HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 408-08City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Summary Report
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
OCTOBER 20, 2008
REPORTY TYPE: CONSENT
SUBJECT:
15
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES
CMR: 408:08
Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation Adopting a Resolution
Approving a Field Use Policy Applicable To Playing Fields in Palo Alto
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Pro’ks and Recreation Commission (PARC) recommend that the City Council:
1.Approve the attached Field Use Allocation Policy, and
2.Adopt the attached resolution approving a Field Use Policy applicable to playing fields in
Palo Alto.
BACKGROUND
The Recreation and Golf Division has worked closely with the Parks and Recreation
Commission over the last six months to develop a formal~ "Field Use Allocation Policy" to
ensure that park and field facilities are utilized for recreational, athletic, cultural, educational,
social and community service functions that meet the needs and interests of the community. The
City of Palo Alto Recreation and Golf Division brokers the use of all City and Palo Alto Unified
School District (PAUSD) playing fields. These include fields at 16 parks, 5 sports complexes, 15
elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 2 high schools. The Division works regularly with 34
local sports clubs and non-profit organizations that represent approximately 25,000 sports
participants. Athletic field space in Palo Alto, which is limited, continues to be in high demand.
At the same time, the demand for fields for practice and competition continues to increase each
year.
Existing informal field reservation guidelines are no longer adequate to address the demand for ’
fields or for the competing interests of how often and to whom fields are brokered. There has
never been a formal policy that establishes procedures and sets clear policies governing the use
of City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District playing fields managed by the City of
Palo Alto. As the City continues to experience ever growing demand with limited supply of
playing fields, the need for a clear, concise and objective field use policy has become evident.
CMR: 408:08 Page 1 of 3
The interests of many stakeholders were considered in the formulation of this policy draft
including: various neighborhood residents, park maintenance staff, Field User Committee
members, Parks & Recreation~ Commissioners, PAUSD, m~d regular field users. A Parks and
Recreation Commission special study session was held on November 8, 2007, at Jordan Middle
School to hear neighborhood and field user concerns about the use of the playing fields at Jordan
Middle School. Public comment and feedback regarding the policy draft was solicited via email
and the City’s website. Various neighboring cities were benchrnarked from South San Francisco
to San Jose to see what, if any, field use policy are currently in place. The proposed policy
incorporates segments of the field use policies from the City of Campbell and the City of
Cupertino, as these agencies appear to have the most comprehensive and effective policies of the
various policies reviewed.
The policy provides the punic and staff with fair and reasonable guidelines to broker City of
Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District fields. The policy: helps prioritize the high
volume of field requests staff receives; it provides clear expectations of field users for turf
preservation; and recognizes the impact on residents who live close to fields. The "Good
Neighbor Guidelines" provide strategies that will hold field users accountable for excessive
noise, litter and disregard of parldng regulations. The Field Allocation Policy also addresses the
appropriate type and amount of use that will be permitted on fields based on such criteria as:
proximity to homes, field drainage, lights, restrooms and quality of turf.
The policy is unlikely to reduce field space allocation to regular field user groups but will
provide clear policies and procedures for how staff determines field allocation amongst the many
user groups.
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION
At its August 26, 2008 regular meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the first
draft of the Field Use Allocation Policy and reviewed the~ public comments and suggestions
received from various stakeholders regarding the draft policy. At its September 23, 2008 regular
meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission heard additional public comment, discussed
further revisions, and unanimously voted to recommend the final draft (Attachment A) to
Council for adoption.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The implementation of this policy will not result in a significant impact on staff time or
resources.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed policy is consistent with the Department of Community Services’ Strategic Plan
and with current Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed policy is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
requirements.
CMR: 408:08 Page 2 of 3
ATTACHMENTS
Attaclvnent A:
Attaclvnent B:
Field Us~ Policy
Resolution Approving a Field Use Policy
PREPARED BY:
~upervisor, Recreation and Golf Division
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Interim Director, Community Services Department
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
U.,i~y Manager
CMR: 408:08 Page 3 of 3
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Attachment A
City of Palo Alto Field Use Policy
The City of Palo Alto (the "City") Field Use Policy (and the procedures adopted hereunder) has been
established to ensure that City-owned, -maintained and -managed park and athletic field facilities, including
the fields owned by the Palo Alto Unified School District (the "District") are utilized for recreational, athletic,
cultural, educational, social and community service functions that meet the needs and interests of the
community, and that permitted users are fully informed as to the City’s guidelines that govern their use of the
park and athletic field facilities.
