body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,1,"Jupd
ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, January 9, 2014
TIME:
7:02 p.m. Called to Order
PLACE:
City Hall Council Chambers
1.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chair Bill Delaney, Vice Chair Lola Brown, Commissioners Ann Cooke, Joe
Restagno and Bill Sonneman
Staff:
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation & Parks Director
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved minutes of November 14, 2013 regular Recreation & Park Commission meeting
M/S/C Commissioner Sonneman/Commissioner Cooke and unanimous.
3.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, AGENDA
Speaker Jon Pecson, Alameda Soccer Club (ASC) gave a report about their field lease at
Alameda Point. It is working out well with good playing time for Alameda kids and well-
maintained fields. The Club donated field time at Hornet Field to Artemis Racing. Lighting has
been added at the Hornet Field and rental fees from groups like St. Joseph's Alumni are used
for scholarships.
Mr. Pecson asked for the renewal of the Hornet Field lease and Director Wooldridge stated this
is a five-year lease that is going before City Council on Jan. 21.
4.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Delaney stated that a number of communications were received regarding Jean
Sweeney Open Space Park and will be included in the minutes (Attachment A).
5.
NEW BUSINESS
A.
City of Alameda Paratransit Program Annual Update - Gail Payne, Transportation
Coordinator
The recommendation is $253,000 for fiscal year 2014/15. This is an increase from last year,
but this fund also has a reserve. They would like to gain more ridership. She gave an
overview of the program and explained that this past year was a pilot program for all riders, not
just seniors. She reported on bus stops changing and repositioning and how it affects AC
Transit. They are working on further signage. She further reported on the taxi-voucher medical
appointment program, how it operates, and that this service would increase.
Vice Chair Brown stated the taxi-voucher program is a very important program and she would
like for the bus to stop routinely even if no one is out on the bench at the hospital. She said it is
a problem when seniors are waiting inside and the bus does not stop.
Ms. Payne also reported on increasing group trips and scholarships. There will be an increase",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,2,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2014
Page 2
in the program management. She is requesting an increase in customer service and outreach,
as they are recommending increasing advertising. She further reported on the results of an
annual customer survey.
Vice Chair Brown commented on the value of the paratransit program and how it is very
beneficial to the seniors. Chair Delaney asked about capacity and funding and will the trend
be to ask for more next year also. Ms. Payne explained the costs with drivers, ridership and
signage. She wanted to recognize Jackie Krause and Donatella Zepplin at Mastick Senior
Center for their work.
6.
OLD BUSINESS
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Update
A.
Overview of Community Feedback on Master Plan
Director Amy Wooldridge gave an overview of ideas from the community feedback process
that wrapped up in December 2013 (Attachment B). Kristopher Köster, pro-bono architect for
the Sweeney Park Master plan was also present.
Ms. Wooldridge stated there was much discussion on the number of onsite parking spaces.
The CEQA process will be underway soon and this may determine a better number, but there
is no standard for parks. She also explained that this Master Plan simply gives an estimate but
that the final number of parking spaces will be determined during landscape design.
Chair Delaney asked about security and safety in the area and if there were any concerns
about increased problems with the Community Garden. Director Wooldridge stated that as a
public park, this will have the same rules, regulations and security level as other Alameda
Parks. As an open park, it inherently can create some security issues but it also puts ""eyes on
the park"" which can address safety concerns.
Commissioner Cooke commented that the pump-track for bicycles was a good addition and
public comments from written communications seem to favor this.
Commissioner Sonneman commented that the overall look should be keeping the project open
space. He liked including a frog pond and would like it to be educational. He liked not having
bridges. He commented on the parking issues and likes that it can be determined later. He
commented on not having the bike track and is fine with it not being in the project, but perhaps
somewhere else in Alameda.
Commissioner Restagno commented on the parking and is happy to hear this will be looked at
further. He reported in favor of the frog pond as an educational water feature. He likes the
gazebo feature. He stated that the pump track seemed like it didn't fit into the project, and is
not within the top priority outcome from public comments.
Vice Chair Brown reported the gazebo is a good idea but is concerned with the noise level. Ms.
