, local employers
and landowners, community service providers and others. To
respect the time of the members of the Stakeholder Advisory
Group, the project team designed the process to solicit this group’s
input at strategic times during the project.
INTERCEPT EVENTS
During the summer of 2014, the project team and Parks and
Recreation Commission (PRC) members conducted six “intercept
surveys” to collect input from visitors outdoors at parks, farmers
markets and community events. This approach is effective at
engaging all age groups, especially families with children, and
allows for informal and educational discussions with the public. It
also facilitates interaction with people who do not typically attend
public meetings, due to schedule conflicts or a lack of awareness.
The project team selected intercept times and locations to reach
a cross-section of Palo Altans. More than 200 people learned
about the park system and the Master Plan effort and informed
the planning team about their values and motivations as related to
parks, natural open space and recreation.
ONLINE MAP-BASED SURVEY
During the summer of 2014, the project team hosted an online,
interactive, map-based survey using the Mapita application.
This tool allows community members to respond to a series
of questions and provide geographically tagged comments on
specific parks, facilities and transportation routes throughout
the City. A total of 487 respondents provided comments on park
quality, barriers to access, needs and opportunities. This effort
generated a rich data set about how people use the park system,
how they travel to the places they go, and what their experience is
like, including site-specific data. The images on the next page are
example graphics from the map-based survey.
C-3
5
Packet Pg. 205
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Site-specific comments on Bol Park from the online map-based survey
Routes to respondents’ closest park (darker lines indicate more intensely-used routes)
C-4
5
Packet Pg. 206
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY INPUT WORKSHOPS
In fall and winter 2014, the project team conducted three
interactive public workshops in different areas of Palo Alto,
attended by about 65 community members. Participants took
part in a visual preference survey about the character and design
of parks using real-time keypad polling. This activity, facilitated
in small groups, provided opportunities for in-depth discussion
of what features participants would like to protect, preserve,
improve or add to Palo Alto. The project team collected polling
data, recorded group discussion and collected additional input on
comment cards. For example, the image below shows the level
of participant support (combined from all three workshops) for a
landscape with integrated natural plantings.
ONLINE COMMUNITY SURVEY
Over 1,100 people completed an online survey developed by the
project team in close consultation with the PRC. This tool collected
data on community priorities and preferences to inform the
development of recommendations and actions. The survey was
available online and in hard copy, in both English and Spanish, from
mid-November to mid-December 2015.
Visual preference survey result from a community input workshop
C-5
5
Packet Pg. 207
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
FOLLOW-UP STAKEHOLDER
INTERVIEWSAs the planning process unfolded, the project team identified
issues for which additional knowledge from staff and community
experts would be beneficial to understanding needs and
identifying potential recommendations. Between October 2014
and March 2015, sixteen follow-up stakeholder interviews were
conducted to gather additional data and explore issues in depth.
The interviewees included City and partner staff, volunteers and
community members across a variety of topics:
• Community gardening
• Aquatics
• Cubberley Community Center tenants
• Junior Museum and Zoo
• Palo Alto Art Center
• Children’s Library
• Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
• Middle school athletics
• Palo Alto dog owners
• Avenidas
• Palo Alto Youth Council
• Boost drop-in programming
COMMUNITY PRIORITIZATION CHALLENGE AND
WORKSHOP
To obtain community input on how to prioritize enhancements
within areas of focus, the project team implemented an online
interactive exercise called the Community Prioritization Challenge
from August 28, 2015, to February 15, 2016. A total of 731
respondents provided feedback through this activity.The online exercise was supplemented by an in-person workshop
held on February 11, 2016, which was lightly attended (five
participants representing different recreation interest groups) but
included a rich conversation about priorities. The online exercise
was mirrored by a printed display board that listed the twelve areas
of focus, on which each participant was asked to place five sticky
dots to indicate preferred investments.