Pttrpose:
To strive to provide all Palo Alto residents with an opportunity to participate in their activity of
choice.
To establish policies and procedures governing the use of City parks and fields and District playing
fields managed by the City of Palo Alto.
To ensure Palo Alto residents have priority access to parks and playing fields.
To provide for a variety of activities reflecting the athletic preferences of Palo Alto residents.
To contribute a proportionate amount of field use time to regional organizations that Pa!o Alto
residents participate in.
To collect fees for the use of fields, in support of their ongoing maintenance.
To ensure that decisions regarding the use of City parks and athletic complexes and District sites are
used in the best interests of the neighborhoods, sports organizations and residents of Palo Alto.
To ensure that appropriate sports are permitted on appropriate fields.
Field use permits are required for exclusive field use or for any on-going seasonal, organized use of athletic
fields maintained or managed by the City. In accordance with Palo Pdto Municipal Code Section, the
Recreation and Golf Services Division issues field use permits. The exclusive use of a field or an athletic
field requires the making of an advance reservation and is subject to fee and security deposit requirements.
For a list of available Facilities, see Appendix A.
For a list of park amenities, see Appendix B.
For a list of different Facility Types, see Appendix C.
I. Field Use Permitting:
Field space usage requests are considered at three different time periods per fiscal year. Field space usage is
awarded on a priority basis at the beginning of each of the fall, winter/spring and summer periods. After the
original requests are processed on a priority basis, the fields are available for use to other non-priority
requests. To apply for an Athletic Field Use Permit, an applicant must submit a field request form to the Field
Coordinator/Supervisor. Field request forms can be found online at www.cityofpaloalto.org, at the Lucie
Stern Community Center, or by requesting a form from the Field Coordinator/Supervisor, who may be
contacted at 650-463-4928.
A field use reservation can be made not less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the desired date(s) of
use. The three seasonal brokering periods are, as follows:
¯Fall -- The first day of school (late August) through December 31.
¯Winter/Spring -- January 1 through the last day of school (mid-June).
¯Summer -- mid-June through late August.
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II. Field Request Form Deadlines:
¯For Fall seasonal use dates, request forms must be submitted by May 1.
¯For Winter/Spring seasonal use dates, request forms must be submitted by November 1.
¯For Summer seasonal use dates, request forms must be submitted by March 1.
III. Seasonal Use Priority:
Palo Alto resident youth non-profit soccer and football organizations have field use priority on
soccer/baseball/football joint use fields during the Fall use period.
Palo Alto resident youth non-profit baseball and softball organizations have field priority on the
baseball-softball/soccer joint use fields during the Spring use period.
IV. Exceptions to Seasonal Priority:
¯District programs have annual priority on District fields only.
¯Palo Alto Recreation-administered programs have annual use priority on all fields.
V. Eligibility:
The following are the field use priority guidelines for awarding field use at the start of each seasonal
brokering period (in order of priority):
1.City and District activities and programs;
2.Palo Alto resident, youth, non-selective membership, non-profit organizations or leagues (at least
75% residents);
3.Palo Alto resident, youth, non-profit organizations or leagues (at least 51% residents)
4.Palo Alto resident, adult, non-selective membership, non-profit organizations or leagues (at least
51% residents);
5.Palo Alto resident, adult, non-profit organizations or leagues (at least 51% residents);
6.Non-resident, non-profit organizations;
7.For-profit youth sports events;
8.For-profit adult sports events; and
9.Organizations that have previously violated the terms of the field use p~licy.
To qualify for non-profit rates, organizations must provide a copy of their letter of non-profit status from the
California Secretary of State’s Office with their non- profit ID number indicated thereon, Payment with an
organization’s check or charge card is required.
An adult group is any group whose membership is limited to persons 18 years of age and older.
Non-selective membership allows all applicants to participant regardless of ability.
VI. Field Allocations: Fields will be permitted for the activities that the field(s) are intended for,
designed for, classified as, or for activities conducted in a manner that does not compromise public safety or
field quality and integrity.
