HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 6861
City of Palo Alto (ID # 6861)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Study Session Meeting Date: 9/6/2016
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Council Priority: Land Use and Transportation Planning
Summary Title: Study Session on the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and
Recreation Master Plan
Title: Study Session on the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation
Master Plan
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Recommendation
This is a study session on the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation
Facilities Master Plan (Master Plan) and no action is required.
Staff is requesting Council feedback on the master planning progress to date
including the draft Master Plan Goals, Policies, and Programs and proposed
outline of the implementation plan.
Executive Summary
The report includes an update on the development of the Parks, Trails, Natural
Open Space and Recreation Facilities Master Plan including a review of the draft
Master Plan goals, policies and programs, an introduction of Site Concept Plans,
and a proposed outline of the implementation plan.
The Master Plan will guide future decisions for improvements to parks, open
space, and recreation facilities, as well as recreation programming. To accomplish
this, the Master Plan will:
identify short-term (5 years), mid-term (10 years) and long-term (20 years)
community priority projects and programs;
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propose park land acquisition strategies;
guide policy direction;
provide complementary individual concept plans for each City park and
recreational facility;
recommend enhancements and additions to the City’s recreational programs;
and
develop a strategic funding implementation plan.
The Master Plan process consists of three phases:
1. Phase 1: Specific Site and Program Analysis and Community Engagement:
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. Identification of community and stakeholder needs, interests and
preferences for system enhancements using a proactive community
engagement process with a broad range of activities. (complete)
2. Phase 2: Developing and Prioritizing Project and Program Opportunities:
Preparation of goals, policies, and programs; identification of capital
projects, needed renovations and other improvements; and prioritization of
projects into an implementation timeline of short (0-5 years), mid (6-10
years) and long-term (11-20 years) ranges. (ongoing)
3. Phase 3: Drafting of the Master Plan, Review and Adoption: Public, Parks
and Recreation Commission (PRC), and Council review; and Council
approval to adopt the Master Plan. (ongoing)
Phase 1, which includes technical assessment and community and stakeholder
engagement activities, is complete. The goals, policies and programs in Phase 2
have been developed and were reviewed extensively by the Parks and Recreation
Commission (PRC). Conceptual park site plans were also developed to show
potential enhancements to each City park. The site plans were shared with the
community and will be revised based on community feedback. Staff is now
developing an implementation timeline for capital projects and program
enhancements and has begun drafting the chapters of the Master Plan. Attached
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for Council review is the initial draft of the first four chapters of the Master Plan
(Attachment A), several sections are still under development and all are subject to
change. Moreover, the final draft will include additional supporting documents
from the extended public outreach and analysis as appendices. Staff anticipates
returning with the final chapters in October/November with a goal to approve the
Master Plan by the end of the calendar year.
Background
A Capital Improvement Project for a Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and
Recreation Master Plan (PE-13003) was adopted by Council for the 2013 Fiscal
Year. The purpose of this effort is to provide the necessary analysis and review of
Palo Alto’s parks and recreation system for the preparation of a long-range (20-
year) Master Plan. The Master Plan will provide the City with guidance regarding
future renovations and capital improvements for parks and recreation facilities
and programs considering demands for future recreational, programming,
environmental, and maintenance needs. A prioritized schedule of park
renovations and facility improvements will include a strategic funding
implementation plan.
Though the Master Plan addresses trails and natural open space, the intent is not
to provide specific guidance on how to manage and maintain the City’s trails and
open space preserves. Existing plans, such as the Pearson Arastradero Preserve
Trail Management Plan (2001) and the Foothills Park Trail Maintenance Plan
(2002), provide trail management guidance. There are also current and planned
capital projects to develop comprehensive conservation plans for the Baylands
Nature Preserve (fiscal year 2017); and for Foothills Park, Pearson Arastradero
Preserve, and Esther Clark Park (fiscal year 2019), which will provide specific
guidance on vegetation and habitat management, wildlife management, and
wildlife-appropriate public access. This Master Plan will focus on the developed
areas within the City’s natural open space areas, such as parking lots, picnic areas
and facilities, and provide recommendations on how they can best be enhanced.
The “project team” comprised of City staff and the consultant firm MIG, along
with significant review and input from the PRC, spent 18 months gathering and
analyzing data collected from Palo Alto’s current parks and recreation system and
the community. The Phase One analysis included a physical inventory of parks and
recreation assets, extensive community outreach, and a review of projected
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community demographics. This culminated in a list of potential needs and
opportunities for the overall parks and recreation system and is compiled in a
“Data and Needs Summary Matrix”, which references specific data points that
support the needs summary. One of the main needs expressed by the community
is to continue to maintain the already high level of quality services and amenities
the current parks and recreation system provides and which the community
identifies as a tremendous asset to the City.
The Master Plan process is approaching the end of Phase Two: developing goals
and policies as well as recommendations and prioritization of potential projects
and programs. Since the previous Council study session (January 25, 2016), the
project team, working closely with the PRC, has drafted a set of goals, policies and
programs including a set of concept maps for each park and open space preserve.
The Master Plan final phase includes the drafting and adoption of the Master Plan
inclusive of PRC, community, stakeholders and Council review and approval.
At the January 25 study session, a detailed review of the master planning process
included:
Phase 1: The analysis phase, which included specific site review,
extensive community outreach, demographic and sustainability and an
extensive effort to organize the data for review and interpretation.
Phase 2: The development of project principles and areas of focus.
Discussion
This report provides an update and review of draft chapters one through four
(Attachment A), and a discussion of the remaining chapters five and six. An
outline of Chapter 6: Implementation is provided in Attachment B to provide
Council with the proposed framework for the implementation plan. The focus of
the study session will be on the draft goals, policies and programs included in
Chapter 4 of Attachment A. Draft Chapters 1 through 3 of the Master Plan are
provided to inform Council of the process that led to the development of the draft
goals, policies and programs, however; these chapters are still under
development. Staff recognizes that the first three chapters will be critical to lay
the foundation and make the case for Master Plan implementation and the
content of these chapters needs to be strengthened. Staff will continue to
identify the most compelling data and community feedback that was collected
and determine what should be included in the introductory chapters or
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appendices. The inventory of data that was collected during the planning process
can be viewed at www.paloaltoparksplan.org.
Draft Master Plan Report
The draft Master Plan is proposed to consist of six chapters and supporting
appendices. A description of each chapter follows.
1. Introduction
2. Elements of Palo Alto’s Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces and
Recreation System
3. Analysis and Assessment
4. Our Future: Principles, Goals, Policies and Programs
5. Site Specific Concept Plans
6. Implementation
Chapters 1-3: Introduction, Elements of the System, Analysis and Assessment
The first three chapters provide the basic foundation for the Master Plan
including the elements of the Master Plan (Parks, Trails, and Natural Open Spaces;
Recreation Facilities; and Recreation Programming), and summary and results of
the technical assessment and community engagement process. To ensure a
comprehensive, data-driven Master Plan, the project team conducted a significant
amount of assessment and analysis. The result is a detailed understanding of the
current system of parks, trails, natural open space, recreation facilities and
recreation services. The project team also evaluated needs and opportunities,
including forecasting changes and trends that may influence future demand and
preferences.
The project team has integrated community and stakeholder engagement
throughout the entire Master Plan process. This phase of the process has been
critical in shaping the Master Plan principles and providing direction for the
Master Plan goals, policies and programs. There have been numerous
opportunities for the community to participate and provide feedback, with a
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variety of formats, times and levels of interaction offered as well as both online
and face-to-face methods, including:
Interactive community workshops provided input at key project milestones.
Intercept surveys at parks, farmers markets and community events.
A series of online surveys and outreach efforts gauged community values
and priorities, including:
an interactive map-based survey;
a comprehensive community survey;
a community prioritization challenge;
draft park concept plans; and
a future exercise to comment on the draft plan.
A stakeholder group convened periodically to advise the project team.
Interviews with experts, both at the staff level and in the community
helped inform topics that emerged from the outreach.
Consultations with the PRC and other appointed commissions deepened
our understanding.
City Council updates and study sessions kept the Council members
informed.
System Concept Maps:
To conclude this chapter, three system concept maps illustrate the opportunities
that exist for creating a multi-layered system of parklands and connections
serving both people and natural systems.
Park Search Areas, Priority School Sites and Other City-Owned Property
The 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, highlight neighborhoods with the
greatest park need. Meanwhile, public access to school grounds within park
search areas (noted in purple) highlight the need to maintain and possibly expand
parks to better support neighborhood uses and enhance their natural open space
value. While other City-owned properties (noted in brown) may represent future
park opportunities, nearly all of these lands fall outside of the park search areas.
