body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,1,"apd
ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, April 8, 2021
TIME:
7:00 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: (Teleconference via Zoom) Chair Alexander, Vice Chair Robbins, Commissioner Limoges and
Commissioner Navarro
Staff: (Teleconference via Zoom) Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) Director Amy
Wooldridge
Chair Alexander announced that Commissioner Ron Limoges was resigning and this would be his last
meeting. Commissioner Limoges was given best wishes and complimented by all for his commendable
service to the Recreation and Park Commission.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Alexander moved to accept the minutes of March 11, 2021 Regular Meeting as presented.
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Navarro. All present in favor with 4 ayes via roll call vote.
WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (For topics not on the agenda)
Written Communication: Submitted by Patricia Lamborn regarding Shoreline Park parcel 4 Path
Repair
Oral Communication:
Speaker Betsy Mathieson: Requested that waste receptacles be moved away from the
trees in the parks as it is harmful to the roots of the trees.
Speaker Patricia Lamborn: Requested ARPD to help sponsor and take the lead on the
Shoreline Park parcel 4 path repair project.
Speaker Mary McMuldren: Likes the Encinal Boat Ramp, suggested waste receptacles
that are not opened at the top because of the overflow of trash, said the narrow driveway
entrance to the Encinal Boat Ramp is becoming crowded with people parking there as
there is not enough available parking. Concerned that the seals need more protection
from the public. Hopes that the area can stay clean and safe.
Speaker Edward Sing: Shoreline Park parcel 4 needs repaving to keep it safe for
pedestrians and cyclists.
Speaker Gary Thompson: Shoreline Park parcel 4 is used by a lot of people and
encouraged Recreation and Parks to take the lead in getting it completed for everyone's
safety.
REPORTS FROM THE RECREATION AND PARK DIRECTOR
ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the report. See Exhibit 1
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,2,"REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Chair Alexander: Toured tennis courts to look for pickleball court possibilities. Ballena Bay looks
like a good site. Last month talked about the women of ARPD and Jackie Krause, Recreation
Manager, reminded her that Sherry McCarthy and Suzanne Oda were also ARPD Directors
before Director Wooldridge. Suggested having a plague to recognize the history of the women
of ARPD and place it at Krusi softball diamond #1 as it is mostly used by women's teams.
Thanked Mastick for calling seniors to ask if they had or need their COVID-19 immunizations.
Requests to repair the tennis courts and repaint the backstops if there is additional funds from
the Federal stimulus package. Would like to add more book boxes in the parks with books about
children of color.
Commissioner Limoges: Looked at Shoreline Park parcel 4. Agrees there is about 400 feet that
is in disrepair and supports finishing it. Has been watching Seaplane lagoon Waterfront Park
being built and said there is a lot of movement and is a beautiful spot. Stopped by the Gaga Pit
and enjoyed seeing the kids playing and having fun.
Commissioner Navarro: Excited to see the RAP kids, who were on a field trip to Tuckers Ice
Creamery, enjoying themselves and also that they were wearing masks and physical distancing.
Vice Chair Robbins: Good pickleball court potential at Ballena Bay. The courts are sunken down
4 feet and with wind screens it would be great. Asked about the progress of online tennis
reservations. ARPD Director Wooldridge: ARPD is working on it to launch it correctly. Asked if
there would be signage at the Gaga Pit. ARPD Director Wooldridge: Yes, the signage is on
order.
AGENDA ITEMS
6-A Discuss and Make Recommendations on the City Facility Naming Policy, Particularly
Regarding Parks and Recreation Facilities
ARPD Director Wooldridge gave presentation which included the background, draft policy,
procedure and criteria for naming facilities and explained the process from public input to
Recreation and Park Commission to the City Council approval.
6-A Public Comments
Speaker Rasheed Shabazz: naming is a great opportunity for the community to say what is
important and significant. Define what diversity, equity and inclusion means in the process to
have clarity. Think about how it can increase access to empower the community's voice.
6-A Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Limoges: Research is important, who will be doing the research in the community.
ARPD Director Wooldridge: City council and staff.
Can City Council say no to a request for a name change? ARPD Director Wooldridge: City
Council determines if a facility should be renamed.
Is there a way for partial naming when someone donates funds? ARPD Director Wooldridge:
Yes, that would be naming specific amenities in a park and has been done previously.
Thinks a Master list is a good idea and that the process has to begin with City Council.
Commissioner Navarro: Would be good to indicate sub facilities such as Golden Gate Park does.
2",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,3,"Is the Commission's input editing the policy? ARPD Director Wooldridge: No, discussing high
level concepts tonight.
Vice Chair Robbins: The idea that the Commissions and Council have to go through the ongoing
naming process seems like it is takes a lot of staff's time and wonders if names options could be
updated yearly by creating a Master List.