C-6
5
Packet Pg. 208
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community Prioritization Challenge
C-7
5
Packet Pg. 209
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SITE CONCEPTS REVIEW
The project team reached out to the community at the May Fête
on May 7, 2016, to review preliminary site concepts, which are
illustrations of how the recommendations of this plan could
play out across each park and preserve. The site concepts were
presented as bubble diagrams, indicating areas within the site
and the general type of improvements recommended. Shortly
after this initial event, on May 25, a workshop was held to provide
another opportunity to comment on the concepts. Approximately
thirty people reviewed the concepts at the workshop. Further
comments were received from other City of Palo Alto department
staff (including Public Safety and Planning) as well as the Parks and
Recreation Commission. To expand the opportunity to comment,
the project team created and advertised an online comment form
that provided the opportunity to provide site-specific feedback on
the concepts. Over 200 comments were received through this form.
These concepts have been refined and are presented in Chapter 5
of this plan.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON PLAN
The project team created an online feedback form to collect
comments from the public on the draft Master Plan. As comments
were made, they were logged to track the source of the comment,
specific feedback or recommended changes for consideration,
and aggregated feedback to identify patterns. Comments were
discussed with staff and the PRC to determine appropriate action.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (PRC)
The planning team engaged the PRC throughout the Master Plan
effort, from the initial scope development and consultant selection
through every step of the process. This commission’s involvement
was critical to understanding the full range of issues in the
community and in shaping further community engagement.
CITY COUNCIL
An important part of the Master Plan process was City Council
involvement. Council members represent Palo Alto residents and
are the policy and decision-making body of the City. As an initial
step, the project team made a presentation to the City Council and
the Park and Recreation Commission in a joint study session. This
presentation introduced the goals and objectives of the planning
process as well as preliminary plans for community engagement
and system analysis. As the planning process progressed, City
C-8
5
Packet Pg. 210
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Council was provided updates through periodic reports and two
study sessions.
Community Engagement Results and Plan
Development
The planning team identified patterns and trends that cut across
all the engagement activities and results, and crafted the Master
Plan Principles described in Chapter 4 to articulate a vision for the
future. These principles served as the foundation for the Master
Plan. The planning team then developed six Master Plan Goals
stating desired outcomes and accompanying policies and programs
to serve as a guide for City decision making to improve the parks,
trails, natural open space and recreation system.
For more detailed descriptions of each outreach activity and key
findings, please see the Technical Supplement on the City website.
C-9
5
Packet Pg. 211
APPENDIX
D
5
Packet Pg. 212
EXISTING
CAPITALAND
OPERATIONSFUNDING
SOURCES
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO USES A VARIETY OF
FUNDING SOURCES TO SUPPORT PARK, TRAIL,
NATURAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
ACTIVITIES. The following pages summarize these
existing sources.
5
Packet Pg. 213
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX D: EXISTING CAPITAL AND
OPERATIONS FUNDING SOURCES
General Fund
The General Fund is the pool of unrestricted tax dollars and other
revenues that a city uses to pay for most of the services it provides.
General Funds are allocated out in the budgeting process, and
dollars for park operations must compete with other city needs
for limited resources. Palo Alto uses the General Fund as the
primary source for operations and programming and also makes a
substantial transfer to the Capital Improvement Program each year.
Recreation programs generate revenue from user fees, which flow
directly into the General Fund, not into the budget for recreation
services.
Parkland Dedication Fees
A separate fee is charged at the time land is subdivided for
additional development. The parkland dedication fee is authorized
under the Quimby Act (California Government Code §66477)
allowing cities to require developers set aside land, donate
conservation easements or pay fees for park improvements. This
fee is calculated based on the maximum land requirement allowed
under the act, (5 acres per 1,000 persons), the number of dwelling
units and the current value of land. This funding source will be
relatively insignificant in the future due to the limited opportunity
to subdivide land within Palo Alto. In 2016, the parkland dedication
fee fund balance is $3,214,370.
Development Impact Fees
The City of Palo Alto collects impact fees authorized by the
Mitigation Fee Act for both new park system expansion and
community centers. These fees are collected at the time building
permits are issued for new construction and are based on a
measurable impact of additional people to the system. The fees are
adjusted annually to account for inflation. The current impact fee
amounts are listed in Table D-1.
