HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 11890
City of Palo Alto (ID # 11890)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 2/8/2021
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Cameron Park - Park Improvement Ordinance
Title: Adoption of a Park Improvement Ordinance for Renovations at
Cameron Park
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
Recommendation
Staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that Council adopt a Park
Improvement Ordinance (Attachment A) for renovation of the playground and park amenities
at Cameron Park.
Background
Capital improvement funding of $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2021 was approved by City Council to
address park renovation needs at Cameron Park. The renovation needs include updated
infrastructure, improved accessibility, and maintenance improvements. The renovation of the
existing playground is the main park amenity to be replaced along with the removal of
surrounding sand surfacing. Additionally, the connection of two concrete pathways on
opposite sides of the park to form one pathway crossing the park along the playground and the
replacement of site amenities comprise the remaining scope of work. Park improvements are
anticipated to begin in Spring of 2021, with bid plan development, bidding, and permitting
processes currently underway.
Project Description
The project primarily focuses on the playground, access, and surrounding park furnishings at
Cameron Park as diagramed in Exhibit A of Attachment A. This includes:
• Playground renovation/replacement to upgrade from a tot lot to include children age
five and above.
• Connect an existing concrete pathway to the other side of the park, creating an
accessible path to the playground.
• Creation of a small two table picnic area adjacent to the playground.
• Installing new site furnishings: picnic table, benches, water fountain, and trash
receptacles.
• Installing additional trees around the playground area.
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Discussion
Two virtual community outreach meetings were held on May 5, 2020 and July 2, 2020 to
present proposed renovation items and receive feedback from community members. A
subsequent online survey was conducted to capture further input.
The response from community members in attendance to the proposed renovations was
positive and supportive. Additionally, there were 44 respondents to the online survey.
Collectively, the community desired removal of the proposed fencing around the playground,
additional shading for the playground, and inclusion of a wider range of play equipment to
increase the designated age range of the playground. These three requests from community
members have been incorporated into an updated design (Exhibit A of Attachment A).
On September 22, 2020, the Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) voted
unanimously (6-0) to recommend that City Council adopt the Park Improvement Ordinance for
Cameron Park (Attachment A). The Commission inquired into the possibility of inclusion of a
bocce ball court or community garden and exclusion of adding a restroom. Staff responded
that if surplus funding exists then a bocce ball court could be built and that a community garden
would need funding support from the community. A restroom is excluded from the park
renovation as the park size and amenities does not meet the threshold established in the Parks,
Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. The Commission also asked about
accessibility of playground features and staff responded that the surrounding sand was being
replaced with a rubberized flat surface. The swing and playhouse are also designed to be
accessible. Lastly, the discussion with the Commission included shade as part of the renovation
design where there are awnings above the play structures and a fast growing and broad Red
Oak is planned to match the existing oak trees.
Timeline
Second Reading of the Park Improvement Ordinance – February 22, 2021
Solicit Bids – February / March 2021
City Council construction contract approval - Spring 2021
Construction – Spring 2021
Resource Impact
The Capital Improvement Project (PG-14002) Cameron Park Improvements was approved by
City Council for funding in Fiscal Year 2021 for approximately $200,000, which is sufficient to
fund the improvements recommended in this report. Ongoing operating and maintenance
costs are anticipated to be minimal and absorbed by the existing maintenance funding within
the annual operating budget.
Policy Implications
The proposed Park Improvement Ordinance is consistent with the recommendations in the
Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space and Recreation Master Plan.
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Staff is advancing this recommendation as reflected in the City’s adopted budget. Should the
City Council wish to defer this capital project in light of the current pandemic and other
priorities related to community and economic recovery, this item may be removed from the
Consent Calendar. Staff will then return to Council with this and other projects for
reconsideration.
Stakeholder Engagement
Two public outreach meetings were held virtually on May 5, 2020 and July 2, 2020. These
meetings were followed by a public survey. Additionally, review of park renovation design was
discussed with the Commission at their September 22, 2020 meeting.
Environmental Review
This Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Regulations 15301 for Existing
Facilities and 15303 for New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures.
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Ordinance PIO Cameron Park
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
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211_20201222_ts_24
Ordinance No. ___
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving and Adopting a Plan
for Facility Improvements at Cameron Park
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Improvements. The City Council finds and declares that:
(a) Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto and section 22.08.005 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code require that, before any substantial building, construction,
reconstruction or development is commenced or approved, upon or with respect to any land
held by the City for park purposes, the Council shall first cause to be prepared and by ordinance
approve and adopt a plan therefor.
(b) Cameron Park (the “Park”) is dedicated to park purposes. (See Municipal
Code section 22.08.030)
(c) The City intends to authorize the renovation of various facilities at Cameron
Park.
(d) The plan of improvements shall comprise as follows:
(1) Remove and replace existing toddler playground with a playground
spanning the age of toddlers through children age five and above;
(2) Connect two separate walkways to provide an accessible path to the
playground;
(3) Install small picnic tables for leisure use;
(4) Replace or install site furnishings such as seating benches, trash
receptacles, and drinking fountain;
(5) Plant a tree near the playground;
(6) Install bocce ball court and/or horseshoe court (if budget allows);
and
(7) Install a community garden (if budget allows).
(e) Exhibit A depicts the expected implementation of the plan of improvements.
(f) The plan of improvements described above is consistent with park,
playground, recreation, and conservation purposes.
(g) The City Council desires to approve the plan of improvements described
above.
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
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211_20201222_ts_24
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the plan of improvements in the Park
described in this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that this ordinance falls under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions found in Title 14 California Code of Regulations
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 (New Construction of Small Facilities or
Structures).
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of
its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Deputy City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Community Services
____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
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211_20201222_ts_24
Exhibit A