Enhanced Bikeways and Pedestrian Routes to Parks and Recreation Facilities
The map identifies existing and planned bikeways and pedestrian routes to
improve park access. The map illustrates the network of trails and roadways
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connecting the neighborhoods to local and regional parks, recreation facilities and
natural open spaces. Recommended enhanced routes, labeled 1 through 3,
provide north to south travel corridors between Palo Alto’s parks and neighboring
communities. Regional trails like the Bay to Ridge and San Francisco Bay trails
provide similar travel corridors from Foothills Park and Pearson Arastradero
Preserve in the southwest to the Baylands Preserve and other shoreline parks and
natural open spaces to the northeast. Improving park access by linking the park
sites completes the network.
Natural Systems
The map illustrates how the same corridors recommended for bike and
pedestrian improvements can also provide connectivity for natural systems.
Landscape design features such as increased urban forest canopy, native species
plantings and storm-water bioswales create safe paths of travel and provide
habitat value for local wildlife. Creek and riparian enhancements support
“pollinator pathways,” and improve water quality and habitat connections
between regionally significant habitats in the hills and in the bay. Planting new
street and park trees will benefit areas that currently have low tree canopy
coverage, highlighted in tan.
Chapter 4: Our Future: Principles, Goals, Policies and Programs
To develop a vision for the City’s parks, trails, open space and recreation system,
the following eight principles were developed and provide the foundation for the
Master Plan. The principles reflect the outcome of the analysis and feedback
received during community engagement process. The principles, which are
defined in Chapter 4 are: Playful, Healthy, Sustainable, Inclusive, Accessible,
Flexible, Balanced and Nature.
Following the Principles, the draft goals, policies and programs which were
developed with guidance from the PRC, will provide overarching direction to City
staff, Council and the PRC; and guide future decision-making related to parks,
recreation, and open space capital and program improvements.
Development of the Project Goals
The analysis and community input phase resulted in the compilation of 12 areas
of focus that identify the major themes and key components that will guide policy
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and program recommendations. These areas of focus were developed as part of
the on-line community survey as a means of allowing the community to provide
input on the types of projects and programs that should be prioritized. The
project team, working with the PRC, consolidated these areas of focus into five
master plan goals. One additional goal, “Manage Palo Alto’s land and services
effectively, efficiently, and sustainably” was added to represent the standards for
operating existing and future parks, recreation, and open space systems. The
goals will provide overall direction for long term improvements to the parks and
recreation system, while balancing the broad range of interests and desires of
Palo Alto’s diverse community with the natural environment. The goals provide
an organizational structure for the policies and programs of the Master Plan.
Development of the Project Policies
The formulation of the draft policies coincide with the development of the master
plan goals and provide direct guidance on how to achieve the goals. The policies,
like the goals, have been developed from the analysis work done in phase one,
and draw on community input, park and program analysis, staff input and PRC
feedback. The draft policies provide support and direction for the Master Plan
goals and are meant to complement other City efforts such as the Comprehensive
Plan, Public Art Master Plan Sustainability and Climate Action Plan and Urban
Forest Master Plan. The policies will provide direction for future renovations and
enhancements of the parks and recreation system.
Proposed Projects and Programs
The next level of the Master Plan framework following the goals and policies is
the projects and programs that provide specific actions toward achieving the
goals and policies. Projects include specific capital improvements, programs and
services, as well as studies to gather needed data to give direction on capital
improvements, programs and services where there is insufficient data. For
consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, the Master Plan refers to projects and
programs collectively as programs. The programs represent potential
enhancements and expansions for the parks and recreation system including
recreation programming. Potential new programs were created from the
information gathered in the analysis and community outreach phase of the
Master Plan process including physical inventory and community feedback, and
reflect the Areas of Focus that were developed as part of the community survey
challenge. Additional programs, such as the addition of new park amenities like
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dog parks and restrooms were also considered and are included. Specific capital
improvement projects will be included in Chapter 6 – Implementation.
The project team reviewed the draft policies with the PRC at the February 23,
2016 PRC meeting, including several areas that required further development and
discussion. These areas include the standard used to measure parkland acreage
per population (policy 1.B), natural and synthetic turf (policy 2.C), dog parks
(policy 2.D) and restrooms (policy 2.E). The PRC provided their input on these
areas of interest and at the March 22, 2016 PRC meeting, staff presented
recommended policy language to address the Commission’s feedback. The PRC
agreed with the draft policies and the best direction forward. Although draft
Chapter 4 contains an extensive listing of proposed policies and accompanying
programs, descriptions of the four policies that required focused discussions with
the PRC are provided below.
Policy Recommendation 1B: Parkland standard
The initial recommendation for policy 1.B was to adopt the National Recreation
and Park Association (NRPA) standard for the desired amount of urban parkland
per resident. This standard is currently cited in the draft Comprehensive Plan
Community Services Element. The standard divides parks into two categories:
neighborhood and district parks and recommends for each type that 2 acres of
land be provided per 1000 residents. This recommendation was made on the
basis that the NRPA is currently a nationally recognized standard and an accepted
established bench mark, and would provide the city with a clear goal. In applying
this standard to Palo Alto’s existing park system, however; it became apparent
that the distinction between district and neighborhood parks used in the NRPA
standard does not readily correlate to the inventory and patterns of use in Palo
Alto where many parks serve as both neighborhood and district parks. In
addition, many of Palo Alto’s small neighborhood parks would be discounted from
the overall parks inventory if the exact standard were used. Building upon the
Comprehensive Plan, the PRC and staff revised the policy to more accurately
reflect Palo Alto while supporting the need to expand the existing parks system.
To support the policy a set of programs has been developed that will guide how
to expand the park system while taking into consideration the limits of space and
funding.
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Comprehensive plan policy: Use National Recreation and Park Association
Standards as guidelines for locating and developing new parks, recognizing
that these represent long-term aspirational targets:
• Neighborhood parks should be at least two acres in size,
although sites as small as one-half acre may be needed as
supplementary facilities. The maximum service area radius
should be one-half mile. Two acres of neighborhood parkland
should be provided for each 1,000 people.
• District parks should be at least five acres in size. The
maximum service area radius should be one mile. Two acres of
district park land should be provided for each 1,000 people.
Master Plan policy 1.B: Expand parkland inventory using the National
Recreation and Park Association standard as a guide 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 of
sufficient size to meet the varied needs of neighborhoods and the broader
community. Maximum service area should be one-half mile.
Programs to implement policy 2.D are included in Chapter 4 of
Attachment A.
Policy Recommendation 2D: Dog parks
Providing adequate defined locations for dogs to run off leash has been a
community concern for many years. Although Palo Alto has three dog parks
(Hoover, Greer, and Mitchell parks) only one, the Mitchell Park location, is of
adequate size and space. A PRC Ad Hoc committee was created to develop a
policy recommendation that would result in an adequate number of dog parks
that are evenly distributed throughout the city. Staff and the Ad Hoc committee
evaluated the Palo Alto parks system with the goal of identifying suitable
locations for dedicated parks with the focus being on locations with at least .25
acres not currently used for active or programmed recreation. The outcome is a
dog park policy and corresponding program that provides guidance on the size,
location, and number of dog parks required to meet Palo Alto’s needs. All parks
were evaluated and multiple park locations were selected and are supported by
the guidelines established by the policy. (Attachment A, policy 2.D) The process
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for adding new dog parks would include public outreach meetings for the
neighborhood around each park to collect feedback on the proposed dog park, as
well as obtaining a Park Improvement Ordinance after PRC review and Council
approval.
Master Plan 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
.25 acres. Dog parks should not be placed in Open Space Preserves.
Programs to implement Policy 2.D:
2.D.1 The City will evaluate and select at least six sites for dedicated,
fenced dog parks, equitably distributed across north and south
Palo Alto, from the following list of potential park locations:
• Eleanor Pardee (North, .41 Acres)-Near Term
• Bowden (North, .37 Acres)-Near Term
• Greer (Improve existing) (South, .87 Acres)
• Peers (North, .73 Acres)
• Hoover (Improve existing) (South, 1 Acre)
• Robles (South, .47 Acres)
• Mitchell (Expand existing) (South, 1.2 Acres)
• Kingsley Island (North, .27 Acres)
• Werry (North, .31 Acres)
• Juana Briones (South, .47 Acres)
• Heritage (North, .27 Acres)
Both the PRC and a distinct group of community members are in agreement that
there is an immediate need for additional dog parks in Palo Alto. The PRC has
prepared a memo to Council (Attachment B) recommending that staff begin the
process of adding a dog park to the north side of Palo Alto prior to Council
adoption of the Master Plan (motion approved unanimously at August 23, 2016
PRC meeting). Since a dog park was not included in the Fiscal Year 2017 capital
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budget, staff would need to identify a funding source to begin this process in the
current fiscal year.