The amount of the impact fee is based on two variables: the
projected growth of the user population resulting from the
development and the cost of planned improvements in response
to that growth. In 2014, the City revisited the nexus study and
projects that form the basis of all of the development impact fees
D-2
5
Packet Pg. 214
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX D: EXISTING CAPITAL AND
OPERATIONS FUNDING SOURCES
Table D-1: Current Impact Fees
FEES:
RESIDENTIAL
SINGLE FAMILY SINGLE FAMILY OVER MULTI-
FAMILY
3,000 SQUARE FEET
MULTI-FAMILY
UNDER 900 SQUARE
FEET
PARKS
COMMUNITY
CENTERS
$11,864
$3,075
$17,716
$4,605
$7,766
$2,024
$3,926
$1,021
TOTAL RELEVANT*
IMPACT FEES PER
HOME
$14,939 $22,321 $9,790 $4,947
FEES:COMMERCIAL HOTEL/MOTEL INSTITUTIONAL INDUSTRIAL
NON-RESIDENTIAL
PARKS
COMMUNITY
$5.038
$0.284
$2.278
$0.128
$5.038
$0.284
$5.038
$0.284
CENTERS
TOTAL RELEVANT*
IMPACT FEES PER
SQUARE FOOT OF
NON-RESIDENTIAL
CONSTRUCTION
$5.32 $2.41 $5.32 $5.32
*The City also collects development impact fees for Public Safety Facilities, General Government Facilities,
Housing, Traffic and Public Art.
charged. This study determined that the fees were adequate for
current needs but should be revisited following the completion of
this Master Plan. In addition to the ongoing collection of impact
fees as development continues, Palo Alto currently has a balance
in the impact fee funds. In 2016, the park development impact
fee fund balance is $3,946,291 and the community center impact
fee fund balance is $5,727,035, although this balance is mostly
committed to improvements that are already in the CIP.
D-3
5
Packet Pg. 215
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX D: EXISTING CAPITAL AND
OPERATIONS FUNDING SOURCES
Grants
Both private and public agencies offer a variety of grant programs.
Most park and recreation grant funds originate with either the
Federal or State government and are limited to funding the
acquisition, design and construction of parks, facilities and trails.
The active list of grant programs regularly changes, as Federal and
State budgets expand and contract, and the application schedule
and process must be learned and monitored. Further, most grants
require that the local agency match a percentage of the funding
with local dollars.
In addition, private and corporate foundations are granting funding
for the construction of facilities and the acquisition of lands that
further their missions. Some private grant agencies in the health
sector are currently funding pilot programs in some areas of the
country to improve health outcomes, but for the most part grants
are not a sustainable ongoing source of funding for recreation
programming. Palo Alto has had some success with utilizing grant
funding to expand successful programs, including those at the
Junior Museum and Zoo and the Palo Alto Art Center, beyond the
borders of the City. This allows these unique programs to reach
a larger audience without costing the taxpayers of Palo Alto
additional funds.
Public-Private Partnerships
The idea of working in close collaboration with a private entity to
enhance park and recreation opportunities is gaining in popularity
across the country. The basic approach is for a public agency to
enter into a working agreement with a private corporation or
non-profit entity to help fund, build and/or operate a public facility.
Generally, the three primary incentives that a public agency can
offer are free land to place a facility (usually a park or other piece of
public land), certain tax advantages and access to public facilities.
While the public agency may have to give up certain responsibilities
or control, it is one way of developing public facilities at a lower
cost.
Palo Alto has had several high-profile successes, most recently
with the Magical Bridge Playground, with a fairly unique model
of public-private partnership. In this model, the City allows a
partner organization to take on the design and construction
D-4
5
Packet Pg. 216
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space & Recreation APPENDIX D: EXISTING CAPITAL AND
OPERATIONS FUNDING SOURCES
process, carving out the project site and leasing the property to the
partner for the duration of the project. The City remains involved
in oversight and technical assistance and takes possession of the
project at completion. Putting the partner organization at the front
of the effort has resulted in very successful fundraising and a high-
quality and relatively lower-cost process.
Donations
The donations of labor, land or cash by service agencies, private
groups or individuals are a popular way to raise money for specific
projects. The most effective agencies actively solicit donations both
from the general public and through developed relationships with
local companies and philanthropists. Friends of the Palo Alto Parks
is an established channel for tax-deductible donations that can be
directed to specific projects or to park improvements in general.
