body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,1,"apd
ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, December 12, 2019
TIME:
7:03 p.m. Called to Order
PLACE:
City Hall Council Chambers
A video recording of the meeting may be viewed at https:llalameda.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
The following are action minutes in keeping with the Sunshine Ordinance 2-91.17.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Alexander, Vice Chair Robbins, Commissioner Limoges, Commissioner Barnes and
Commissioner Navarro
Staff: Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) Director Amy Wooldridge
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Alexander moved to accept the minutes of November 14, 2019 Regular Meeting as presented.
M/S Commissioner Limoges / Vice Chair Robbins. All in favor with 5 ayes.
WRITTEN AND ORAL COMUNICATIONS
Written Communication
Oral Communication
Speaker Richard Bangert: Submitted a comment letter and asked it be posted online as
public comment on the website. It was not posted online as is the custom with City
Council and Planning Board. Public needs to know all of the input. Director Amy
Wooldridge will follow up with the procedure in accordance to the Sunshine Ordinance.
REPORTS FROM THE RECREATION AND PARK DIRECTOR
ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the report. See Exhibit 1.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Vice Chair Robbins: Would like to participate in the Fourth of July steering committee. Loves the
concrete ARPD signs. Talked to Wood Middle P.E. teacher who would like to support ARPD and will
post signs at all schools. Interested in being a liaison for AUSD. Happy about the picnic table at
Cityview Skate Park.
Commissioner Barnes: There was a meeting of the Climate Action team where the documents for a
two year plan, including looking at the city tree plan were reviewed. The next steps are on the City of
Alameda's website.
Commissioner Navarro: Received ARPD winter activity guide. A lot of parents at the schools aren't
aware of all of the ARPD camps. Would like to find other ways to do outreach with the schools to
promote the camps. Checked out Encinal Boat Launch and was impressed with the facility. Spent
time at Jackson Park in anticipation of discussion.
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,2,"Chair Alexander: Went to Tree Lighting Festival and said it was a great event. Took a Mastick Senior
Center trip to San Francisco to see the holiday lights which was a well-organized trip. Also walked
through Jackson Park and went to the Encinal Boat Launch. Went to 37th Annual Krusi Park
Generation Bowl who's participants have played there every year since they were kids. Interested in
helping work on outreach at schools.
NEW BUSINESS
6-A Approve Tree and Asphalt Replacement Plan for Jackson Park
ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the presentation which included the tree and asphalt plan and
recommendation from the West Coast arborists about choices of appropriate trees and their
maintenance. See Exhibit 2 for written correspondence from the public.
Speakers
Speaker Jim Lott, 1193 Park Avenue: Jackson Park is about trees and way they were thought
out and planned. Symmetrical design and intentionally planted. Think about overall design in
planting plan. Do it slowly with intention. Read letter from Lisa Kloffkorn
Speaker Betsy Mathieson, 1185 Park Avenue: Great to see plans progressing. Put magnolia
tree so it is symmetrical with an existing single magnolia. Keep meandering pathways.
Speaker Irene Dieter: Trees evoke emotion. Would like to take a high look at trees around the
City. Trees across City are being over pruned and it's only a matter of time until they are
hurting and die. Canopies are being removed and they are being pruned like ""brooms."" Glad
parks will be included in upcoming Master Tree Plan.
Speaker Mary Manning, 1167 Park Avenue: Advocate for a not very shady tree behind the
bench. It's one of the areas to enjoy the sun and get warm. Overhanging branches can create
a mess on the bench. Kids jump off back of bench and may try to jump into a tree if it were
planted nearby. Middle asphalt pathways are where picnic benches are and where people
have birthday parties and people in wheelchairs use it and kids on bikes use it because it's
safer.
Speaker Christopher Buckley: A City planner with some arboreal knowledge and was involved
in past Master Street Tree Plan. Needs to be more discussion of tree plan and species. This
is a very historical park and symmetry and history of species should be preserved. It's a very
distinctive feature and contributes to attractive nature of the park. Use existing species,
including London Planes (sycamores). Many parks have had soil compaction problems and
the Batchelder report has mitigation measures to assist existing trees. Consider cabling and
bracing landmark trees like magnolias to prevent branches from breaking off.
Speaker Karen Larsen: The middle path in north side of the park is heavily used by kids on
bikes, grandparents, toddlers and gives access to picnic benches.