Chair Alexander: Believes the City Council should decide what parks, etc. should be changed
and let the various Commissions know as the Commissions are not elected officials and the City
Council are elected officials. Concerns about naming after a person as it can get into an issue
down the road.
6-B Receive status Update and Provide Direction on the Chochenyo Park Play Area
ARPD Director Wooldridge gave presentation which included the background, playground design by
Tyler Velten, the Medicine Wheel Landing design and the signage giving the history of the park by artist
Ryan LaRonde. Ryan LaRonde commented that the Medicine Wheel fulfills an educational component
about the Native American group.
6-B Public Comments
Speaker Gary Cook: Excited about play area at Chochenyo, likes the Medicine Wheel but the
playground structure is his first choice.
Speaker Meredith Hoskin: Likes the Medicine Wheel but her preference is the natural
playground.
Speaker Jim Manning: Likes the Medicine Wheel and train in the play area and thinks they
should choose one or other as the train should not go inside the Medicine Wheel.
Speaker Rasheed Shabaaz: Encouraged to create something that recognizes safety for the
children and healing in the Park.
Speaker Joanne Robinson: Likes the Medicine Wheel where children can play games and
activities with spinning acorns and sticks and teach native American skills including weaving.
Speaker Amy: Support the playground with trains, thinks it fits in with the aesthetics of the park.
Speaker Grace Rubinstein: Loves all the designs, concerned about the volume of traffic on
Encinal and would suggest the South end for a playground for safety. It would be great to
combine the playground and the Medicine Wheel respectfully for a gathering place.
Additional Written Public Comments: See Exhibit 2
6-B MOTION
Commissioners discussed and made a motion:
Commissioner Navarro motion to examine Medicine Wheel concept in tandem with a landscaped play
space to fulfill the desire for an area at Chochenyo Park.
M/S Commissioner Navarro / Commissioner Limoges. All present in favor with 4 ayes via roll call vote.
6-C Recommend Approval of a Memorial at the Central Avenue Pathway
3",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,4,"ARPD Director Wooldridge gave the presentation along with Alameda Resident Denise Sims who
approached ARPD with the request to install the memorial in honor of her son Austin. Presentation
included photos of the proposed artwork.
6-C MOTION
Commissioners discussed and made a motion:
Commissioner Navarro motion to recommend approval of a Memorial at the Central Avenue Pathway.
M/S Commissioner Navarro / Commissioner Limoges. All present in favor with 4 ayes via roll call vote.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA:
Budget and Capital Projects
Update in Directors Report on RAP programs
Update on Swim Centers
SET NEXT MEETING DATE: May 13, 2021
ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Navarro
Motion carried by the following voice vote: All in favor with a 3 ayes via roll call vote.
Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 9:32 PM
4",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,5,"EXHIBIT 1
04/08/2021 ARPD Director's Report
Presented by Recreation and Park Director Amy Wooldridge
Recreation Services
The Alameda Youth Committee - a youth leadership development group - is beginning to meet in
person and they are hosting an online fundraiser for the Alameda Food Bank from 4/19 - 5/23. Info
about the fundraiser will be published in the Alameda Sun with a QR code for people to scan and
donate directly.
Friends Connect - a social group for teens with developmental disabilities - and AYC have traded
numerous pen pal letters back and forth during the pandemic. The exchange has been really
enjoyable for both groups. Friends Connect is meeting in person for the first time this school year and
taking a walk from Chochenyo Park to Alameda Beach.
The State COVID-19 child care guidelines were recently revised and there is no longer a maximum
cap on the number of children allowed in each cohort. Subsequently, ARPD added spaces for the
Spring Vacation camp (kindergarten through 5th grade) at Leydecker, Lincoln and Washington Parks.
To celebrate Earth Day in 2021, the City of Alameda and its partners have created an interactive
virtual website celebrating Earth Day. The fun starts April 19th, as the website will launch prior to
Earth Day on April 22nd. We will also host a volunteer tree planting event at Krusi Park on Sat., April
24th. Registration is required with information coming soon.
The 2021 Summer Supplemental Guide will be available mid-April, with the next installment of special
interest classes, camps, and local events. Registration has been open for ARPD's Summer
Preschool/Camp, WOW, Day Camp, Tween Adventure Camp, and Aquatics programs. Some sites
are full and space is filling quickly!
Interviewing for Summer Recreation Leaders will begin soon, and interested individuals can apply
NOW through the ARPD's website, under the Employment tab. ARPD is the place to be this summer!
Picnic areas are now available to rent online
The adult softball league is starting with registration available as of April 16.
Mastick Senior Center
We are now offering an in person, outdoor Line Dancing class and outdoor Hula class. Mastick
is working to create outdoor classrooms to host more of these classes.