Youth soccer organizations or leagues that qualify for categories referred to in V.2 and V.3
above will be allocated fields as follows:
1.Two (2) practice slots* per team per week
2.One (1) game slot* per team every other week
¯At the Stanford/Palo Alto Playing Fields, the 7:00-10:00 pm weekday slots will be reserved
for adult league play on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In addition, the 8:30-10:00
pin slot will be reserved for adult league play on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
¯Sunday mornings from 8:00 am to 1:15 pro, [at some] Type "A", Type "B" and Type "C"
facilities will be reserved for adult league play. See Appendix C for Facility Types.
*Slots will vary in length by facility type and season.
2
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VII. Residency:
A resident is a person residing within the city limits of the City of Palo Alto. Any person owning and paying
taxes on real property in Palo Alto, but who is not living in the City, and any person having only a Palo Alto
business address, are NOT considered a resident for field use application purposes. Children attending
District schools are considered residents for enrolhnent purposes. The City will require identification or
documentation of residency to be considered for priority brokering. In the event proof of residency cannot be
established, the person will be charged the non-resident rates or will be limited by restrictions applicable only
to non-residents.
VIII. Residency Verification:
Palo Alto Recreation requires a master league roster complete with players’ first and last names alphabetized,
address, phone number, City of Palo Alto Utility account numbers and property owner’s name(s). Renters
may submit an alternative utility bill, such as a cell phone bill, addressed to the residence or a copy of their
driver’s license with a Palo Alto address.
Any group or organization found to be misrepresenting its residency status will have its permit revoked for
the season and will be assigned the last (or lowest) priority for field use scheduling for the immediately
following season. In addition, any group or organization found to be reserving field use for any time period
time for another organization (that would otherwise have a lower priority for field scheduling) will be
penalized by the revocation of its permit for the season for which the permit is issued and that group or
organization will be assigned the last (or lowest) priority for field use scheduling for the immediately
following season.
IX. Fees (As of July 2008)
All fees are due and payable prior to the issuance of any approved field use permit. The fees and charges for
any field use permit are established by the City Council in the Municipal Fee Schedule and are not
negotiable; only the Council has the authority to waive fees and charges by amendment to the Municipal Fee
Schedule. The following is a sumanary of the fees and charges; in the event of a conflict between the fees
set forth below and the fees and charges established by the Municipal Fee Schedule, the fees and charges
established in the then current Municipal Fee Schedule shall apply. Actual fees for each season will be
referenced on the field request form.
1. Palo Alto based youth non-profit organizations who qualify for eligibility priority V.2 and V.3
above will be charged between $1.00 - $20.00 per hour, per field, depending on the type of field
2. Grass field fees are, as follows:
Resident fee: $7.50-$75.00 per hour; and
Non-resident fee: $10.00-$150.00 per hour.
3.. Synthetic turf fields fees are. as follows:
Palo Alto based youth sports groups - $25-$50/hour/full field;
Resident, non-profit fee - $30-$60/hour/full field;
Resident fee - $45-$90/hour/full field; and
Non-resident fee- $80-$130/hour/full field,
4. Lights: Lights usage is charged at the rate of $20 per use at softball and baseball fields where
there are lights.
5. The concession stand at the Stanford Palo Alto Playing Fields can be rented for $25/day.
X. Deposits
1. A refundable deposit of one hundred dollars ($100.00) is required for all single athletic field use
reservations. Long term renters are required to provide a $750 refundable security deposit.
2. The City reserves the right to deduct from the security deposit all additional charges relating to, but
not limited to, janitorial services, maintenance/repair services, staff time, or emergency services that
are required as a result of the field use.
3.A security deposit may be fully or partially refunded for any of the following reasons:
a.Damage to facility;
b.Misuse of the facility;
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c. Inadequate cleanup by the permit holder, requiring additional custodial/staff time following
the permit holder’s use;
d. Violation of field use rules
If the additional fees due and payable exceed the amount of the security deposit, the permit holder
will be billed for the balance due. Payment will be due and payable within thirty (30) days of the
date of invoice. Fees that are not paid will be assigned for collection to a collections agency and the
user group will be ineligible to apply for field use until the unpaid amount is settled in full.