Wooldridge explained that there is already an ordinance that does not allow amplified noise in
our parks.",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,3,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2014
Page 3
Vice Chair Brown stated this should stay as a peaceful, quiet environment for everyone. She
commented on liking the frog pond and echoes the proposed from other members. She does
not feel the bike track is appropriate for the project.
Chair Delaney agreed with all the other comments from Commissioners. He expressed
concern with the gazebo issue of noise and maintenance. He agreed with the bike track not
being a good fit with the project. Ms. Wooldridge reported the maintenance for a gazebo
would be similar with the picnic shade structure.
Speaker, Mr. Aaron Thies, spoke on biking and trails in Alameda. He stated the single bike
track seems to have morphed into something including the pump-track. He commented on the
removal would be a mistake and it is part of the trail being a gathering point. He feels this
project is the perfect place for the track. He feels there should be more discussion before
deciding to completely eliminate the track.
Chair Delaney reported there were letters and emails from the public on this issue.
Commissioner Cooke asked about the safety issue with the track. Mr. Thies stated as with any
feature this has risks. Pump tracks are designed with gentle rollers and berms. It is not
designed for racing.
Chair Delaney called for a motion to allow staff to proceed to a next design to include the
gazebo, omitting the pump track, reducing parking, moving the outdoor learning center to the
west, and to include frog pond but reduce the design.
Commissioner Sonneman made a motion to approve the changes to the Jean Sweeney Open
Space Park as recommended by staff (see Attachment B) such as reducing parking,
increasing open space, moving the outdoor classroom to the west, and reducing the fog pond
size, with the addition of omitting the bike park/pump track and including the gazebo.
Commissioner Restagno seconded. All in favor.
7.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION COMMISSION AND RECREATION & PARK DIRECTOR
A.
Recreation Commission Reports: Chair Delaney reported he attended the Breakfast
with Santa event at the O'Club and it was a wonderful, well-attended event. Applauded staff
for the well-organized event.
B.
Friends of the Park Report (FOTP): Commissioner Restagno reported on the golf
tournament being a success and because of that they were able to install the exercise
equipment which now has an instructional video available online. They are happy to have in
place the Starlight Movie events, and another Fall golf tournament. They are thinking of
options for increasing funding to programs. They are searching for more board members.
C.
Recreation and Parks Director Report: Director Wooldridge reported the holiday
programs and events were successful and sold out. A new inter-generational program is
starting with a collaboration of Teens and Seniors. Now hiring for summer staff. Two new
vehicles were purchase through the City's vehicle replacement program. Mastick Senior
Center received a $3,000 donation for new sewing machines. New wi-fi is being installed at",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,4,"Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes - January 9, 2014
Page 4
Mastick. The windows have been replace at the McKinley Recreation Center, funded by
CDBG. There is a new cell tower being installed at Leydecker Park. This will add revenue for
ARPD with half of the revenue being used specifically for improvements at Leydecker Park.
Director Wooldridge commended AUSD staff for their work at Emma Hood swim center.
Significant improvements were made including installing a new heater, new filter, and fixing
water leaks. There will be a National Day of Service at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, co-
sponsored by Supervisor Wilma Chan's office on Saturday, January 18th, 10am - 4pm. Verde
Design was chosen through the Landscape Architect RFQ process for design of Estuary Park.
This is going to Council on Jan. 21.
Commissioner Restagno asked about the Krusi Park Recreation Center project. Ms.
Wooldridge reported that it is still a priority but there is not enough staff time for project
management. She intends to put out an RFP for design this spring.
D. Mastick Senior Center Report: Vice Chair Brown reported that Mastick is getting ready for
tax season, which will begin soon. There will be a presentation for low-income assistance
along with classes. She reported on other upcoming classes which included, ""Circus Moves
for Young at Heart"". Mastick is a place for social connections for our seniors.
Chair
Delaney
commented on doing a site tour of MSC with his wife and they loved it.