MOTIONS
2",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,3,"Motion by Vice-chair Robbins to purchase and plant 3 palm trees around the bandstand and plant the
fourth when funding is available.
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Barnes
Motion carried by the following 3 to 1 voice vote: Ayes: Vice Chair Robbins, Chair Alexander and
Commissioner Barnes. Commissioner Navarro - abstain. Noes: Commissioner Limoges.
Motion by Commissioner Barnes to approve asphalt replacement plan as presented by staff.
M/S / Commissioner Barnes / Vice Chair Robbins
Motion carried by a 5 - 0 voice vote: All in favor.
6-B Review and Recommend Park and Recreation Facilities Project Priorities.
ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the presentation which included an outline of the ""Life of a Park
Project"", current and pending projects and park projects constructed by developers and maintained
by ARPD. See Exhibit 3 for written correspondence from the public.
Speakers
Speaker Linda Carloni, Golden Gate Audubon: Support De-Pave Park. Important for carbon
sequestration. Climate change is an urgent priority and time to build this park which sequesters
carbon instead of releasing more.
Speaker Majorie Powell, Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Reserve: Support De-Pave Park. Vitally
important, supports birds. Many depend on Seaplane Lagoon and area out there. City needs to
focus on climate change and rising sea level. People are interested to volunteer and move the
project forward.
Speaker Richard Bangert: Support prioritizing De-Pave Park. In favor of all of the parks but there's a
difference with De-Pave Park because it involves a complete re-engineering of the shoreline. Not a
traditional park. Main goal is rising sea level adaptation. Directly adjacent is an existing wetland on
federal property. Would greatly enhance the whole wetland ecosystem there. Also supports
Northwest Territories but difference is East Bay Regional Park District already has $6.4 million to start
planning and implementing. Do master plan for De-Pave Park and then start looking for grants.
Funding for De-Pave Park is not in competition with other parks like Sweeney Park. Would seek
funding from Coastal Commission and SF Bay Restoration Authority.
Speaker Irene Dieter: Obvious that this body needs to request more funding from City Council for
parks and recreation. Director needs an assistant working with her to accomplish these tasks. Keep
in mind that Council passed an emergency climate action resolution.
Speaker Pat Potter, Community Action for Sustainable Alameda: Believes in the importance of De-
Pave Park and focusing on climate realities. Vision of Enterprise Park is less of a recreational park
and more of a learning and research park. Importance of bay restoration. Kids from Encinal High
School could learn the science of climate change. Have greenhouse to grow tree seedlings. Shift
what this park could be with an emphasis on research and education.
3",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,4,"Speaker Pat Lanborn, Alameda resident, Sierra Club member: Requests De-Pave first and Enterprise
second as we need to focus on the climate action resiliency plan and is willing to put in the time and
effort to support the cause.
Speaker Mary Spicer, Stand up paddler, outrigger and dragon boater: Organizes on-water clean ups.
Partners with BayKeeper. Received sponsorships for clean ups. Supports De-Pave Park. Wildlife in
this area is so unique and precious because of the rock wall. Seal population is growing. Important
to bring more nature back to this area. Concern about getting too many people on the water in front
of Enterprise Park that will impact the feeding of animals.
MOTION
Vice Chair Robbins motion to complete Fernside & Eastshore pathway project and Towata Park
kayak launch in conjunction with that; followed by De-Pave Park and then Enterprise Park with the
Regional Sports Complex as last priority. Director to follow up to provide staffing and funding needs
for all of these.
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Limoges.
Motion carried by a 5 - 0 voice vote: All in favor.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA:
Field Fee Analysis
Annual Paratransit program
Review and Comment on General Plan - Open Space, Recreation & Parks Element
Staffing and resources for project management
SET NEXT MEETING DATE: Thursday, January 9, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
M/S Commissioner Limoges / Commissioner Barnes
Motion carried by the following voice vote: All in favor with a 5 - 0.
Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 9:40 PM.
4",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,5,"EXHIBIT 1
12/12/19 ARPD Director's Report - Presented by Recreation and Park Director Amy
Wooldridge
Mastick Senior Center
November letter appeal has raised $13,350; our members are very generous!
We received a gift of $12,532.63 from an estate. These types of memorial donations are
held in a Legacy Fund and generally used for one-time expenditures.