XI. Insurance Liability
A valid insurance certificate is required for use of any City or District field. The insurance certificate must
afford one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) of general liability coverage per occurrence and contain the
following information:
General liability coverage (property and bodily injury) as evidenced by an insurance
certificate with an endorsement naming the City of Palo Alto (CPA) AND the Palo Alto
Unified School District (PA USD) as ADDITIONAL INSURED, and guaranteeing 30 days
prior notice to change or cancellation of the policy.
Use of fields will not be permitted unless a valid insurance certificate has been received by not later than two
(2) business days prior to the schedule date of use of the field or other facility.
1.The pe~anit holder shall be responsible for any and all damage to the City’s or the District’s
premises, turf, equipment and/or property. If additional maintenance is deemed required (in excess
of normal services/time) to restore the premises, turf, equipment and/or property to reasonable use
by others,, the permit holder shall be charged accordingly.
2. The City and the District disclaims responsibility for any accident, injury, liability, loss or damage to
person or property as a result of unauthorized field use.
3.The permit holder wil! be responsible for all actions and omissions that result in damages that are
caused by their attendees.
XII. Tennis Court Usage
1. Tennis courts are available for reservation for Palo Alto Tennis Club and USTA tournament use
only. ~
2.The City brokers all City and District tennis courts.
3.Only 50% of the available courts at any location can be reserved at the same time and date. All
other courts will remain open to the general public.
4.Tennis courts are not available for reservation .by individuals for private use, including private
lessons, picnics and individual play. No person shall provide or offer tennis lessons for
compensation on City-owned tennis courts except as part of and approved as a City-sponsored
program.
5.Tennis courts are available for individual use on a first-come, first-served basis. Each court use is
subject to a one-hour time limit whenever there are others waiting to use the court.
6.Tennis courts are for tennis play only. No rollerblades, skates, skateboards, or pets are permitted on
any tennis court.
7.No individual may solely occupy and use a court if other individuals are waiting to play on that
court.
8. No person shall play a sport other than tennis on City-owned temfis courts unless expressly allowed
via permit issued by the City Recreation and Golf Division.
9. All stee! racquets must have guards.
10. Only tennis shoes and non-marking soled shoes are allowed on the tennis courts.
A: Locations: Tennis courts are available at the following locations:
o Cubberley Community Center (6)
Mitchell Park (7)
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Rinconada Park (9)
Hoover Park (2)
Peers Park (2)_
Terman Park (2)
Weisshaar Park (2)
Gunn High School (7)
Palo Alto High School (7)
JLS Middle School (6)
Jordan Middle School (6)
B: Tennis Court Fees:
¯Residents: $5.00-$10.00 per court per hour
¯Non-residents: $7.00- $20.00 per court per hour
XIII.
1.
2.
3.
o
Permit Rules & Regulations
Permits cannot be transferred or assigned to any other person, group or organization for any reason.
Users must pick up and remove any trash generated by their activity.
The misuse of City or District facilities or the failure to conform to facility regulations, established
policies (including the Wet Field Policy) and procedures or any other Federal, State, or local law,
rule regulation or ordinance shalt be sufficient grounds for the immediate revocation of the permit
and/or the denial of any future applications. No refund will be granted.
Permit holders shall restrict their use to only those fields or courts specifically reserved and paid for,
as designated in their permit. Other fields or courts may be scheduled by other groups and may not
be available. Permit holders must be in possession of their Field Use Permit in case there is a need
to address the question of who has priority use or reservation for the field or court in question. If the
permit holder cannot use a field or court due to unauthorized use by another party, the permit holder
should contact the Palo Alto Police Depamnent at 650-329-2413.
Complaints from surrounding neighborhood residents as to the permittee’s activity noise level, litter
and debris, and/or disregard of parking regulations could lea!:t to the cancellation of the permit or
reservation, the forfeiture of the security deposit, and the denial of facility use in the future.See
Good Neighbor Policy
XIV. General Rules & Regulations
All City of Palo Alto Municipal Codes/Regulations apply to all City and PA USDJields.
1. No activity other than softball is permitted at the E1 Camino Park and Baylands Athletic Center
softball fields, unless such activity is expressly allowed by permit. No activity other than baseball is
permitted at Baylands Athletic Center Baseball Field, unless such activity is expressly allowed by
permit.