The current level of donations has averaged approximately $15,000
per year. Labor hours contributed by volunteers are another type of
donation that benefits the City’s parks and open space preserves.
In Palo Alto’s history, there have been significant donations, such as
Lucie Stern Center.
Funding Gap
Palo Alto currently has more options for funding capital projects
than it does for funding that can fund the operation, maintenance
and programming of the system. The City should sustain a
sufficient investment to maintain its existing facilities, amenities
and programs. Future funding options should address this gap.
D-5
5
Packet Pg. 217
2023-2024 School Year Middle School Athletics Participation Numbers
Fletcher Middle School
Fall 2023 Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled Total
13
14
14
16
8
8
51
124
Total
28
35
36
6th Grade Girls Volleyball
7th Grade Girls Volleyball
8th Grade Girls Volleyball
6th Grade Flag Football
7th Grade Flag Football
8th Grade Flag Football
6th - 8th Cross Country
Total Fall Registration
Winter 2023
7th grade basketball
8th grade basketball
*6th grade basketball
*6th-8th grade pickleball
Total Winter Registration
13
14
14
1
0
0
27
69
N/A
N/A
N/A
15
8
8
24
55
Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled
8 20
22
26
15
83
13
10
19
50
34
133
Greene Middle School
Fall 2023 Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled Total
23
37
24
19
27
18
44
192
Total
45
40
36
6th Grade Girls Volleyball
7th Grade Girls Volleyball
8th Grade Girls Volleyball
6th Grade Flag Football
7th Grade Flag Football
8th Grade Flag Football
6th - 8th Cross Country
Total Fall Registration
Winter 2023
7th grade basketball
8th grade basketball
*6th grade basketball
*6th-8th grade pickleball
Total Winter Registration
23
37
24
1
1
2
14
102
N/A
N/A
N/A
18
26
16
30
90
Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled
10
11
15
14
50
35
29
21
18
103
32
153
JLS Middle School
Fall 2023 Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled Total
26
14
13
12
10
16
68
6th Grade Girls Volleyball
7th Grade Girls Volleyball
8th Grade Girls Volleyball
6th Grade Flag Football
7th Grade Flag Football
8th Grade Flag Football
6th - 8th Cross Country
26
14
13
0
0
0
N/A
N/A
N/A
12
10
16
35 33
5
Packet Pg. 218
Total Fall Registration
Winter 2023
88 71 159
Total
49
53
39
Girls Enrolled Boys Enrolled
7th grade basketball
8th grade basketball
*6th grade basketball
*6th-8th grade pickleball
Total Winter Registration
14
11
9
21
55
35
42
30
19
126
40
181
* Registration currently open, season begins week of 1/29/2024
Spring 2023
Tennis
Starts Janaury 2024
Wrestling
Boys Volleyball
Track and Field
Ultimate Frisbee
5
Packet Pg. 219
TO:PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:LAM DO
SUPERINTENDENT OPEN SPACE, PARKS, AND GOLF
DEPARTMENT:
DATE:
COMMUNITY SERVICES
DECEMBER 19, 2023
SUBJECT:REVIEW OF PROJECTS TO BE PROPOSED IN THE FISCAL
YEAR 2025-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report to present to the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) a
preliminary list of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) under consideration for proposal. Staff
seeks the PRC’s feedback on projects presented, prioritization of these projects, and an assessment
for any missing projects not listed which should be considered.
BACKGROUND
The FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program Plan will guide the City in the planning and
scheduling of infrastructure improvement projects over the next five years. It is being developed
in coordination with all City departments responsible for capital projects. After the City Manager
presents to the City Council a citywide Proposed FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program
Plan, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) will review the CIP Plan in April or
May 2024 to evaluate the program’s compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as required
by the Palo Alto Municipal Code. The PTC will then forward its recommendations to the Finance
Committee and City Council.
The City Council’s adoption of the CIP Plan is anticipated in June 2024. The FY 2025-2029
Proposed Capital Budget will include projects funded by the Capital Improvement Funds,
Enterprise Funds, and Internal Service Funds. Projects for the Community Services Department
(CSD) will also include Parks Dedication and Development Impact Fee Funds.