Policy Recommendation 2E: Park restrooms
Providing restrooms in parks has been another area of community interest. The
Master Plan process revealed broad community support for park restrooms. Palo
Alto’s park system currently has 14 parks with restrooms. Staff conducted a
thorough analysis of parks that do not have restrooms and determined that
restrooms are appropriate for parks that are: approximately two acres in size or
larger; have amenities that lengthen the stay of park visitors; are highly used; and
where there are no public restrooms nearby. There are seven parks without
restrooms that meet these criteria and would benefit from the addition of
restrooms in order to allow park visitors of all ages and abilities to fully utilize and
enjoy the park. Developed by staff and reviewed by the PRC, the policy
establishes clear guidelines for where new restroom facilities should be installed
in parks and identifies specific parks for future restroom installation. (Attachment
A, policy 2.E)
Master Plan Policy 2.E. The City will actively pursue adding park restrooms
in parks that are approximately two acres or larger, have amenities that
encourage visitors to stay in the park, have high level of use, and where
there are no nearby public restrooms available.
Programs to implement Policy 2.E:
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:
o Bol Park
o Bowden Park
o Eleanor Pardee Park
o Johnson Park
o Ramos Park
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o Robles Park
o Terman Park
Policy Recommendation 2.C: Natural and synthetic turf fields
With the growing demand to provide playing field space and the need to conserve
water, a policy is needed regarding maintenance of natural grass fields and the
use of synthetic turf. The policy recommends designing and maintaining natural
turf fields with adequate time for field rest and maintenance to support maximum
use in parks by multiple organized sports and casual users. The policy
acknowledges that the synthetic turf industry is rapidly evolving, and that new
and improved products are continually being developed with a movement
towards improved playing conditions, improved player safety, cooler
temperatures, and more environmentally friendly materials. The policy
recommends tracking industry developments and the latest reputable scientific
studies regarding synthetic turf; and provides guidance on maintaining the City’s
existing synthetic turf fields (Attachment A, policy 2.C).
Master Plan 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 to implement Policy 2.C:
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
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understand the environmental and human safety impacts of
our existing synthetic 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
2.C.4 Synthetic turf fields should be striped for multiple sports to
maximize use. Whenever possible, synthetic turf playing fields
should have lights in order to maximize use of the field.
Chapter 5: Site Concept Plans
Site Concept Plans were developed for each of Palo Alto’s parks and facilities as a
way to initiate dialogue with the community on the potential for park and
recreation facility enhancements. The Site Concept Plans, which can be viewed at
www.paloaltoparksplan.org, show potential opportunities for improvements and
new amenities that could be added to a park or facility. New potential site
amenities shown on the Site Concept Plans were derived from the park and
recreation system analysis and extensive community input with assistance of park
and recreation staff who have detailed knowledge of the community's
preferences, common requests and feedback received from the public, as well as
the feasibility of proposed improvements. The Site Concept Plans provide the
opportunity for the community to provide input on new potential amenities for
each site. Input gathered from the community assists staff, the Parks and
Recreation Commission and City Council in determining what new amenities will
be included in the Master Plan. The project team has provided numerous
opportunities for the community to review and comment on the concept plans.
Outreach was conducted at the City of Palo Alto May Fete Fair, at a community
meeting that was held on May 25, 2016, and through an online survey that was
available May 26, 2016 through August 9, 2016. Additionally, a meeting was held
with members of the Barron Park neighborhood (at their request) to discuss the
history and future of Bol Park and staff are continuing to reach out to all
neighborhood groups interested in providing further feedback. Printed versions of
the Site Concept Plans were also dispersed throughout the City’s libraries and
community centers for convenience allowing the public to talk with CSD customer
service staff and share their view on how we might improve the Palo Alto Parks,
Trails, Open Space and Recreation programs and facilities. Nearly 300 comments
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were received on the concept plans during the community outreach effort. The
project team has begun using the information received in the community
engagement process to refine the site concept plans for inclusion in the Draft
Master Plan. Even after adoption of the Master Plan, the site concept plans will
not be considered final proposals, but rather a starting point and guide for future
community outreach that will occur when a park is proposed for renovation.
Chapter 6: Implementation
Finally, Chapter 6 will inform staff, the PRC and City Council on strategic direction
for implementing the Master Plan. Chapter 6 will include an action plan, a
discussion on current and future funding needs, a process for evaluating future
projects and a progress reporting methodology. The action plan will identify the
programs that will be recommended for implementation in the near-, mid-, and
long-term. Near-term is defined as starting within 5 years or less, mid-term is 6-
10 years, and long-term is 11-20 years. Both “keep-up” and “catch-up” projects
that were identified in the Final Report of the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Commission (IBRC) will be included in the action plan as well as the new potential
amenities or enhancements identified through the Master Plan process. Near-
term capital projects will be consistent with the City’s 5-year Capital Improvement
Plan and will include initial cost estimates as well as long-term operating costs.
Chapter 6 will also include a separate discussion of large-scale capital projects
that may be considered a priority, but will take years and significant funding to
implement. An outline of the implementation chapter is included in Attachment
C.
Program prioritization and implementation:
When considering the priority of programs for the Master Plan and the order in
which they will be completed, the following set of criteria are being used as a
guide to identify the benefit of the proposed program to the overall parks system
and in relation to other programs. These criteria do not provide an overall
numerical score to a program, but serve to inform staff, the PRC, and Council to
what degree that particular program would serve the needs of the community
based on how well it meets the criteria. The criteria are valuable in allowing the
prioritization process to identify which programs to complete in the near-, mid-,
and long-term and are being applied to each of the programs identified in the
Master Plan.
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1. Fill existing gaps: Bring recreation opportunities (parkland, facilities,
programs) to areas of the City and to users where gaps were identified.
2. Address community preferences: Target the highest priority types of
projects and programs identified through citywide outreach.
3. Respond to growth: Add features or programs, modify or expand
components of the system to prepare for and address increasing
demand.
4. Maximize public resources: Create the most impact for each dollar of
capital and operating expenditure possible.
5. Realize multiple benefits: Advance the principles of this Master Plan as
well as the goals, projects and directions of other adopted City efforts.
Next Steps
Staff and the consultant have begun to draft the Master Plan and have completed
drafts of Chapters 1 through 4 (Attachment A). The PRC reviewed these chapters
as well as the Implementation Plan outline to guide the development of Chapter 6
(Attachment C). Staff and the PRC are now beginning the final phase of the
Master Plan work to develop an action plan, measurement and monitoring tools
and process for evaluating future projects. Once this is complete staff will present
a draft plan for council feedback followed by approval of a final plan. The
community and the PRC will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft
Master Plan prior to the Council’s review of the draft plan in October/November
2016.
Timeline
September: Council Study Session – update and review
November: Council review draft the Master Plan
December 2016: Council considers approval of the Master Plan
Resource Impact
Funding for this study and planning process is in Capital Improvement Program
project PE-13003: Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan, which
was adopted by Council in Fiscal Year 2013.
The objective of this plan is to assess the long-term needs and opportunities for
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development and improvement of existing parks, open space areas, regional trails
and recreation facilities; the acquisition of new park land or expansion of existing
park land to meet the on-going needs of the community; meeting the strategic
maintenance needs of existing facilities in a cost-effective manner; the
prioritization of recommended improvement and acquisition projects; and to
provide funding strategies (public and private) for the improvements and
acquisitions suggested by the report. The intent of this planning is to utilize
limited Capital Improvement Funds and other resources wisely and effectively,
and to leverage these resources with grants or private funding whenever possible.
The Master plan will make recommendations that could call for new investments
in the future including the development of a strategic funding plan to successfully
implement the recommendations. The recommended projects and programs that
are included in the Master Plan should be considered potential future projects
and the level and extent of improvements and expansion will be dependent on
the availability of resources.
Policy Implications
The proposed Master Plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan Policy C-26
of the Community Services element of the Comprehensive Plan that encourages
maintaining park facilities as safe and healthy community assets; and Policy C-22
that encourages new community facilities to have flexible functions to ensure
adaptability to the changing needs of the community.
Environmental Review
This is a planning study and therefore exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to Section 15262 of the CEQA guidelines.
(Public Resources Code section 15262.)
The Master Plan recommendations may result in future capital improvement
projects. Environmental review will be conducted in compliance with CEQA with
respect to proposed capital improvement projects.