Over $700 was raised in a four hour lobby jewelry sale yesterday
Membership is now over 2,800 which is higher than normal and more than appropriate for
mid-year.
Parks Maintenance
Projects being funded by new capital Park Maintenance Fund:
The projects are as followed:
FY 2019-20
Jackson Park asphalt
Shoreline Park asphalt
Drinking fountains at, Skate Park, Washington, Lincoln, Franklin, Tillman, Leydecker, Godfrey
Washington Park chain-link
Removal of old chain-link at Rock Wall [completed]
Lincoln and Godfrey concrete pathway replacement
Bike racks at Sweeney, and picnic areas
Renovate horse shoe pits at Washington [completed]
Replace basketball standards at McKinley and Lincoln
FY 2020-21 (to be finalized)
Shoreline Park asphalt
Leydecker and Tillman concrete pathway replacement
Replace the 6 remaining wood park signs with concrete Park signs
Replace aluminum parks signs
Irrigation controllers at Leydecker
Replace barbeques at Washington and Tillman
Ongoing maintenance projects completed recently include:
A 48"" box magnolia tree at Longfellow Park was installed and staff is currently completing
installation of a deep water irrigation system to lessen stress on the tree during droughts.
Installed a new drinking fountain at Washington Park
Installed donated picnic table and new drinking fountain at the Cityview Skate Park
Tagged an unhealthy tree at Jackson Park and will be removing soon",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,6,"Installation of the Woodstock Park playground rebuild began last month and is anticipated to
be completed by mid-January, pending weather.
Recreation Services
Alameda Youth Committee (youth leadership group) donated 10 turkeys to the Alameda
Food Bank and did a fundraiser at the Mayor's Tree Lighting Festival for the American Red
Cross - Fire Disaster Relief.
Voting is now open for the 2020 Starlight in the Park movies. You can vote on Facebook,
Instagram or at the Recreation office and centers.
ARPD is gearing up for summer hiring, which will begin in January 2020.
July 4th Parade - Staff is presenting options for event coordination to City Council on January
7, 2020.",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,7,"6-A
Exhibit Z
From:
Gary Cates
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Cc:
bmathieson@aol.com
Subject:
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Dec 12, 2019
Date:
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:09:49 PM
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Dear Ms. Wooldridge,
We will not be able to attend the next commission meeting where the Jackson Park improvement plan is on
the agenda. However, we would like to express our preference for items contained in Exbit 1 of the Staff
Report.
1. That the landscape play area, if approved, be located in the southern most spot indicated in the report.
For your reference this would be directly across from 1236 Park Ave.
We believe the northern spot is too close to Encinal Ave and would expose children to health hazards
associated with automobile noise, traffic and pollution.
2. That a redwood or palm tree be considered for one of those circles that previously had trees as two
mature magnolia trees already exist near Encinal Ave.
Would you please share these thoughts with members of the commission?
Thank you for your consideration.
Gary can Mary Ann Cates
1250 Park Ave",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,8,"6-A
Exhibit 2
From:
Amy LaThanh
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Cc:
Robert LaThanh; Misha David Chellam; J.J. Navarro
Subject:
Re: Jackson Park tree and asphalt maintenance plan on Rec and Parks Commission meeting tonight
Date:
Thursday, December 12, 2019 11:33:23 AM
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Hi Amy,
Thanks for sending the agenda and plans over. I have a few comments that I'd like to make
sure are included in the discussion tonight since I won't be able to attend in person.
Regarding the asphalt:
I am excited that this is happening! Yay!
I would like to mention though that all of the asphalt around the 1100 block of the park
is really bad - so much so that it's not really safe for kids to ride their bikes. I would
advocate for the entrity of it to be replaced if possible.
I would also advocate for not removing the asphalt near the Dumb Friends bench --
many folks use those ramps to get to the other side of the street. If it's a safety concern,
perhaps simply adding crosswalks there to slow traffic might be good (and cheaper)?
Regarding the landscape playground location:
The two options suggested are good. I would also suggest looking at the far end of the
park by the Dumb Friends bench. Reason being is that there are a bunch of apartment
buildings right there, many with children residents (and therefore it will be less likely
that people will be offended by the location)
In order of placement, my preference would be:
1. In front of the KFC near Encinal; dead area anyways, closer to business district
overflow, can't be worse than a KFC
2. In front of the Dumb Friends bench; many apartments with children
3. Middle of the park in front of 1232/1236; fine but doesn't need to be center piece
of the park
Thanks so much for all of the city's work on this! I'm excited we'll soon have more to offer at
Jackson Park!