Every CIP has a project page that provides the project description, justification, significant
changes, schedule, funding budget source, and other details. Attachment A is a sample of a
project page for Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement (PG-21000). The Funding Sources
Schedule reflects the funding source, funding amounts planned during the FY 2024-2028 CIP plan,
prior funding, and a grand total. This sample CIP project page is from the Adopted Capital
Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 and covers the FY 2024-2028 plan years. All current adopted
CIPs may be viewed at: Adopted Capital Budget Fiscal Year 2024
The method for prioritizing projects has evolved through the years. In the past staff applied a
priority matrix and ranked projects based on the following criteria:
• Council Direction
1
6
Packet Pg. 220
• Leverage Funding (Private/Public/Grants/Impact Fees)
• Health and Safety Requirements
• Code/Legal Requirements
• Operational Needs and Efficiency
• Sustainability
• Community Priorities
• Revenue Generating Potential
At present, projects are prioritized based on a combination of the criteria listed above, as well as
feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and
addressing Catch-up/Keep-up projects as a priority. Catch-up and Keep-up are terms used by the
City’s Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Committee that evaluated the City’s infrastructure in 2011.
Catch-up projects are ones that were identified previously as a priority need for repair or
replacement but were never implemented. Erosion repairs to Buckeye Creek is an example of a
Catch-up project because it was identified many years ago as a need but was not addressed. Keep-
up projects are ones that are forecasted to be necessary for repair or replacement in a coming year.
An example of a Keep-up project would be replacement of park amenities that will have reached
the end of its anticipated useful life such as the sample Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement
project.
ANALYSIS
This review and discussion with the PRC are for CIPs to be proposed by the Community Services
Department which relate to programs of the Recreation Division and the Open Space, Parks, and
Golf Division. There are other CIPs in the department which are not included such as CIPs in the
Arts and Sciences Division. CIPs in the department are managed by either CSD staff or Public
Works staff depending on project complexity and staff bandwidth. All proposed CIPs are pending
reviews and approval by Department Directors, the Office of Management and Budget, and the
City Manager’s Office.
Staff met with the PRC’s CIP Ad Hoc to discuss a preliminary list of CIPs to be proposed for the
Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program Plan on December 6, 2023. During this
meeting staff presented the following current year fiscal projects and projects for Fiscal Year 2025.
For Fiscal Year 2024, CSD improvement projects completed or anticipated to be completed from
CIP funding include:
• Athletic courts resurfacing
• Cameron Park renovation
• El Camino Park Turf Field Replacement
• Lytton Plaza fountain base repair
• Mitchell Park Dog Park expansion
• Park Restroom Installation at Ramos Park
• Park Restroom Installation at Rinconada Park
• Parks and Open Space Emergency Repairs
• Baylands Nature Preserve Entrance Gate
2
6
Packet Pg. 221
• Boronda Lake removal of aquatic vegetation
• Foothills Nature Preserve and Pearson Arastradero Preserve trail maintenance
During the discussion staff also shared rollover projects from Fiscal Year 2024 that are planned
for completion in Fiscal Year 2025.
The following are preliminary projects to be proposed by the department for FY 2025:
3
6
Packet Pg. 222
4
6
Packet Pg. 223
The preceding list includes on-going annual projects consisting of trail and pond maintenance,
emergency repairs, court re-surfacing, and replacement or repair of benches, signage, fencing,
walkways, and landscaping.
From this preliminary list, staff is seeking feedback from the Commission on projects presented,
prioritization of these projects, and an assessment for any missing projects not listed. Attachment
B is a full list of projects under consideration for the full five-year CIP plan, covering Fiscal Years
2025-2029.
In June 2024, the City Council will review and approve the FY 2025-2029 Capital Plan. It should
be noted that City Council only approves the budget for the first year of any five-year CIP Plan
and the remaining four years are to be used for forecasting and planning.
Funding
The funding for CIP projects comes from a variety of different sources. Most CIPs are funded
through the Capital Improvement Fund which comes from the City’s General Fund. CSD projects
that meet the criteria of Impact Fees (which include amenities that increase the capacity of a park)
may utilize Park Dedication or Park Development Impact Fee funding (e.g. a new park restroom).
Projects at the Cubberley Community Center may be able to use Cubberley Property Infrastructure
Funds.
CIP Process Timeline
• November: Staff begin planning for the next capital budget.