Attachments
A: Draft Master Plan Chapters 1-4
B: Letter to Council from Parks and Recreation Commission recommending
a new dog park
C: Outline of Chapter 6: Implementation
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Attachments:
Attachment A - Draft Master Plan Chapters 1-4 (PDF)
Attachment B - PRC Letter Supporting Dog Parks (PDF)
Attachment C - PTNOSR Chapter 6 Memo MIG (PDF)
PB
PALOALTO
MASTER PLAN
AUGUST 2016 DRAFT
PARKS TRAILS NATURAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
Attachment A
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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:
Jim Cowie
Anne Warner Cribbs
Jennifer Hetterly
Abbie Knopper
Ed Lauing
David Moss
Keith Reckdahl
Past Members:
Stacy Ashlund
Dierdre Crommie
Pat Markevitch
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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
CONTENTS
MASTER PLAN
Glossary .............................................................................................................................................................................v
Executive Summary......................................................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................1
Chapter 2. Elements of Palo Alto’s Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces & Recreation System ......15
Chapter 3. Analysis and Assessment ....... ......................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 4. Our future: Principles, Policies, Programs & Projects ............................................................. 53
Chapter 5. Site Concept Plans ............................................................................................. Under Development
Chapter 6. Implementation ..................................................................................................Under Development
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................................87
APPENDICES
A. Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces and Recreation Inventory ...........................Under Development
B. Community Engagement Summary ............................................................................Under Development
C. Geographic Analysis Maps ...............................................................................................Under Development
D. Rinconada Park Master Plan ..........................................................................................Under Development
FIGURES
Figure 1: Planning Process .........................................................................................................................................4
Figure 2: Existing Public Parks and Natural Open Spaces Map .................................................................20
Figure 3: Participation in Palo Alto Recreation Program Areas .................................................................25
Figure 4: Palo Alto Race and Ethnicity..................................................................................................................35
Figure 5: Park Walksheds Map ...............................................................................................................................40
Figure 6: Prioritization Challenge Results ...................................................................................................43-44
Figure 7: Park Search Areas Map ..........................................................................................................................46
Figure 8: Bikeways and Pedestrian Routes Map .............................................................................................48
Figure 9: Natural Systems Map .............................................................................................................................50
TABLES
Table 1: Parks and Natural Open Spaces Inventory .......................................................................................19
Table 2: Palo Alto Facilities ......................................................................................................................................22
Table 3: City of Palo Alto Projected Population.................................................................................................35
Table 4: City of Palo Alto Key Age Groups...........................................................................................................35
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
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, 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 3ft 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 park land 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 route that links 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 park land. These areas
are the targets for strategies to add to the park system.
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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
Pollinator Pathway: a concept for pathyways, 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 on 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).
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
Executive Summary
This is under development for the October/
November draft.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation MASTER PLAN
Executive Summary
This is under development for the October/
November draft.
CHAPTER1
PURPOSE AND INTENT
It has been fifty years since Palo Alto has taken a comprehensive look at the community’s needs for park lands, natural open spaces, trails and recreation. The visionary 1965 plan 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. It called for parks within one-half mile of every residential development, and established City standards for the amount of neighborhood and district park acreage.
Today Palo Alto residents, employees and visitors value and enjoy the City’s high-quality system of parks, recreation programs, trails and natural open spaces. To build on and continue the legacy of a
INTRODUCTION
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
EVOLVE THE SYSTEM TO SERVE A LARGER AND MORE DIVERSE SET OF COMMUNITY NEEDS
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
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 impact 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. Palo Alto has
the opportunity right now 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 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 framework with a set
of policies, projects, programs, and site specific plans with
recommendations for future renovations and capital improvements.
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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
Planning Process Overview
The planning process to develop the Master Plan included the
following tracks, as shown in Figure 1.
•Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive
engagement of the public and a broad range of
stakeholders to identify community needs, interests and
preferences for system enhancements.
•Technical Assessment and Analysis: A comprehensive
inventory and analysis of all Palo Alto parks, trails, natural
open spaces and recreational facilities and programs;
an analysis of current and forecasted demographic and
recreation trends; and an analysis of community recreation
needs.
•Developing and Prioritizing Projects: Preparation of
recommendations; identification of capital projects,
needed renovations and other improvements; and
prioritization of projects into an implementation timeline of
short (5-year), medium (10- year) and long-term (20-year)
ranges.
•Plan Review and Adoption: Public review and approval
process to adopt the plan.
FIGURE 1: PLANNING PROCESS
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
The process was led by the project team, consisting of city and
consultant staff. The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) was
involved throughout the process, serving as strategic advisors and
participating in-depth in reviewing the assessment and analysis
tasks.
Community and Stakeholder 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.
Master Plan community engagement methods, described in the
following section, included:
• A project webpage
• Public information updates through a variety of online and
print communication channels
• A community stakeholder advisory group
• 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
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 of this plan.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
GOALS
• 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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
PROJECT WEBPAGE
A 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.
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.
STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY GROUP
The 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.
Project webpage
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
INTERCEPT EVENTS
During the summer of 2014, the project team and PRC members
conducted six “intercept surveys” to collect input from visitors
outdoors at parks, farmer’s 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
Site-Specific Comments on Bol Park from the Online Map-Based Survey
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation INTRODUCTION
travel to the places they go, and what their experience is like,
including site-specific data. Figures 3 and 4 are example graphics
from the map-based survey.
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
Visual Preference Survey Result from a Community Input Workshop
CHAPTER2
ELEMENTS OF PALO ALTO’S PARKS, TRAILS, NATURAL OPEN SPACES AND RECREATION SYSTEM
FROM ITS EARLIEST YEARS, THE COMMUNITY OF PALO ALTO
HAS INVESTED IN THE SYSTEM OF PARKS, TRAILS, NATURAL
OPEN SPACES 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 comprise the citywide system of parks, natural open spaces, trails and recreation facilities and programs. These three elements were
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THE LANDSCAPE OF PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAIL CONNECTIONS PROVIDE THE SPACE WHERE RECREATION FACILITIES, NATURAL HABITAT AND PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
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 Spaces
The landscape of parks, open spaces and trail connections provide
the space where recreation facilities, natural habitat and pro-
grams 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
together. The analysis related to this element includes the proxim-
ity of park lands and recreation activities; opportunities to experi-
ence and protect natural habitats; trail connections and the comfort
and accessibility of the sites.
The System Today
Palo Alto maintains over 173 acres of urban park land distributed
throughout the city as well as over 4,000 acres in natural open
space preserves. The majority of the parks in Palo Alto are neigh-
borhood parks, primarily designed to support the everyday activ-
ities of local residents. Some 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 neighborhing
communities. These typically have a higher concentration of facil-
ities, 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 Rinco-
nada 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 generally not present. Due to the era
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
when they were built, many parks don’t have flexible spaces that
allow different uses to be layered in. Rather, they provide a collec-
tion of spaces designed for a single activity. With design interven-
tions, many existing parks have the potential to support more use
and activity.
There are four natural open space preserves: Baylands Preserve
(which includes Byxbee Park), Esther Clark Preserve, Foothills Park
and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. These sites are large, 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.
Palo Alto Open Space has approximately 43.2 miles of trail. The
Baylands 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 park lands 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 pub-
lic trail system is further enhanced by privately owned trails with
public access such as the recently completed Stanford Perimeter
Trail.
The Existing Public Parks and Natural Open Space map (Figure 2)
depicts all City-owned park sites and natural open spaces. Palo
Alto Unified School District sites are also acknowledged on this
map due to the long-standing partnership and their importance as
park-like places. A detailed inventory of these sites can be found
in Appendix A, and a complete set of site maps can be found in the
Technical Supplement.
PALO ALTO PARK ACREAGE
Urban Parks: 174
Natural Open Space Preserves: 4,030
NATURAL OPEN SPACE PRESERVES
Baylands Preserve (including Byxbee Park)
Esther Clark Preserve
Foothills Park
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Park or Natural Open Space Ownership Acres
Baylands Athletic Center City of Palo Alto 6
Bol Park City of Palo Alto 13.8
Boulware Park City of Palo Alto 1.5
Bowden Park City of Palo Alto 2
Bowling Green Park City of Palo Alto 1.9
(Juana) Briones Park City of Palo Alto 4.1
Cameron Park City of Palo Alto 1.1
Cogswell Plaza City of Palo Alto 0.5
El Camino Park Stanford 12.2
Eleanor Pardee Park City of Palo Alto 9.6
El Palo Alto Park City of Palo Alto 0.5
Greer Park City of Palo Alto 22
Heritage Park City of Palo Alto 2.0
Hoover Park City of Palo Alto 4.2
Hopkins Creekside City of Palo Alto 12.4
Johnson Park City of Palo Alto 2.5
Kellogg Park City of Palo Alto 0.2
Lytton Plaza City of Palo Alto 0.2
Mayfield Park City of Palo Alto 1.1
Mitchell Park City of Palo Alto 21.4
Monroe Park City of Palo Alto 0.6
Peers Park City of Palo Alto 4.7
Ramos Park City of Palo Alto 4.4
Rinconada Park City of Palo Alto 19
Robles Park City of Palo Alto 4.7
Scott Park City of Palo Alto 0.4
Seale Park City of Palo Alto 4.3
Stanford - Palo Alto Playing Fields Stanford 5.9
Terman Park City of Palo Alto/ PAUSD 7.7
Wallis Park City of Palo Alto 0.3
Weisshaar Park City of Palo Alto 1.1
Werry Park City of Palo Alto 1.1
SUBTOTAL CITY PARKS 174
Baylands Preserve (including Byxbee)City of Palo Alto 1,986
Esther Clark Preserve City of Palo Alto 22
Foothills Park City of Palo Alto 1,400
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve City of Palo Alto 622
SUBTOTAL NATURAL OPEN SPACES 4,030
TABLE 1: PALO ALTO PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACES INVENTORY
20
BaylandsPreserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Williams Park
San F r a ncisquitoCreek
Mat a d e ro C r e ek
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adob
e
C
r
e
e
k
£¤101
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Foothills Park
S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
0 10.5
Miles
²
Figure 8: Existing
Public Parks &
Natural Open Space
04.01.2016 | Data Sources: Palo AltoOpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks,Trails, Natural
Open Space and
Master Plan
Recreation
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
FIGURE 2: EXISTING PUBLIC PARKS AND NATURAL OPEN SPACE MAP
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation SYSTEM ELEMENTS
Baylands Preserve
BaylandsAthleticCenter
El CaminoPark
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo AltoPlaying Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkinsCreeksidePark
El PaloAlto Park
Pearson -ArastraderoPreserve
ScottPark
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Williams Park
SanFrancisquitoCreek
MataderoCreek
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe C
r
e
e
k
£¤101
§¨¦280
¬«82
Foothills Park
S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
0 10.5
Miles
²
Figure 8: Existing
Public Parks &
Natural Open Space
04.01.2016 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Natural
Open Space and
Master Plan
Recreation
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
22
Recreation Facilities
From community centers to sports fields to community gardens,
Palo Alto’s recreation facilities add variety to the experiences pos-
sible 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.