2.The City reserves the right to cancel an approved reservation due to maintenance needs, overuse of
facility, unsafe conditions, or due to a conflict with a City or District event. In these cases, all
attempts will be made to provide a minimum of 15 days advance notice and to provide an alternate
location for the group’s scheduled practice, game or activity. In the event of an emergency, when
only sho~nt or no notice can be provided, groups must cooperate with the request to not use the
facility or risk loss of current permit and denial of future use. If there are no alternate facilities
available, the City is not obligated to provide an alternate facility. In case of such event, a full
refund will be given.
3. No person shall use an athletic field which is posted as being closed, whether the closure is for
excess rainfall or for field maintenance or other reason.
4.All motor vehicles must park in marked stalls in the parking lots or legally on side streets, or be
subject to citation. No unauthorized vehicles shall enter park premises, drive on turf, grounds,
playfields, or paved walkways.
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5.All dogs must be ona leash and owners must clean up after their dogs.
6.For facility hours of operations, see Appendix C.
7.No portable BBQ’s are permitted at any time in any facility.
8.No golf is permitted at any park or sports complex, with the exception of the Palo Alto Municipal
Golf Course.
9. Baylands Athletic Center is closed on Mondays for maintenance.
10. No alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on any District property at any time.
11. Athletic fields may be lined prior to a group use. Water soluble spray paint is the only permitted
means of lining a field. No fields are permitted to be lined by means of Round Up, Dolomite or
other herbicide, which can permanently burn lines into the field. Different color lines should be
used for different sports. Soccer shall use white, rugby shall use blue and lacrosse shall use yellow.
12. Vending at a field is permitted only if the vendor is associatedwith the activity and has received the
prior approval of the City’s representative.
13. Gambling is prohibited at all City and District property.
14. Soccer goals must be anchored at all times when they are located on the playing fields. When goals
are not being utilized for play, they must be secured off the playing fields in a manner which will not
permit tipping or create any hazardous condition that could cause injury to any person. The City of
Palo Alto and District are not liable for accidents, injuries or loss of or damage to individuals or
property. Should any goal left on site be found not secured and locked up properly, the permittee
will be subject to a fine of $250.00. A subsequent violation will result in revocation of the current
field user’s permit.
15. The City of Palo Alto encourages partnerships and volunteerism to improve field quality and
maintenance; however, in the absence of a written agreement, donations and/or contributions of time "
does not give any organization priority at any facility. Groups wishing to make alterations to
facilities must submit these improvement requests in advance to the City. No groups will be allowed
to make any alteration to any facility without first obtaining the City’s approval.
XV. Cancellations
For groups other than Palo Alto based youth non-profits, cancellations must be made, in writing, and
submitted to and received by the Fields Coordinator at least seven (7) business days in advance of the
scheduled use date in order to be entitled to receive a refund. If it rains on the date of reservation, a full
refund will be available. For Palo Alto based youth non-profits, any field allocations that will not be used
must be released no later than the second week of the start of the permit. No refunds will be given to fields
released after that time.
XVI. Wet Field Policy
Athletic use of wet or saturated fields may cause extensive damage resulting in field closure and costly
renovations. Groups shall abide by the Wet Field Policy and preserve the life and condition of the fields by
not playing on them in wet conditions. The following policy applies to a period of rainfall, over-watered
fields and/or irrigation breaks. The "rainout" condition hotline is 650-329-2697.
All grass fields are deemed closed to use at any time during a rainfall. Play will be allowed during a
light mist if the ground is hard and relatively dry at the time field use is considered.
In the event of rainfall (any precipitation that is greater than a light drizzle on a dry field), the fields
will be deemed closed after the cessation of precipitation.
A failure to abide by this policy may result in the revocation of the permit and/or the assignment of
last (or lower) priority status for field use scheduling for the following season. Individuals who
violate this provision may also be subject to a $100 fine in accordance with the Palo Alto Municipal
Code.
XVII. Turf Preservation:
Your cooperation is needed to preserve the turf on City and District fields by following these guidelines:
1. Limit the use of cleats. Cleats longer than one-quarter inch (W’) are prohibited for use on any
synthetic turf playing fields.
2.Field use, especially sports practices, should be conducted in a manner that play will take place on
different sections of the turf, thus reducing excessive turf wear and damage to any one area. Rotate
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use of areas (i.e.: use middle of turf area for drills one day and sides of the field the following day),
and when possible, stay off of the fringe or bare areas to limit erosion and further damage.
3.Replace turf divots at the end of each day to help re-root the grass.