5
6
Packet Pg. 224
• December/January: Staff submit the department’s proposed five-year capital
improvement projects to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Administrative
Services Department.
• February/March: OMB reviews all departments and makes recommendations.
• April: City Manager reviews and presents to City Council a Proposed FY 2025-2029
Capital Improvement Program Plan.
• April/May: Planning and Transportation Commission reviews the Capital Plan to ensure
the projects comply with the Comprehensive Plan.
• May: Finance Committee reviews capital plan.
• June: City Council reviews and adopts capital plan and budget.
Attachments
Attachment A: Project Page Sample - Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement
Attachment B: CSD Preliminary Proposed CIP Projects FY 2025-2029
6
6
Packet Pg. 225
Attachment A: Project Page Sample - Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
-
-
Fund: Capital Improvement Fund
Category: Parks and Open Space
Project Location: 300 Homer Avenue (bounded by
Waverley, Homer, and Bryant)
Managing Department: Community Services
IBRC Reference: Keep-up
Initial Project Start: Summer 2020
Initial Project Completion: Summer 2022
Revised Project Start: Summer 2024
Revised Project Completion: Summer 2025
Project Number: PG-21000
Heritage Park Bench, March 2017
Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement
Description
The project provides funding for replacement of select walkways and all of the site amenities in Heritage Park
including: benches, picnic tables, trash receptacles, playground arbor, bicycle racks and drinking fountain.
Justification
Installed in 2005, the current site amenities have reached the use expectancy and need replacement. As park
infrastructure ages, safety and compliance issues need to be addressed. This project will ensure compliance
and address accessibility needs as well as safety issues.
Significant Changes
2021-2025 CIP: Project shifted from FY 2022 to FY 2025 due to a reprioritization of parks projects.
Funding Sources Schedule
Funding
Source
FY 2023
Budget
FY 2023
Estimate
5 Year CIP
Total
Beyond 5
Year CIPPrior Years FY 2024 FY 2025
164,820
FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 Total
Capital
ImprovementFund
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 164,820 0 164,820
Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $164,820 $0 $0 $0 $164,820 $0 $164,820
228 • CITY OF PALO ALTO FISCAL YEAR 2024 ADOPTED CAPITAL BUDGET
6
Packet Pg. 226
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
Expenditure Schedule
Project
Phase
FY 2023
Budget
FY 2023
Estimate
5 Year CIP
Total
Beyond 5
Year CIPPrior Years FY 2024 FY 2025
126,785
38,035
FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 Total
126,785Construction
Design
0 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
126,785
38,035
0
00 38,035
Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $164,820 $0 $0 $0 $164,820 $0 $164,820
Operating Impact
There are no additional operating impacts anticipated from this project. Any maintenance costs that arise will
be absorbed within the available maintenance schedule and annual operating budget.
Relationship to Comprehensive Plan
Primary Connection
Relationship to Comprehensive Plan
Secondary Connection
Potential Board/Commission Review:
Parks and Recreation Commission
Planning and Transportation
Commission
Element: Community Services &
Facilities
Element: Community Services &
Facilities
Section: Maintenance of Parks and
Community Facilities
Goal: C-3
Section: Maintenance of Parks and
Community Facilities
Goal: C-3
Policy: C-3.3 Policy: C-3.2
Program: C3.3.1 Program: C3.2.1
Environmental Impact Analysis:
This project is expected to have possible exemption from CEQA under Section 15301
• CITY OF PALO ALTO FISCAL YEAR 2024 ADOPTED CAPITAL BUDGET 229
6
Packet Pg. 227
Attachment B: CSD Preliminary Proposed CIP Projects FY 2025-2029
FY 2025 Preliminary Proposed CIP Projects
Project Title:
Parks
Scope Description Funding Source FY 25 FY 26 FY 27 FY 28 FY 29
Repair and resurfacing of
athletic courts
Restoration and
replacement of site
amenities
General Fund X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Athletic Court Resurfacing
Benches, Signage, Walkways, Perimeter