Cheers,
Amy
On Thu, Dec 12, 2019 at 9:34 AM Amy Wooldridge <AWooldridge@alamedaca.gov> wrote:
Hello Jackson Park neighbors,",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,9,"Attached is the agenda for the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting tonight, Dec. 12th,
at 7:00pm at City Hall, 3rd Floor. The first item is an update on Jackson Park and its
existing trees and their overall condition, plans to plant more trees as well as showing where
ARPD will replace more than half of the asphalt pathways in the park. If you open the
agenda, then click on the blue links this will send you to the staff report (#2019-7546) and
the exhibits.
My apologies for the late email on this item. The agenda was posted per noticing
requirements last Thursday. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. If
you are interested in this item and cannot attend the meeting, you can email me your
comments and I'll provide them to the Commissioners and will include it as part of the
discussion.
Thank you,
Amy
Amy Wooldridge
Recreation and Parks Director, City of Alameda
(510) 747-7570
awooldridge@alamedaca.gov
www.alamedaca.gov/recreation
Find us on Facebook at PlayARPD",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,10,"6-A
Exhibit 2
12-12-2019
Comment on staff report from Ani Dimusheva, anidimusheva@gmail.com, 510-387-
4084
Please include in public record and on the city's website. Comments in red font below.
Approve Tree and Asphalt Replacement Plan for Jackson Park
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Approve Tree and Asphalt Replacement Plan for Jackson Park
BACKGROUND
On September, 12, 2019, the Recreation and Parks Commission discussed a play area at
Jackson Park and also directed staff to bring back a maintenance plan for Jackson Park that
addressed the asphalt pathways and trees.
This report provides information and location of the existing trees, a plan and options for replacing
trees and the proposed areas of asphalt pathway to be replaced in 2020 (Exhibit 1).
There is no specific plan and options for replacing trees in the staff report. For example, if you
remove all sycamores around the perimeter of the park, what species will replace them? The
discussion is general and premature considering the upcoming MSTP update. See below.
DISCUSSION
Pathway Asphalt Replacement
The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) is allocating $80,000 toward asphalt
replacement this fiscal year for Jackson Park. The areas noted in red on Exhibit 1 highlight which
pathway locations will be replaced with this funding allocation. The asphalt replacement will occur
in 2020 and specific locations may vary slightly based on field conditions. The areas being
replaced are the most degraded areas and pose the highest safety risk. It includes a large portion
of the asphalt pathways on the southern portion of the park and approximately half of the
pathways in the northern half between San Jose Avenue and Encinal Avenue. ARPD will allocate
additional funding in the next two fiscal years to complete the asphalt replacement at Jackson
Park.
Trees
The sycamore trees along the streets where there are no sidewalks are under Public Works'
responsibility. Any trees either within the park or located on the park side of sidewalk/pathway
are ARPD's responsibility. The ARPD Parks Foreperson met with an arborist from West Coast
Arborists, the City's tree management company, who stated that all of the sycamores at Jackson
Park are declining due to the following factors:",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,11,"WCA opinion constitutes conflict of interest as the same company removes trees. Any opinion
and recommendations from WCA should be discarded. An independent certified arborist who is
not familiar with WCA's recommendations and not associated with the company should provide
an opinion on the health and condition of trees. This report should be attached to the staff report.
The planting locations between street and pathway were a poor choice because it
does not provide enough space for the roots to grow due to the adjacent concrete. See
Exhibit 2 which shows that these large trees are within inches of the concrete gutter.
This is the case with just about every street tree in Alameda. The situation is not unusual or
unique, and the spacing may even be better than many street strips.
The sycamores are also not an appropriate species for Alameda because there is
too much salt from our shallow water table. The same problem is seen on Bay Farm
Island.
This discussion should be part the update on the Master Street Tree Plan in July 2020. The
Park commissioners should not be asked to accept this as a fact prior to the MSTP update
and a thorough analysis. Currently, sycamores are included in the plan and continue to be
planted throughout the island.