The 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.
Play 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.
Basketball 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 of facilities with the exception of Mitchell and Rinconada
parks with 7 and 9 tennis courts respectively. These concentrations
of tennis courts provide a higher capacity for play and the potential
to host tournaments.
Rectangular and Diamond Sports Fields
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 foot-
ball. Diamond fields are designed for particular levels of baseball or
PALO ALTO RECREATION
FACILITIES
•Play areas
•Basketball Courts
•Tennis Courts
•Rectangular Sports Fields
•Diamond Sports Fields
•Picnic Areas
•Off-Leash Dog Areas
•Community Gardens
•Swimming Pools
•Community Centers
•Special Purpose Buildings in
Parks
•Other Indoor Facilities
•Golf Course
Number of Facilities in Palo Alto
Play Areas 29
Basketball Courts 14
Tennis Courts 24
Rectangular Sports Fields 22
Diamond Sports Fields 10
Picnic Areas 39
Pools 2
Dog Parks 2
Community Centers 3
Community Gardens 2
Interpretive Centers 3
TABLE 2: PALO ALTO FACILITIES
CHAPTER3
ANALYSIS & ASSESSMENT
THE MASTER PLAN WAS DEVELOPED WITH A COMPREHENSIVE,
DATA-DRIVEN AND COMMUNITY FOCUSED PROCESS THAT
INCLUDED AN ARRAY OF ASSESSMENT, ANALYSIS AND
OUTREACH STRATEGIES. This process resulted in a detailed understanding of Palo Alto’s current system of parks, trails, natural open spaces, recreation facilities and recreation programs and services, the opportunities that system presents, and the current and future needs of the community it serves.
The following sections provide brief descriptions of 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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
RESIDENTS WOULD LIKE TO SEE ENHANCEMENTS TO PARKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY INCLUDING MORE TYPES OF PLAY EXPERIENCES AND ENVIRONMENTS.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Community Engagement Results
The project team, with support from the Parks and Recreation
Commission (PRC), successfully collected and analyzed input
from hundreds of residents and stakeholders through a variety of
community outreach methods. The following sections describe the
goals and structure of the Master Plan community engagement
process, its key topics and themes and brief summaries of each
method.
KEY COMMUNITY TOPICS AND THEMES:
The following topics and themes were referenced multiple times by
the community, City staff, partners and decision makers. They 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.
• Respondents value, support and appreciate their parks
system. They recognize that it is a high-quality system.
• Respondents believe that strategic enhancements and
improvements are needed to better meet evolving needs
and trends, adapt to growth and changing demographics,
and to continue to provide world-class experiences to
residents.
• Limited land availability and high cost is seen as the major
limiting factor to pursuing new park opportunities.
• Providing accessible and safe active transportation
(walking, biking, etc.) routes to natural open spaces,
community centers and parks is a high priority.
• 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 also want to feel connected to nature in their
urban parks. There is interest in adding nature play
elements and wildlife habitats to more traditional parks.
34
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• 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.
• 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 facility availability for Palo
Alto residents are widely supported, and stakeholders
generally agree that Palo Alto is (and should be) focused on
providing services to local residents, rather 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.
The input from the community was provided at several stages
in the process and guided decisions about how the system was
analyzed. This includes the analysis of walkability and park access,
as well as analysis of access to those experiences highly desired by
Palo Altans (such as play for children). In addition, specific facilities,
such as restrooms, dog parks and community gardens were
analyzed (examining equitable distribution and need) as a result of
the community interest in these features.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THEMES
• Walkability and Equity of
Park and Preserve Access
• Activity Access: Play for
Children
• Activity Access: Exercise
and Fitness
• Activity Access: Throw/
Catch/Shoot/Kick/Hit
• Activity Access: Gather
Together
• Activity Access: Relax and
Enjoy the Outdoors
• Experience Nature
• Preservation of Nature
• Trail Connections
• Availability of Restrooms
• Site Amenities and
Experience
• Universal Accessibility
3534
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Demographic and Recreation Trend Analysis
Note: This section is under further development in coordination
with Planning and Community Environment.
The project team evaluated the existing demographic profile in
Palo Alto, including household characteristics and transportation
behavior, to identify patterns and trends that could influence
recreation 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.
KEY DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS:
• The city has grown steadily since the 1970’s and has a
large share of long-term residents., 37% living in the City
for over 20 years.
• While the average age of residents is increasing, the city
has a sizable population of children under 18 years of age
(over 23% of the City population in 2013).
• The city has a significant share of commuters who travel
by bike (11%).
• 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.
TABLE 4: CITY OF PALO ALTO KEY AGE
GROUPS
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 5-Year American Community Survey
Age Percent
Total Population 64,234
Persons under 5 years 5.1%
Persons under 18 years 23.3%
Persons 65 years and over 16.9%
Population
Population 2013 66,368
Population projection 2035 84,000
Percent Change 27%
Average Annual Change 1.1%
TABLE 3: CITY OF PALO ALTO PROJECTED
POPULATION
Source: California Department of Finance and Association of Bay Area Governments
FIGURE 4: PALO ALTO RACE AND ETHNICITY
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
White Black or AfricanAmerican American Indianand Alaska
Native
Asian Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
Islander
Two or MoreRaces Hispanic orLatino
2000 2010 2014
36
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Analysis of the System
The analysis of the system began with a site visit to each park,
facility and preserve to document and evaluate existing conditions
so an accurate and in-depth foundation of base information could
be developed. The analysis of observations during these visits
was recorded in 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
The project team developed a geographic analysis of the parks,
trails and natural open spaces system to evaluate its walkability
and accessibility. To conduct the analysis, the project team
developed a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) model of the
surrounding streets, sidewalks, trails and pathways, using ESRI
Network Analyst to identify “walksheds” or catchment areas for
each park. This approach reflects the way people move through the
city. The desired travel distances used were ¼ and ½ mile, reflecting
research on the distance a typical person can walk in five and ten
minutes. This analysis refined the understanding of the ½ mile
distance first cited in the 1965 parks plan 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 5, on
page 38, 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 functions. Feedback from the community through the
engagement process 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. To conduct an assessment of the community’s access
to each of these activities, the project team defined analysis criteria
for each category and applied the criteria to the geographic analysis
model.
3736
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
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 place to relax and enjoy
the outdoors. This activity is supported in most parks,
which usually include a quiet and calm place to walk or
sit. However, some Palo Alto parks were identified as
not supporting this activity because of their proximity to
a highway or a loud/busy street, their dedication to and
heavy use for competitive sports, or based on comments
made by the public on the online interactive map (and
verified in a site visit).
• Play for Children. Children and youth were regularly cited
as one of the most important audiences for the park
system. Parks that provide a playground, play area or
unique play feature (sculpture, nature play, etc.) support
this activity and this audience.
• Throw a Ball. This activity encompasses throwing,
catching, shooting, kicking and hitting a ball, and includes
both self-directed and competitive (league-based) play.
Parks that have a large open turf area or that incorporate
formal sports fields and courts support this activity.
Organized sports for both youth and adults have been
important to residents going back to the early days of the
park system.
• Exercise and Fitness. Exercise and fitness in a park
setting generally occurs by walking or running (top
recreation activities in Palo Alto, as well as nationally), or
by swimming. Those parks with perimeter or looped paths,
extensive trail systems, fitness stations or a pool support
this activity. Health and wellness has been shown to be
important to Palo Alto residents in this and other planning
processes.
• Gathering. The Palo Alto community sees the park system
as 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 support this activity.