4.Do NOT use the fields during or after heavy rain, or when wet or muddy, for at least 48 hours etc..
5.Soccer practices shall NOT be held on the infield area of a softball or baseball diamond.
6.Softball, baseball, and T-ball practices shall be held only on designated ball fields in order to prevent
injuries to other park users.
7.Remove all equipment at the conclusion of use each day. This includes soccer goals. No equipment
shall be allowed to be left unattended on City or District property without the prior approval of the
Fields Coordinator.
8.Do not overcrowd fields by scheduling multiple games in areas reserved. Allow a safe distance
between fields for safe passage of spectators and participants.
9.Paint is the only approved method of applying lines to the fields. Burning of lines with chemicals or
cutting lines into turf areas is not allowed.
10. Report hazards on City property to the Parks Division office at 650-496-6962.
11. Report emergencies (e.g., broken water lines, gushing sprinkler heads, etc.) promptly to Palo Alto
Communications at 650-329-2413 who will summons the appropriate personnel. When you make
the call, be prepared to fully identify yourself, your location, and the specific nature of the
emergency.
12.Do not drive or park cars, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles on turf areas.
13.Bicycles are prohibited on all synthetic turf fields.
14.No food or beverages, with the exception of water, will be permitted on any synthetic turf field.
XVIII. Good Neighbor Policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that decisions regarding the use of City fields, parks and athletics
complexes and District sites are used in the best interests of the neighborhoods, sports organizations, and
citizens of Palo Alto. The City has established the following rules and regulations to govern the use of
the City’s and the District’s facilities for the safe and pleasant enjoyment of participants and neighbors.
Every person is expected to abide by these rules or be subject to forfeiture of the security deposit and/or
loss of the privilege of future use of the facilities.
All litter and debris that may occur as a result of your event must be picked up and deposited
into trash receptacles, where provided, or removed fro~r~ the premises.
2.All groups are responsible for the condition in which they leave the facility. Any excessive
clean-up required by City or District crews following your use will be cause for forfeiture of all
or part of your damage deposit.
3.No amplified music, use of musical instruments, radios, or Public Address System testing or use
allowed before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. and is allowed by permit only. In all parks, care
shall be taken so that speakers are not directed at residences.
4. Complaints from surrounding neighborhood residents as to noise level, litter and debris, and
disregard for use of parking regulations could result in cancellation of your reservation,
forfeiture of security deposit, and denial of future facility use.
5.No person shall park a motor vehicle in such a place or manner as would block or obstruct any
gate, entrance, or exit or resident driveway.
Attachment B NOT YET APPROVED
RESOLUTION NO
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
APPROVING A FIELD USE POLICY APPLICABLE TO
PLAYING FIELDS IN PALO ALTO
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto, through its Community Services Department
(the "Department"), issues field use permits for City-owned, -maintained and -managed park and
athletic facilities, including the fields owned by the Palo Alto Unified School District (the
"District") that are utilized for recreational, athletic, cultural, educational, social and community
service functions that meet the needs and interests of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Department strives to provide all Palo Alto residents with an
opportunity to participate in their activity of choice; and
WHEREAS, the Department has developed a Field Use Policy (the "Policy") that
establishes policies and procedures governing the use of City parks and fields and District
playing fields maintained by the City; and -
WHEREAS, the Policy ensures that decisions regarding the use of City parks and
athletic complexes and District sites are used in the best interests of the Palo Alto neighborhoods
and its residents and sports organizations; and it ensures that Palo Alto residents will have
priority access to those parks and playing fields; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Commission (the "Commission") provided
to the Department its feedback on the development of the Policy at its regular meeting held on
August 26, 2008; and ~
WHEREAS, the Commission at its regular meeting held on September 23, 2008,
provided its comments to City staff and approved of the Policy and any amendments thereto, by
a vote of 7-0.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby
RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves of the Community Services
Department’s Field Use Policy, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as "Exhibit-
SECTION 2. The City Manager or designee is authorized to continue to issue
field use permits in accordance with the Field Use Policy.
//
080930jb 0073076
NOT YET APPROVED
SECTION 3.
constitute a project under the California
environmental assessment is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYE S:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not
Environmental Quality Act, and therefore no
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mayor
APPROVED:
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
Director of Community Services
Director of Administrative Services
080930jb 0073076 2