The pruning practice in decades past was done poorly with large branches cut and
that practice can create decay in limbs and the trunk during regrowth. This type of pruning
of large branches is no longer done unless there is a dead/decaying branch or it is
significantly weighing down the tree and the entire tree will benefit from that weight
reduction.
Amy Wooldridge clarified in an email she is referring to the practice of ""pollarding.'
The pollarding was done many years ago, possibly decades, as evidenced by the size of the
branches above the pollarding cuts. The question is not whether the practice can create decay
but whether the trees currently have decay and how decay can be addressed with minimal
intervention.
Redwood and oak trees are recommended by the arborist to be planted in Jackson Park and they
thrive in environments closer to the ocean. ARPD will be considering and consulting on other
species as well. ARPD also has a magnolia in stock that it plans to plant in one of the circles near
Encinal Avenue that previously had trees. The final location will be dependent upon the approved
location for the landscape play area. Two potential locations for the play area are indicated on
Exhibit 1.
The arborist recommends planting 50 or more trees over the next several years with a minimum
of 20 feet between each tree. There is enough space available in open areas as well as declining
tree replacement for the next 3-5 years.
Since the WCA report identified all sycamores as ""declining"", does that mean all of them will be
removed and replaced in the next 3-5 years?
This fiscal year, ARPD will be planting the magnolia tree and additional trees throughout the
park. We have also has allocated $10,000 to purchase palm trees. This can fund either three",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,12,"palm trees that are 20 - 25 feet (approximately half the size of existing trees) or 4 - 5 smaller palm
trees that are 10 - 15 feet tall. ARPD recommends planting the three taller trees in the circle
around the bandstand due to the historical nature of that area. The palm tree that fell down,
behind the Isabelle Clark memorial bench could be replaced with another palm tree in the coming
years, however ARPD staff recommends a different species that provides shade for the bench
such as an oak tree. Palm trees are being discouraged for planting in Alameda because the
fronds are not compostable and do not contribute much to carbon sequestration since they do not
have a broad leaf canopy. These replacement palm trees will be a slightly different species than
the existing palm trees but will look similar. The current species is not recommended anymore
because when they get diseased, it creates a light dust that easily spreads to the other palms.
I agree that palm trees do little for carbon sequestration, insect and bird populations, and do not
provide adequate shade. They are also not native. They may have some limited historical value.
Staff is seeking input and direction from the Commission on this tree and asphalt replacement
plan.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
ARPD is allocating at least $90,000 in FY 2019/20 from the Park Maintenance Replacement
Capital Improvement Fund, which totals $175,000.
RECOMMENDATION
Review, discuss and approve a plan to replace trees and pathway asphalt at Jackson Park.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1.
Jackson Park Tree and Asphalt Replacement Plan
2.
Tree Photo Examples",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,13,"6-B
Exhibit -
From:
johnsen cyndy
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Subject:
Comment on Item 6-B for Park Commission Meeting Tonight
Date:
Thursday, December 12, 2019 9:58:06 AM
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RE: 6-B - Review and Recommend Park and Recreation Facilities Project Priorities
Dear Commissioners,
In your discussion tonight around prioritizing parks, I hope that priority is given to
parks that can do the most for Alameda's various goals - not only to provide access,
recreation, and learning opportunities for people to connect with nature, but also, if
possible, to help our unique island environment by addressing key environmental
goals. Chief among those goals is confronting the critical threat of sea level rise
through design. From what I understand, DePave Park seeks to do that. Therefore,
I
hope you support the next steps for that project, and apply that kind of thinking to all
parks being considered. If there's a matrix of factors, design for future sea level rise
and habitat protection seem like good points to include.
Thanks for your consideration,
-Cyndy Johnsen
P.S. Please post this under the ""Correspondence"" exhibit for public consumption.",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,14,"6-B
Exhibit 3
From:
Patricia Lamborn
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Subject:
Dec. 12, 2019 Item 6 B Park Priorities
Date:
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 8:11:45 AM
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Dear Ms. Wooldridge and Recreation and Parks Commissioners,
As some of you know I am passionate about defending Shoreline Parks and maintaining open space and
natural habitats for wildlife, public access on the Bay, and resiliancy in the face of sea level rise. I write in
support of focusing on our Shoreline Parks: DePave and Enterprise-- as we face the challenge of climate
adaptation.