PB
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation
38
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
S a n F ra ncisquitoCreek
Mat a d e ro C r e e k
Barron
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e
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£¤101
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Foothills Park
SAN MATEO COUNTY
STANFORD
0 10.5
Miles
²
Figure 10: Park
Walksheds
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
Park Walksheds
1/4 mile
1/2 mile
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City; Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
FIGURE 5: PARK WALKSHEDS MAP
3938
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
SanFrancisquitoCreek
MataderoCreek
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adob
e
C
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e
e
k
£¤101
§¨¦280
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Foothills Park
SAN MATEO COUNTY
STANFORD
0 10.5
Miles
²
Figure 10: Park
Walksheds
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
Park Walksheds
1/4 mile
1/2 mile
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City; Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
40
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
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;
• Equitable access to natural open spaces (preserves);
• Community gardening;
• Recreation with dogs; and
• Distribution of indoor recreation space.
GEOGRAPHIC NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
The spatial analysis revealed the following:
• Most Palo Alto residents have access to a city park within
a ¼ and ½ mile. Gaps exist north of the Oregon Expressway
near Highway 101 and south of El Camino Real near
commercial and institutional land uses.
• 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.
• Dog parks are all located south of the Oregon Expressway.
• Community gardens are located entirely north of Oregon
Expressway.
Recreation Program Analysis
To evaluate the capacity of Palo Alto’s facilities and programs to
meet demand, the project team reviewed and analyzed data on
reservations, minimum participation, program registrations and
waitlists, and considered the observations of staff and consultants.
A crucial performance indicator in recreation programming is
minimum participation. This 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.
4140
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
RECREATION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES:
• The highest participation in City programs is in sports
(adult and youth), aquatics (youth and teen) and day
camps.
• The current policy of “everyone plays” is widely supported
for middle school athletics. However, expanding these
programs is difficult due to limited gym and field space.
• Demand for some classes and programs varries greatly by
time of day.
• Facility constraints and a shortage of instructors and
coaches prevent the expansion of most sports programs.
In contrast, outdoor and open space programs can be
more easily expanded because of the outdoor setting.
• Academic support programs offered to youth and teens
are typically operating under capacity.
• Programs offered by the Art Center, the Junior Museum
and Zoo and the Children’s Theatre that are included in the
registration system 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.
Needs and Opportunities Summary
As major elements of the Technical Assessment and Analysis and
the Community and Stakeholder Engagement 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 Developing and Prioritizing Projects. As described
in Chapter 1, the process for this review resulted in 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
42
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Geographic Analysis
• Capacity/Bookings
• Perception of Quality
• Expressed Need
• Demographic Trends
• Barriers to Access/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
opportunities represent potential actions that would benefit the
system. 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.
Areas of Focus
The planning team and the PRC reviewed the matrix in great detail
and through this process identified groupings of opportunities that
had emerged across many analysis and community input activities.
The groups of 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 in existing parks
• Enhancing comfort and making parks more welcoming
• Increasing health and wellness opportunities in parks and
programs
4342
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
• Integrating nature into Palo Alto parks
• Improving spaces and increased options for off-leash dogs
• Expanding the system
• Offering more of the existing programs, classes, events.
These “areas of focus” were utilized to review the direction of
the plan with the community using the community prioritization
challenge, a combination of online survey and in-person workshop.
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. The full summary is available in the
technical supplement.
A relatively smaller number of participants placed a very high
priority (and resulting budget allocation) on improving options for
off-leash dogs. These results clarify and validate the findings of the
analysis and community engagement and informed the a refined
direction for the future of Palo Alto’s system.
Figure 6 shows a sample survey question result. Full results are
available in the technical supplement.
FIGURE 6: PRIORITIZATION CHALLENGE RESULTS
44
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Opportunities for the System
Three concept maps illustrate a multi-layered system of park lands
and connections that serve 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 6 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 7 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. 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.
4544
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
CONNECT NATURAL SYSTEMS
Figure 8 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 in that they are already owned by
the City and are not yet designated for a specific use. These three
sites each have unique opportunities but also constraints. The
status of each is summarized below:
• Cubberly 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 a hydrology study.
• Baylands Athletic Center Expansion: As a result of the
redesign of the Palo Alto Golf Course, 10.25 acres of land
was added to the adjacent Baylands Athletic Center site
for future recreation opportunities. This may be the last
large addition to Palo Alto’s park land and many ideas have
been proposed for this site. Considerations for developing
this site include its relative isolation from residences, its
proximity to adjacent park sites, site limitations due to
wetland and its location below the mean projected high
water line after 3 feet of sea level rise.
46
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Williams Park
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
San F r a ncisquitoCreek
Mat a d e ro C r eek
Barron
C
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k
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£¤101
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Foothills Park
SAN MATEO COUNTY
STANFORD
0 10.5
Miles
²
Draft Park Search Areas,
Priority School Sites and
Other City-Owned Property
12.8.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, .ATURAL
Open Space and
Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Other City-owned Property
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City; Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo CountySan
A Park Search Areas
Park Search Areas
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Palo Verde Elementary School
04.01.2016
Figure 12:
Park Search Areas Map
Williams ParkWilliams Park
FIGURE 7: PARK SEARCH AREAS MAP
4746
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Williams Park
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
SanFrancisquitoCreek
MataderoCreek
Barron
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Foothills Park
SAN MATEO COUNTY
STANFORD
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Draft Park Search Areas,
Priority School Sites and
Other City-Owned Property
12.8.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, .ATURAL
Open Space and
Recreation
Master Plan
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Other City-owned Property
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Private
trail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City; Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo CountySan
A Park Search Areas
Park Search Areas
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BowBowParkarkPark
ePrkeen Park
SarahSarah
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Johnson Johnson
BoBoGre
swell Plazaswell Plaza
LyttonLyttonPlazaPlaza
KelloggKellogg
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Scott ParkScott Park
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AddisonElementary School
AddisonElementary School
DuveneckElementary SchoolDuveneckElementary School
Palo Verde Elementary School
El Carmelo Elementary SchoolEl Carmelo Elementary School
Ohlone Elementary SchoolOhlone Elementary School
Jordan Middle SchoolJordan Middle School
Palo Verde Elementary School
04.01.2016
Figure 12:
Park Search Areas Map
Williams ParkWilliams Park
48
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
MAY
B
E
L
L
LYTT
O
N
HOM
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NE
W
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WALKER
MAY
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Williams ParkWilliams Park
0 10.5
Miles
²
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
City Park
City Owned Property
City Natural Open Spaces
Major Road
Street
Train Tracks
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
Trails
Private Recreation Routes
Existing Bicycle Boulevards
Stanford Perimeter Trail-
Private trail with public access
Regional Trails (Bay to Ridge Trails, San Francisco Bay Trail)
Recommended Park Connectors
Recommended Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian
Routes1
Figure 13: Bikeways and
Pedestrian Routes Map
04.01.2016
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
S a n F ra ncisquito Creek
Matad e ro C re e k
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adob
e
C
r
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e
k
2
2
1
1
3
3
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
ViewLos
Altos
Los AltosHills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
£¤101
§¨¦280
¬«82
Foothills Park
S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
FIGURE 8: BIKEWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES MAP
4948
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
MAY
B
E
L
L
LYTT
O
N
HOM
E
R
NE
W
E
L
L
CO
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Williams ParkWilliams Park
0 10.5
Miles
²
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
City Park
City Owned Property
City Natural Open Spaces
Major Road
Street
Train Tracks
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
Trails
Private Recreation Routes
Existing Bicycle Boulevards
Stanford Perimeter Trail- Private trail with public access
Regional Trails
(Bay to Ridge Trails, San Francisco Bay Trail)
Recommended Park Connectors
Recommended Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian
Routes1
Figure 13: Bikeways and
Pedestrian Routes Map
04.01.2016
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
San Francisquito Creek
Matadero Creek
Barron
C
r
e
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Ado
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e
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2
2
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1
3
3
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
View
Los
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
£¤101
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Foothills Park
S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
50
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Williams ParkWilliams Park
0 10.5
Miles
²
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
Pollinator Pathways
Community Gardens
Urban Canopy Target Areas
Mean Projected High Water - 3 ft Sea Level Rise (NOAA)
Wetland Habitat
Figure 14:
Natural Systems Map
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
S a n F ra ncisquito Creek
Matad e r o C r e e k
Barron
C
r
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k
Ado
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e
C
r
e
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k
Trails
Private Recreation Routes
Stanford Perimeter Trail-
Private trail with public access
Riparian Connected Parks
Creeks/ Riparian Enhancements
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
MountainView
Los
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
£¤101
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S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in the Bayland Preserve:Western burrowing owlCalifornia seablite
Northern coastal salt marsh
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in San Francisquito Creek:
SteelheadCalifornia red legged frogWestern pond turtle
Showy rancheria clover
Valley oak woodland
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Pearson-Arastradero Preserve:
Western pond turtle
Serpentine bunchgrassIndian Valley bush-mallow
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species in Foothills Park:
Western Leatherwood
Valley oak woodland
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
BaylandsPreserveBaylandsPreserve
Regional Habitat
Connection Concept 04.01.2016
FIGURE 9: NATURAL SYSTEMS MAP
5150
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, & Recreation ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT
Williams ParkWilliams Park
0 10.5
Miles
²
12.14.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, Open
Space and Recreation
Master Plan
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo County
Pollinator Pathways
Community Gardens
Urban Canopy Target Areas
Mean Projected High Water - 3 ft Sea Level Rise (NOAA)
Wetland Habitat
Figure 14:
Natural Systems Map
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
Cubberley
Community
Center
Ventura
Community
Center
San Francisquito Creek
Matadero Creek
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adob
e
C
r
e
e
k
Trails
Private Recreation Routes
Stanford Perimeter Trail-
Private trail with public access
Riparian Connected Parks
Creeks/ Riparian Enhancements
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
Mountain
View
Los
Altos
Los Altos
Hills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
East
Palo Alto
Ladera
£¤101
§¨¦280
¬«82
Foothills Park
S A N M A T E O C O U N T Y
S T A N F O R D
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species in the Bayland Preserve:
Western burrowing owl
California seablite
Northern coastal salt marsh
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species in San Francisquito Creek:Steelhead
California red legged frog
Western pond turtle
Showy rancheria clover
Valley oak woodland
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Pearson-Arastradero Preserve:
Western pond turtleSerpentine bunchgrassIndian Valley bush-mallow
Special Status Wildlife and Plant Species
in Foothills Park:
Western Leatherwood
Valley oak woodland
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
BaylandsPreserveBaylandsPreserve
Regional Habitat
Connection Concept 04.01.2016
CHAPTER 4
THROUGH THE MASTER PLAN PROCESS, THE PALO ALTO
COMMUNITY HAS DEFINED A FUTURE FOR PARKS, TRAILS,
NATURAL OPEN SPACES 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 priciples and goals will be realized through the recommended prorgams 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 spaces and recreation. They are organized within the framework of the eight principles and six goals, with policies and programs following each goal.