8.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, GENERAL: None
9.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: None
10.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE:
Thursday, February 13, 2014
11.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Delaney adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,5,"Jean Sweeney
Open Space Park
Zen Garden
Frog Pond
Natural Playground
80 Parking|Spáces
Restrooms
Urban Forest
Butterfly Garden
Outdoor Classroom
2 Acre Community Garden
Gazebo
Food Bank
Restrooms
100 Parking Spaces
Natural Playground
BMX Bike Park
1011
Eagle Avenue
Eagle Avenue
Bay/Eagle
Community
Garden
Masterplan Diagram
>k
ALAMEDA JEAN SWEENEY OPEN SPACE PARK
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,6,"Issues and Solutions
Issue/Concern
Solution
Less developed, more open
Rename Great Forest to natural vegetation; specifically
space and natural vegetation
delineate trees on southern border and the rest is vegetation
Move Outdoor Classroom to west side, make it smaller, remove
lawn portion and remove concrete area next to restroom
Remove zen garden
Reduce number of parking spaces
Rail Right-Of-Way not shown
Add on next draft, adjacent to Cross Alameda Trail. Possible move
CAT south to accommodate
Community Garden creates
1 acre of plot gardens and 1 acre of open educational landscape
limited west entrance
(demonstration gardens/urban orchard/edible landscape)
Smaller or no frog pond
Make pond significantly smaller and push it into a creek
environment with a boardwalk crossing along Wood St. path
Design of frog pond may shift based on drainage requirements
Bike skills track not labeled or
Delineate along inside of main habitat area and make it at a
clear
lower elevation for safety.
St. Charles Street connection
Make the St. Charles Street connection less prominent
No topography
Add as a foot note on the design that topography and elevation will
be added along trails, etc.
Secondary trail not wide
Make secondary trails wider
enough for bike/walk safety
2",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,7,"Atlantic Avenue
80
Parking Spaces
Picnic
Restrooms
Cross Alameda Trail
Classroom
Orchard
(Butterily
Orchard
Natural
Entry-
Playground
Small Lawn
Garden
Food
Bank
Enlarged Masterplan Diagram
ALAMEDA JEAN SWEENEY OPEN SPACE PARK
3",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,8,"Park Entry
E
Cross Alamed
11
U
Picnic
Picnic
Picnic
II
Urban Forest
Zen Garden
Great Lawn
Gutdoor Classroom
Frog Pond
Pavilion
Picnio
3
20
2
e
Masterplan Diagram
ALAMEDA JEAN SWEENEY OPEN SPACE PARK
4",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,9,"0
C
Gazebo
Restrooms
Picnio
Park Entry
60 parking spaces
40 parking
spaces
Great Lawn
Nitdoor Classroom
Main Plaza
Landscape
Natural Playground
BMX Bike Park
Pavilion
Picnio
5
0
to
Ctemel nt Plaza
Train
Depot
Maintenance
Yard
Masterplan Diagram
ALAMEDA JEAN SWEENEY OPEN SPACE PARK
5",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,10,"Additional Options for Discussion
Remove or keep gazebo
Remove or keep bike park/pump track.
Additional option to make it smaller (8,000 s.f.)
6",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,11,"Next Steps
Compile input and develop 3rd Draft
Recreation and Park Commission in Feb. 2014
Recommendation to City Council in March 2014
Once approved, this Master Plan will be the roadmap
for fundraising, final design, and park development.
Park development is unfunded. Timeline and scope
will be dependent upon securing grants and private
donations from businesses and individuals.
Steering Committees in place
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park
Community Garden
7",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2014-01-09,12,"Jean Sweeney Open Space Park
Zen Garden
Frog Pond
Natural Playground
80 Parking Spaces
Restrooms
Urban Forest
Butterfly Garden
Outdoor Classroom
2 Acre Community Garden
Gazebo
Food Bank
Restrooms
100 Parking Spaces
Natural Playground
BMX Bike Park
Eagle Avenue
Eagle Avenue
Bay, Eagle
Community
Garden
Masterplan Diagram
ALAMEDA JEAN SWEENEY OPEN SPACE PARK
8",RecreationandParkCommission/2014-01-09.pdf