I appreciate the incredible job our Recreation and Parks Department does in maintaining our historic
parks, and building parks such as Jean Sweeney. The programs run by ARPD are terrific, I am so
grateful for the work you all do. The Priority List you present tonite reflects the difficult choices you
will
have to make in serving the complex needs of our island city.
I am writing to ask that you recommend moving forward with the steps to make DePave Park and
Enterprise Park a reality. On March 26, the City Council of Alameda voted 5-0 to pass a historic
resolution declaring a climate emergency. Our City also spent thousands of dollars and time on
consultants to develop the Climate Action and Resiliancy Plan. (CARP)
Now it's time for action.
One definite recommended action from the CARP has been taken ---- the passage of the stormwater
drain parcel tax- a smart step to fund the infrastructure needed to deal with flooding and sea level rise
due to climate change. DePave Park is an accepted smart action, already a part of the City's plan. It
should be next in line to achieve climate change adaptation-- restore wetlands where it is possible.
I appreciate that the Recreation and Parks Department and Commission are facing a long list of priorities
for parks to develop and are seeking a reality check --- there is not enough time nor money to do them all.
It may seem controversial to put DePave Park in front of playgrounds and recreation areas, but we are
running out of time- and resolutions aren't enough. Alameda residents will support a smart plan which I
believe can be developed if we put the time and thought into preparing a Request For Proposals for
DePave Park. I also support a Community Advisory Committee to review the recent survey on Enterprise
Park.
Years from now, residents will be grateful we spent money on natural resiliancy and saved them the cost
of building sea walls and levees.
I am confident that if you step up and make Shoreline Parks a priority, the people of Alameda will support
you.
Sincerely,
Patricia Lamborn
3226 Encinal Ave. Alameda
patricia.lamborn@aol.com",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,15,"wetlands confer an immense benefit for wildlife by providing habitat for aquatic, amphibian, terrestrial, and
avian species alike. Coastal wetlands are also notoriously efficient mechanisms for carbon sequestration and
storm water filtration, thereby mitigating anthropic environmental impacts on a local and global scale.
In addition to the environmental benefits DePave Park can provide, constructing a shoreline wetland can
establish critical ecosystem-based adaptations that would augment Alameda's resilience to global climate
change. As one of the largest low-lying regions in the Bay Area, Alameda must prepare for the impending
effects of sea level rise. Wetlands function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water,
rain, groundwater, and flood waters and distribute these waters more slowly over the floodplain, thereby
lowering flood heights and dissipating storm surges. DePave Park can serve as a buffer between Alameda
and the Bay to mitigate gradual and storm surge inundation to populated areas. The additional benefit of
replacing the impermeable land cover currently at Alameda Point with a porous ecosystem will create
immediately observable improvements.
The proposed park is an investment towards Alameda's future resilience in the face of climate change and
rising sea levels as well as its ecological role in the Bay. More importantly, the park will restore a sense of
place and community that has been lost from this corner of the island. Therefore, Baykeeper strongly
recommends that the Alameda Department of Recreation and Parks prioritize DePave Park for development.
Thank you for your consideration. You may feel free to reach me at 510-735-9700 x114 or
cole@baykeer.org if you have any questions.
Warmly,
CBB
Cole Burchiel
Field Investigator and Science Associate
1736 Franklin Street, Suite 800
Pollution hotline: 1 800 KEEP BAY
Oakland, CA 94612
WATERKEEFER'ALLIANCE
FOUNDING MEMEBER
www.baykeeper.org
(510) 735-9700",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,16,"6 -B -
Exhibit 3
a.s
Great Blue Heron gathering nesting
material on west side of Seaplane Lagoon
where ecological park is proposed.
Blusger:
To: Alameda Recreation and Parks Commission
Item 6-B, Review and Recommend Park and Recreation Facilities Project Priorities
Commission meeting date: December 12, 2019
Members of the Commission:
I urge you to place DePave Park at the top of your priority list. DePave Park is unlike other
parks projects in that its primary goal is adapting a portion of the Alameda Point shoreline for
rising sea level. While there will be a recreational component in the form of public access on
trails, its standout feature will be restoration of a tidal ecosystem. It is ideally suited for
conversion to a wetland ecology, since it is directly adjacent to an existing wetland on federal
property and will create a synergistic upscaling of this wetland zone on the Bay. Furthermore,
the vision for DePave Park includes floating wetlands in the Seaplane Lagoon. Floating
wetlands will make this project a leading edge adaptation project on San Francisco Bay.