Landscaping, and Site Amenities General Fund
General Fund
X
Bol Park Improvements Design and Construction Playground, pathways,
lighting, fencing, and
irrigation
Bol Park Pathway Repaving and Repair Design and Pathway repaving
Construction
X
X
X
X
General Fund
General Fund, Parks
Park expansion,
playground, restroom,
lighting, and site amenities Fund
Cubberley Property
Restroom installation
Dedication Fund, and Parks
Development Impact FeeBoulware Park Improvements w/restroom X
XCubberley Park Restroom Construction
Cubberley Turf Field Replacement
Infrastructure Fund
Cubberley Property
Infrastructure Fund
General Fund and Parks
Turf replacement X
X
Dog Park Installation and Renovation
El Camino Park Turf Field Replacement
Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement
Dog park expansion or new Development Impact Fee
installation Fund X
Turf replacement
Pathways, benches, picnic
tables, and playground
arbor
General Fund
X
General Fund
6
Packet Pg. 228
Hoover Park Design and Construction Playground, pathways,
baseball backstop,
benches, and picnic tables
General Fund
General Fund
X
X
X
Johnson Park Renovation Design and Construction Pathways, playground,
fencing, and irrigation X
X
General Fund and Parks
Development Impact Fee
Fund
Magical Bridge Park Restroom Design and
Construction X
Restroom installation
Playgrounds, renovate
water play feature, wood
arbor, fencing, and
irrigation
Mitchell Park Improvements Design and
Construction
General Fund
X
X
X
XParks and Open Space Emergency Repairs
Peers Park Improvements
Various repairs as needed General Fund X
X
X X
Irrigation, playground
surfacing, benches, and
drinking fountains General Fund
General Fund
Playground, site amenities,
and basketball court
resurfacing
Ramos Park Improvements X
X
X
Pathways, restroom
remodel, picnic areas, park
amenities, native and
habitat planting, and
irrigation
Rinconada Park Design and Construction,
Restroom and Phase II X
General Fund
Rinconada Pool Family Changing Room Design and Family changing room
Construction (ADA compliant for special General Fund and Parks
needs and accessible)
Replacement of starting
blocks
Dedication Fund
General FundRinconada Pool Starting Blocks X
6
Packet Pg. 229
Play equipment,
resurfacing of play areas,
fencing, pathway, and
irrigation
Robles Park Improvements X
General Fund
General Fund
Playground, picnic tables,
fencing, and pathwaysSeale Park Improvements Design and Construction X
XStanford Palo Alto Community Playing Fields Turf
Replacement
Werry Park Playground Improvements
Turf replacement
Playground, benches,
picnic tables, and trash
receptacles
General Fund
General Fund
X
Open Space
Baylands Boardwalk Piling Repair
Baylands Levee Repair for Public Safety
Piling repair
Repair of eroded levee
General Fund
General Fund
X
X X
X
Byxbee Park Completion Design and Construction Native plant islands,
seating, interpretive
signage, and parking lot
expansion
Foothills Nature Preserve 7.7 Acres Multi Year Plan Site restoration, invasive
removal, planting, and site
General Fund and Parks
Dedication Fund
TBD
X
amenities
X X
Foothills Nature Preserve Boronda Lake Dock
Replacement
Foothills Nature Preserve Dam Seepage
Investigation
X
X
Dock replacement
Determination of seepage
location
General Fund
General Fund
Habitat fencing, pedestrian
safety improvements,
bridge design, and design
of creek grade control
structures
Foothills Nature Preserve Improvements X X
X
X
X
General Fund
General FundFoothills Nature Preserve Restrooms (3) Design
and Construction
Restroom replacements
X X
6
Packet Pg. 230
Open Space Lakes and Pond Maintenance
Open Space Trails and Amenities
Pearson Arastradero Improvements Design and
Construction
Lake maintenance
Trail maintenance
Fencing, signs, gates,
bridge decking, and trail
improvements
General Fund
General Fund
General Fund
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other
Golf Course Net and Artificial Turf Replacement
Design & Construction
Netting and turf
replacement X
X
General Fund
Golf Course Reconfiguration X X X
X
X
Mitigation and monitoring General Fund
Lucie Stern Kitchen Courtyard Synthetic Turf Turf installation
Irrigation line
improvements
General Fund
Lucie Stern Main Line Irrigation General Fund
Projects managed by Public Works Department
6
Packet Pg. 231