OUR FUTURE: PRINCIPLES, GOALSPOLICIES, PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
54
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
A MULTI-LAYERED SYSTEM OF PARK LANDS AND CONNECTIONS THAT SERVE BOTH PEOPLE AND NATURAL SYSTEMS.
5554
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.
56
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 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
6, titled Implementation, provide 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 6.
Privately-Owened Public Open Spaces (POPOS) are built and managed by private entities and are required to allow public accessIMAGE: Privately Owned Public Open Space
POPULATION STANDARDS
Formula for calculating level
of service:
Acreage/Population x 1,000
Example:
City park acreage: 174
Population (2013): 66,368
174 acres/66,368 people
x1,000 = 2.62 acres/1,000
5756
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.
1.A.4 Partner with local recreation providers to relocate existing
programs or offer new programs in Palo Alto parks.
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
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.
1.A.7 Evaluate the geographic distribution of program offerings
and make adjustments to equally offer programs
throughout the City.
Williams Park
Baylands Preserve
Baylands Athletic Center
El Camino Park
GreerPark
BolPark
Esther ClarkPreserve
MitchellPark
TermanPark
Hoover Park
EleanorPardeePark
Peers Park
Seale Park
Robles Park
RamosPark
Rinconada Park
Briones Park
Johnson Park
BowdenPark
BowlingGreen Park
Boulware Park
MonroePark
Werry Park
Cogswell Plaza
CameronPark
MayfieldPark
WeisshaarPark
LyttonPlaza
SarahWallis Park
KelloggPark
StanfordPalo Alto Playing Fields
Palo Alto Golf CourseHopkins Creekside Park
El Palo Alto Park
Pearson - Arastradero Preserve
Scott Park
Heritage Park
CubberleyCommunityCenter
VenturaCommunityCenter
SanFrancisquitoCreek
MataderoCreek
Barron
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
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e
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SAN MATEO COUNTY
STANFORD
0 10.5
Miles
²
Draft Park Search Areas,
Priority School Sites andOther City-Owned Property
12.8.2015 | Data Sources: Palo Alto OpenGIS, Santa Clara County GIS
City of Palo Alto
Parks, Trails, .ATURAL Open Space and
Recreation Master Plan
Palo Alto
Menlo Park
MountainViewLosAltos
Los AltosHills
Atherton
Stanford
Loyola
EastPalo Alto
Ladera
FoothillsPark
ArastaderoPreserve
City Park
City Natural Open Spaces
Other City-owned Property
Trail
Stanford Perimeter Trail - Privatetrail with public access
Private Recreation Route
Major Road
Street
Water Feature
School District Land
Palo Alto
Other City; Other City
Santa Clara County
San Mateo CountySan
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El Carmelo Elementary SchoolEl Carmelo Elementary School
Ohlone Elementary SchoolOhlone Elementary School
Jordan Middle SchoolJordan Middle School
Palo Verde Elementary School
04.01.2016
Figure 12: Park Search Areas Map
Williams ParkWilliams Park
58
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 of sufficient size to meet the varied
needs of neighborhoods and the broader community.
Maximum service area should be one-half mile.
PROGRAMS
1.B.1 Develop design standards for privately-owned public open
spaces (POPOS) 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 7: Park Search Areas).
1.B.3 Review all city owned land and easements (starting in
park search areas) for potential parkland development or
connection locations. (See Figure 7: Park Search Areas and
Figure 8 Bikeways and Pedestrian Routes to Parks and
Recreation Facilities).
1.B.4 Examine City-owned right-of-way (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, New Riverside
Park).
5958
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
1.B.6 Create usable park space 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).
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.
1.B.10 Develop a creek walk along Matadero Creek that links
parks and creates open space and habitat corridor.
1.B.11 Incorporate other underutilized City-owned outdoor
spaces for park and recreational programming.
1.B.12 Identify and dedicate (as parkland) City-controlled spaces
serving, or capable of serving, park-like or recreational
uses (e.g., Winter Lodge, Gamble Gardens, Rinconada
Community Gardens, GreenWaste Facility at the former
PASCO site, former Los Altos Sewage Treatment Plan,
Kingsley Island.)
Policy
1.C Ensure the maximum distance between residents’
homes and the nearest public park or preserve is
½-mile, ¼-mile preferred, that is evaluated using a
walkshed methodology based on how people travel.
60
Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.
Policy
1.D Adopt the wayfinding signage used at Rinconada
Park as the standard 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).
1.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. (Note: a source and reference will be
added).
1.E.3. Upgrade Open Space trails to be more universally
accessible where environmentally appropriate.
IMAGE: Natural Area Volunteers
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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
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 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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.)
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.
IMAGE: Natural Turf Sports Field
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, 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.
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 keep up of new facilities
as they come on line, recognizing their expected lifespan
and revised 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.
IMAGES: High quality, high use dog parks
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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
where bicyclists, equestrians, and hikers share trails.
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 lead 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
IMAGE: Community garden
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
include analysis and recommendations regarding the soil
profile, agronomy, irrigation systems, field slope, drainage,
field-use demand, and maintenance.
2.C.2 Actively to 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.
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.
2.C.4 Synthetic turf fields should be striped for multiple sports
to maximize use. Whenever possible, synthetic turf playing
fields should have lights in order to maximize use of the
field.
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 .25
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)-Near Term
• Bowden (North, .37 Acres)-Near Term
• Greer Park (Improve existing) (South, .87 Acres)
• Peers Park (North, .73 Acres)
• Hoover (Improve existing) (South, 1 Acre)
• Robles (South, .47 Acres)
• Mitchell Park (Expand existing) (South, 1.2 Acres)
• Kingsley Island (North, .27 Acres)
• Werry Park (North, .31 Acres)
HEALTHY CITY /
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
In 2015, the City Council
adopted a resolution
recognizing its role and
responsiblity to promote
and support a Healthy City/
Healthy Community. Four
areas of action are identified
in this resolution:
• Healthy Culture
• Healty Environment
• Healthy Food Access
• Healthy Workplace
IMAGE: Walking Path or Outdoor Fitness
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
• Juana Briones Park (South, .47 Acres)
• Heritage (North, .27 Acres)
*We acknowledge that Hoover and Greer’s current dog parks are
inadequate in terms of size, and they should not be counted in
their current configuration towards the minimum of six dog parks
recommended in this program.
2.D.2 Develop rules and regulations specific to dog parks
focusing on safety and limits of use.
Policy
2.E The City will actively pursue adding park restrooms in
parks that are approximately two acres or larger, have
amenities that encourage visitors to stay in the park,
have high level of use, and where there are no nearby
public restrooms available.
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.
IMAGE: Art Image from Public Art Plan
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.
Goal 3: Create environments that encourage active and passive activities to support health, wellness and social connections.
Policy
3.A Implement the Healthy City Healthy Community
resolution with the community’s involvement.
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 health community.
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.