While all of the projects on the list are worthy of support, the DePave Park project, as a shoreline
restoration project, will not be competing against other City projects on the list for funding. And
funding is always the big hurdle for parks projects. For DePave Park, there are many potential
sources of funding to conduct the planning and permitting process, as well as the construction
phase. Below is a list of potential sources of funding for DePave Park.
Base Reuse Fund - City of Alameda
Funds accumulated in the Base Reuse Fund from the sale and lease of property at Alameda Point
can be utilized for project planning purposes at Alameda Point.",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,17,"San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority
The SF Bay Restoration Authority disburses funding through an annual grant awards program
funded by the taxpayers of the nine-county Bay Area who approved Measure AA. In August of
2019, another $67 million was awarded to five projects. The deadline for grant applications for
Round 3 is tomorrow, December 13, 2019. Thus, another year has passed without Alameda
submitting an application for funding to conduct the planning process for DePave Park, even
though this project fits squarely within the goals of the restoration authority.
Measure AA grants seek to fund projects that:
Improve Bay water quality;
Restore, monitor and maintain habitat for fish, birds and wildlife;
Use natural habitats to protect communities from floods;
Increase shoreline access and encourage public participation in protecting the Bay's
health.'
California State Coastal Conservancy
In 2019, the Coastal Conservancy granted $14 million to the San Francisco Bay Area
Conservancy Program - Climate Adaptation. In addition, the Coastal Conservancy granted $20
million to the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority for its grant programs, which already
receives funding under the voter-approved Measure AA.
Based on the priorities for state Proposition 68 SF Bay Climate Funds listed below, DePave Park
will be an excellent candidate for both funding of the planning process and funding of the
construction. Emphasis has been added.
Project Priorities - Prop 68 SF Bay Climate Funds
The priorities for the Prop 68 SF Bay Climate Funds will be to support projects to advance the
goals of the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program:
1) improving public access;
2) conserving and enhancing habitat and open space resources of regional importance;
3) implementing policies of the Coastal Act, San Francisco Bay Plan, and other adopted
plans; and
4) providing recreational and educational opportunities in open space and natural areas
accessible to urban populations.
Projects also need to achieve one or more of the purposes of the Climate Ready Program:
Improve a community's ability to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change,
including sea level rise, extreme heat, wildfire, drought and flooding.
Use nature-based climate adaptation that provide co-benefits for people, wildlife, and the
economy.",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,18,"Address the needs of low-income and other underserved coastal populations that will be highly
impacted by climate change.
Promote on-the-ground demonstration projects that implement innovative approaches or
enhance understanding of effective coastal management strategies and will potentially lead to
broader change to policies, regulations, or to duplicating the effort elsewhere.
Promote collaboration among various stakeholders and multiple sectors. Establish and expand
non-traditional alliances to accelerate effective problem-solving between and among public and
private resource managers, scientists, and decision-makers.
Reduce GHG emissions or enhance the ability of natural systems to sequester greenhouse
gases.
Incorporate outreach or educational component.
One of the innovative approaches envisioned at DePave Park is floating wetlands in the Seaplane
Lagoon.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
CDFW awards funding for wetland restoration and greenhouse gas reduction every year. On
December 10, 2019, for example, it awarded $11.35 million to seven projects.
The Wetlands Restoration for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program (Program) restores or
enhances wetlands and watershed ecosystems to provide essential services to California's people,
wildlife, and fish. Wetlands have high carbon sequestration rates that can sequester carbon for
decades. There is tremendous opportunity to restore or enhance large areas of mountain meadow,
coastal tidal, inland seasonal, and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta wetlands that do not currently
provide the full potential of carbon storage or other benefits due to historical land use.
The Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of
Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and
improving public health and the environment.
In conclusion, funds for the implementation of DePave Park are out there for the asking. All we
need is the commitment to bring DePave Park into being. It will be of benefit to the
environment, to the character and attractiveness of Alameda Point, and to the community as a
whole, as we demonstrate with action our dedication to the goals embodied in the Climate Action
and Resiliency Plan, of which DePave Park is a part.