Several projects were completed recently including replacing mirrors in the dance room,
evaluating and pruning trees plus leveling and overhaul of the Bocce courts. The front walkway
improvement project will also be underway soon.
AARP Tax-Aide Program has been extended through May 11. Starting next week, four
counselors will be onsite processing taxes in real time while clients wait in their car or
outdoors. Safety protocols are in place.
A Vaccine Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at Mastick Senior Center Social Hall - by
appointment only. There are 300 doses of the J & J vaccine.
A Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24.
Park Maintenance
All pathway lights were replaced at Woodstock Park with LED fixtures.",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,6,"Parks and Public Works are coordinating to install new lighting fixtures along Shoreline Park starting
at the Bay Farm Bridge. Our next project will be to replace the asphalt pathway along major sections
of this linear trail park.
The Bayport Park playground replacement project starts this week and completion is anticipated by
mid-June.
There's a lot of improvements happening at Grand Street Boat Ramp. Staff is converting the
landscape to drip irrigation and drought tolerant landscaping. We are finalizing permits to replace the
gangway and docks on the east side with plans to replace the middle dock later this year.
The Alameda Point Waterfront Park is now under construction.
The Alameda Point Neighborhood Park is now open to the public!
Nigel Lewis was hired as the Parks Foreperson. This was a promotion for him and we're excited to
have him as part of the Parks administrative team!
Administration/ Projects
This week the Mayor made two nominations for the Recreation and Parks Commission - Philly Jones
and Alice Nguyen. If confirmed by a vote of the City Council on 4/20 then they will join the
Commission for its May meeting.
Godfrey Park Recreation Center construction this summer - replacing existing restrooms with three
gender neutral restrooms, one of which is ADA accessible plus interior improvements such as
painting.
Leydecker Park Recreation Center current construction to install drainage between the facility and
the baseball field. Currently, there is water intrusion during major storms and this drainage will
prevent that. Upcoming construction plans to improve the restrooms at the center.
Alameda Point Gym restroom construction is underway and is estimated to be completed by the end
of June. This project includes installation of a new modular restroom with eight gender neutral, ADA
units, two of which are open to the public for skate park users. The other six are intended for the gym
users.
Golf Commission is reviewing a concept for improving the old fire training tower at the entry to Corica
Park, funded by Greenway Golf.",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,7,"Exhibit 2
RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
Exhibit 2 for Minutes 4-8-2021
Additional Public Comments that were not included
on the 4/8/2021 Item 6-B Agenda
Receive Status Update and Provide Direction on the
Chochenyo Park Play Area",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,8,"Amy Wooldridge
From:
Meredith Hoskin <meredithmawilliams@gmail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, April 8, 2021 5:15 PM
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Subject:
[EXTERNAL] Item 6-B: Feedback on Chochenyo Park Play Area Design - April 8
Hi Amy,
As an Alameda resident that lives close to Chochenyo Park, I want to share my support for the new design for the play
area, specifically the wood train structures.
I appreciate how the design maintains the natural aesthetic of the park while giving kids a specific area to climb and
play, which will make the park even more welcoming and inclusive of young families in Alameda - particularly the
neighboring families who aren't able to travel far for a play area. Using tree stumps and small wood structures for
climbing, and the fun theme of trains will definitely be enjoyed by our family.
Overall, I feel this design of the new play area would be a positive development to the park for local families that won't
compromise the longtime historical value that so many have enjoyed with the park over the years.
As a frequent visitor to the park, I can't wait to walk over and have a fun area for my kids to play - making the park a
welcoming space for our community and generations to come.
Thank you,
Meredith
Meredith Hoskin
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-04-08,9,"Amy Wooldridge
From:
Kate Fayngersh <kate.fayn@gmail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, April 8, 2021 5:38 PM
To:
Amy Wooldridge
Subject:
[EXTERNAL] Chochenyo Park Playground proposal
Hi Amy,
My husband and I live close to Chochenyo Park with our three young children. I want to share
our support for the design for the new natural play area and Ohlone tribute.
We moved to Alameda because of the small town vibe, the many families with children, and the
diversity. We go to Chochenyo Park daily with some combination of one or all of our kids. I
believe that the changes proposed in the new design create a hub that may serve as a common
place for local families to gather. The elegant design fits in well with the natural, peaceful appeal
of the park, while remaining simple enough to where it is unlikely to appeal to families who
would drive and create traffic/parking issues in the area. I believe spending so much time in this
park will be a wonderful opportunity to educate my children about the Ohlone people and the
rich history of the land the park resides on.
In summary, I strongly support the proposed tribute and play area designs, and look forward to
them deepening the sense of community and respect for the indigenous tribe.
Thanks,
Kate
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-04-08.pdf