IMAGE: Nature education programming
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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
3.B Incorporate art into park design and recreation
programming (consistent with the Public Art Master
Plan).
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; represents City core values of
sustainability, youth well-being, health, innovation.
3.B.5 Bring in performance-based work, social practice,
temporary art and community art.
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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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 are 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
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 Prioritize development of 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.
4.A.2 Continue to work with partnership organizations to
remove invasive weeds and plant native plants and trees
in riparian and natural open space areas.
4.A.3 Update the Arastradero Preserve Trail Master Plan (March
2001) and the Foothills Park Trail Maintenance Plan (
January 2002), and incorporate into in the Foothills Park,
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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, specific plant/
animal species that can be encountered onsite and
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.
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.
IMAGE: Examples of Placemaking improvements
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
4.C Connect natural areas, open spaces, 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.
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 planting palette and approved tree
species list.
4.D.4 Collaborate with habitat restoration organizations such as
Save the Bay, Canopy and 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.
Underhill Parking Garage at UC Berkeley ncludes a full size soccer field built over 1,000 space, four-level parking facility
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.
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.
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.
PARKLET:
An inexpensive infrastructure
investment that creates a
public gathering space or
small park from on-street
parking spaces.
Parklet on Noriega Street in San Francisco
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.
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 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.
IMAGE: Focus Group
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
Policy
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 and
other creative means to help address shortages of
available land.
Policy
5.D Explore alternative uses for newly acquired parkland
to optimize for long-term community benefit.
PROGRAMS
5.D.1 Determine optimal usage for Foothill Park 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.
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.
PROGRAMS
5.F.1 Partner with PAUSD to open middle and high schools
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 develop
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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”.
5.F.4 Partner 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 nonprofit 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.
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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 city population by segment
for critical drivers of facility usage including school
children, 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 an
entire park site) for events by outside organizations
that are closed to the general public.
IMAGE: Palo Alto Park Maintenance
IMAGE: Solar installation
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
6.C.1 No exclusive use of parks by private parties is permitted
on peak days (e.g., weekend, 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. Exclusive
use of certain sites and facilities within parks, such as
reservable spaces like picnic areas, is generally permitted
during peak days and times.
6.C.2 Use of parks for locally focused events, where more than
50% of participants are expected to be Palo Alto residents
and that allow registration by the general public (e.g.,
events such as, races, obstacle course events, triathlons,
etc.) may be considered by staff if consistent with this
Master Plan.
6.C.3 Private events that are closed to the general public (e.g.,
corporate events, private weddings) and are intended
to use an entire park (rather than a reservable space in
excess of capacities as defined in the Special Event Permit
procedures) may only be considered outside of peak
days and times as defined by Community Services staff.
These events should recover 100% of all associated costs,
including wear and tear on public parks and facilities.
6.C.4 Events that allow public access are permitted, in
accordance with Special Event Permit procedures.
Policy
6.D Periodically review and update existing guidance
for development, operations, and maintenance of
Palo Alto’s Parks, Trails, Natural Open Spaces, 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;
IMAGE: Examples of Urban Greening/Green Infrastructure
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
• City of Palo Alto Landscape Standards;
• City of Palo Alto design guidelines and standards; and
• Tree Technical Manual.
Policy
6.E Incorporate sustainable best practices in the
maintenance, management, and development of
open spaces, 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.
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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
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.
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 water capture opportunities in parks for irrigation
and recycling.
6.E.17 Ensure any irrigation systems on public landscapes 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.
6.E.20 Train City maintenance staff and include specific standards
and expectations in maintenance contracts for the care
of for 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.
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
6.E.22 Identify locations and develop swales, detention basins
and rain gardens to retain and treat storm water.
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; and
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;
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Palo Alto Parks, Trails, Open Space, & Recreation GOALS, POLICIES, PROGRAMS
• Long-term electric acquisition plan (LEAP);
• Water Reclamation Master Plan;
• Recycled Water Project;
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
• Comprehensive Plan; and
• Others adopted in the future.
• Public Art Master Plan
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 Managers 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;
• Clean Bay Pollution Prevention Plan; and
• Land Use near Streams in Santa Clara County.
DATE: AUGUST 23, 2016
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT: DOG PARKS Additional off leash dog parks for the City of Palo Alto have been the subject of much community, PRC and City Council discussion for at least a decade. The Master Plan process has confirmed that this is an urgent unmet need, highly ranked as a priority for residents. Following extensive study and working closely with community stakeholders and staff, the PRC Dog Park Ad Hoc Committee developed a two prong recommendation presented in the March 22, 2016 Staff Report to the PRC (Attachment A). The recommendation includes: 1.A specific Dog Park Policy and Program to be included in the Parks, Trails, NaturalOpen Space and Recreation Master Plan (Master Plan); and2.Near term implementation of at least one new dog park in the interim period priorto approval and execution of the Master Plan.The March 22, 2016 Staff Report recommended two locations for near-term implementation: Eleanor Pardee Park and Bowden Park, both located north of Oregon Expressway where demand is high and no dog parks currently exist. We ask that City Council agree to our recommendation to pursue at least one dedicated dog park in advance of final approval of the Master Plan and provide direction to staff to proceed with installing a much needed dog park north of Oregon Expressway consistent with the Master Plan and Ad Hoc Committee findings. The implementation process will require public outreach in the surrounding neighborhood, a Park Improvement Ordinance (PIO), bids from contractors and installation of fencing and simple amenities. Typical costs for a basic dog park, smaller than ½ acre and with limited amenities, range upwards from $30k depending on size and design. If water, benches, shade structures or additional amenities are added, the cost escalates. Remaining recommended dog parks would be evaluated and prioritized with other park projects identified in the Master Plan.
Attachments: Attachment A: March 22, 2016 Staff Report to the Parks and Recreation Commission presenting draft Dog Park Recommendation
Attachment B
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Chapter 6 - Outline of the final chapter titled “Implementation”
Date: August 24, 2016
In ongoing discussions with the project team we are developing an approach to the
Master Plan Chapter 6: Implementation that seems most appropriate for the needs of
Palo Alto. This final chapter will be a toolkit that provides the key information for
implementing the plan.
Chapter 6 will provide staff with three tools that can inform decisions by the City
Council to set the strategic direction for funding levels and building community support:
•A prioritization process,
•A process for evaluating future projects, and
•A progress reporting methodology.
The outline presented below provides detail on the proposed sections of this chapter.
Chapter 6 Outline
A.Action Plan: proposed actions for the next 20 years (across all areas of the
plan) and phasing recommendations of what moves forward first
B.Funding Today and Tomorrow: summary of existing funding and potential
funding opportunities
C.Evaluating Future Projects: the process for incorporating new ideas while
remaining true to the direction from the community
D.Progress Reporting Methodology: indicators to show how the City is moving
forward with the plan direction over time
E.Call to Action: a closing statement summarizing what needs to happen next to
put this plan into motion
Attachment C
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A. Action Plan
This section of the plan will represent the recommendations of what projects and
programs should move forward first. The Action Plan will:
o Align with the City’s 5-year capital planning process, which is revisited
annually
o Include “keep-up” and “catch-up” projects that were identified in the Final
Report of the Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission (IBRC)
o Include potential new facility and park amenities
o Provide a recommended roll-out of projects over the 20-year planning
horizon, distinguished between near-term, mid-term or long-term.
o Include an Action Plan specific to recreation programming
o Estimated capital, operational, and/or programming investments for those
projects and programs that will occur in the near-term (within five years
of Master Plan adoption)
o Include a separate analysis of long-range, high investment capital projects
(for example, Cubberley Community Center) including a prioritization
process for competing projects
B. Funding Today and Tomorrow
The description of funding, both existing and potential, is critical to the practicality of
this plan. This section will include:
o Existing funding sources
o IBRC programmed investments (“keep-up” and “catch-up” work that is
already identified)
o The gap in funding
o Potential funding options
C. Evaluating Future Projects
While the Master Plan will provide direction for enhancing the parks, trails, natural open
space, and recreation system over the next 20 years, it is likely that additional new
projects or programs will be proposed in the future. This chapter will include a process
for evaluating those projects not identified in the Master Plan.
D. Progress Reporting Methodology
As a long-range plan, it will be important to keep the community up-to-date on the
City’s progress toward meeting the goals of this plan. This section will focus on
identifying and reporting on a set of indicators that are relevant and measurable, and
relate directly to the goals, policies and programs of the plan. Examples of what
indicators could be included are:
o Number of users in parks
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o Amount of water used for irrigation
o Teen participation numbers in recreation programs
o Senior participation numbers in recreation programs and services
o Acres of new native landscape and new habitat
o Number of dog park users by site
o Number of timeslots used on sports fields
o Number of new recreation programs, events and locations piloted
E. Call to Action
As the final chapter in the plan, a wrap-up statement describing the compelling needs
and opportunities and a call to action will be added. The summary of the plan will be
handled in the executive summary at the front of the document.