Thank you,
Richard Bangert
Photo site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/63740093@N03/
Blog: https://alamedapointenviro.com/",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,19,"6-B -
Exhibit 3
December 11, 2019
Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Parks Commission
Dear Chair and Members: of the Recreation and Parks Commission.
On December 12 your Commission will make an important decision regarding the future of DePave Park
I
strongly encourage you to prioritize moving forward and asking the City to start the process. De-Pave
Park calls for removing concrete along the western shore of Seaplane Lagoon for a natural shoreline and
wetlands development. This concept was included in the 2014 Alameda Point Town and Waterfront
Precise Plan and is highlighted in Alameda's 2019 Climate Action Plan. However, the plan won't move
forward unless the City sends out a Request for Proposal to find out the costs and details of creating this
shoreline park.
In addition to providing a wonderful waterfront park for all to enjoy, this newly created marsh will
create habitat for the wildlife who make their home there and depend on it for their very survival It also
fits into the city's climate action plan because wetlands and marshes can help mitigate rising ocean
levels by helping to absorb and contain rising water.
Please do the right thing and ask the city to give this issue the highest priority.
Thank you.
Patricia M. Gannon
1019 Tobago Lane
Alameda, CA 94502
Pg3187@gmail.com",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,20,"6-B
COLOEN and
100
Exhibit 3
ears
To:
Honorable Chair and Members of the Alameda Recreation and Park Commission
RE:
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting, December 12, 2019, Item 6B
Date: December 10, 2019
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are writing to request that the Commission assign the highest priority to the planning and
development of the proposed Shoreline Ecological Park on the west side of Seaplane Lagoon at
Alameda Point, commonly known as De-Pave Park.
We believe that it's time, in fact past time, to move forward on De-Pave Park. The park concept
was included in the 2014 Alameda Point Town and Waterfront Precise Plan and is highlighted as
""A Case Study in Adaptive Land Use and Shoreline Management"" in Alameda's 2019 Climate
Action Plan (pages 124 and 125). But De-Pave Park can't give us any of its critical projected
benefits while it is still only on paper.
Seaplane Lagoon and its surrounding area around provides rare and precious habitat for
wildlife, including a nesting pair of Ospreys, as well as nesting herons and other resident and
migrating shore and water birds. As the city increases the commercial and transportation uses
at Alameda Point, it is critical to consider the needs of the wildlife that are being compromised
by that development. The additional wildlife area planned in De-Pave Park will be particularly
valuable because it will enhance and support the Veteran's Administration's adjacent wildlife
area. Many birds such as the Great Blue Herons, Least Terns, Caspian Terns and more that nest
on the VA properties rely on the protected waters of the Seaplane Lagoon to forage. It is
especially important during storms creating high winds and rough waters on the open SF Bay.
In addition, tidal marsh reduces a major cause of climate change, carbon dioxide, and mitigates
the effects of sea level rise by buffering waves and absorbing storm surges. Marshes operate as
""carbon sinks"" because of the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed through photosynthesis by
the prolific wetland vegetation. These sinks are especially important in highly urbanized areas,
like the San Francisco Bay Area.
De-Pave Park ranks high on the suggested prioritization factors:
While the project is not yet funded, there are excellent opportunities for funding habitat
restoration projects, most significantly Measure AA. (East Bay Regional Parks has previously
been awarded Measure AA funds for restoration of and access to Encinal Dunes.)
The Bayshore access, wildlife habitat and climate change benefits from De-Pave Park would
benefit the entire community of Alameda.
GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G, Berkeley, CA 94702
phone 510.843.2222 web www.goldengateaudubon.org
email ggas@goldengateaudubon.org",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2019-12-12,21,"191210 Alameda De-Pave Park Support
As described above, the project would have a significant impact on climate change.
Every year that goes by without increasing our wetlands contributes to climate change and
poses more risks to wildlife and people while raising the price tag of doing what is needed. We
urge the Commission to recommend to the Council that the planning and development of De-
Pave Park be given the highest priority.
GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY
Leora Feeney
Linda Carloni
Leora Feeney
Linda Carloni
Co-Chair, Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Reserve
President, Board of Directors
GOLDEN GATE AUDUBON SOCIETY
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite G, Berkeley, CA 94702
phone 510.843.2222 web www.goldengateaudubon.org
email ggas@goldengateaudubon.org",RecreationandParkCommission/2019-12-12.pdf