body,date,page,text,path
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,1,"apd
ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
DATE:
Thursday, June 10, 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 Navarro,
Commissioner Jones and Commissioner Nguyen
Staff: (Teleconference via Zoom) Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) Director Amy
Wooldridge
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Alexander moved to accept the minutes of May 13, 2021 Regular Meeting as presented.
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Navarro. All present in favor with 5 ayes via roll call vote.
WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (For topics not on the agenda)
Written Communication: Letter from Alameda Friends of the Park Foundation regarding re-
energize the connection with the Recreation and Park Commission. See Exhibit 1.
Oral Communication: none
REPORTS FROM THE RECREATION AND PARK DIRECTOR
ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the report. See Exhibit 2
REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
Chair Alexander: Spent time walking through the parks making mental notes of the condition of
the playgrounds, equipment, backstops and fields to have some questions for Park Manger Matt
Nowlen in the upcoming meeting. Complemented the rental staff. Nice to see so many families
at the parks. Asked if ARPD can increase the number of kids to the camps? Director Wooldridge
answered: Yes, ARPD is back to regular numbers of camp enrollment but is keeping separate
cohorts of children across more parks.
Vice Chair Robbins: Received information from two eighth graders who use the skate park and
submitted a plan with angles of ramps for the skate park and requested to have input from the
skate community if the skate park gets improved. Director Wooldridge answered: Yes, the skater
input will be included for any changes to the skate park. Vice Chair Robbins commended ARPD
Maintenance for keeping the parks so clean.
Commissioner Jones: Visits Jean Sweeney Park quite a bit and noticed the various exercise
groups and asked if they should be permitted. Director Wooldridge answered: Yes, there is an
outside contractor permit they should obtain from ARPD. Also visited the dog park and asked
how often ARPD maintains the dog parks. Director Wooldridge answered: ARPD maintains Dog
1",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,2,"Park daily and does a big clean up every Spring of the fox tails and other upkeep as needed
such as tree trimming.
Commissioner Navarro: Busy with year-end wrap up including graduation of her son from the
Tiny Tots Program and daughter had an end of the year second grade school picnic. Both are
excited about the ARPD Camps. Visited the Alameda Point Neighborhood Park and her children
enjoy the playground. Also visited the City View Skate Park and noticed a lot of broken glass in
the fenced off area next to it. Director Wooldridge commented that the skaters throw bottles over
the fence. River Rock, who maintains Alameda Point, sweeps up the glass once or twice a year
but it comes back quickly. That area is fenced off from the public.
Commissioner Nguyen: Tried to visit Alameda Point Waterfront Park and instead visited the City
View Skateboard Park and talked to some of the skaters and enjoyed watching them. Director
Wooldridge confirmed that the Alameda Point Waterfront Park is inaccessible due to the
construction.
AGENDA ITEMS
6-A Review and Recommend Marina Village Park Improvement Plan
ARPD Director Wooldridge gave the presentation on the project that is managed by Public
Works, which will include landscape improvements with a new irrigation drip system and new
benches and picnic tables. She will seek grant funding for shade structures over the picnic areas.
6-A Public Comments - No public comments
6-A Commissioner Comments
Chair Alexander asked for directions to the park. Director Wooldridge: Directions are Sherman
to Atlantic, turn right onto Triumph Drive, follow Triumph Drive to the parking lot.
Vice Chair Robbins had his wedding reception at Pacific Lighthouse so has been to the Marina
Village Park many times and is excited that the park will be improved and happy that the expense
is coming out of Public Works budget. Supported putting shade structures in the picnic area.
Commissioner Navarro has been to the park a few times and asked if the restroom that is nearby
maintained by the City? Director Wooldridge: Yes, ARPD is working on the maintenance of it
and securing access. It is not yet opened to the public.
6-A Motion
Vice Chair Robbins motion to improve the Marina Village Park Improvement Plan as written
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Nguyen
All present in favor with 5 ayes via roll call vote.
6-B Report and Recommend on Reimagined Community Events
ARPD Director Wooldridge gave the presentation which included a list of the reimagined ARPD
Community Events that would provide the values of inclusion, diversity and equity and would
2",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,3,"celebrate all in the community. The list included Sandcastle and Sandcastle Contest, Starlight
Movies in the Park, Fourth of July Parade, Spring Earth Festival, Water Festival Regatta,
Storytelling and Drumming Festival, the Mayors Tree Lighting Ceremony and Pride in the Park.
6-B Public Comments - No public comments
6-B Commissioner Comments
Chair Alexander thinks the events on the list are great ideas and especially liked the movie in
the pool idea. Also wondered if it is an option to ask for sponsors in the community to contribute
smaller funds financially for the different events. Looking forward to having the 4th of July parade
return in the future and would like to see an ARPD float at it. Also would like to keep the Porch
of July.
Vice Chair Robbins noticed the name of the Father Daughter dance was changed to the Parent
Child Dance to be inclusive. Brought up putting out a donation box at events.
Commissioner Nguyen appreciated the ARPD team changing things to be more inclusive. Asked
where the storytellers and drummers would come from. Director Wooldridge said they would
start with reach out to communities within Alameda.
6-B Motion
Commissioner Navarro moved that the Commission approve this slate of events as presented to City
Council.
M/S Commissioner Navarro / Commissioner Jones
All present in favor with 5 ayes via roll call vote.
6-C Report on Recreation and Parks Department Partnerships with Alameda Unified School
District
ARPD Director Wooldridge gave a presentation which included the Joint Use Agreements with
Bayport Park and the swim centers at Encinal High School and Alameda High School, shared
use space with schools and community both using outside space and shared Alameda Point
Gym, athletic fields and tennis courts. The Greenway Golf lease agreement requires that Corica
Park provide free golf for both high school teams.
6-C Public Comments - No public comment
6-C Commissioner Comments
Chair Alexander noted Alameda High School tennis courts are also empty on the weekends and
would be great for public use. It would be great to have AUSD fund some of the maintenance
for the wear and tear on the fields and playgrounds to make it fair and make the most of the
facilities.
Vice Chair Robbins commented it is a frustrating that AUSD couldn't put in the money to improve
the Alameda High School pool. Encinal High School tennis courts have been vacant for 5 years
and could be put to good use with ARPD even if it is short term. Sees more take and not give
from the school district.
3",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,4,"Commissioner Navarro didn't realize how intertwined the usage is with the City and AUSD.
Hopefully we can find a way to use all the facilities, including the Community College which has
a beautiful track and football field that is never used.
Commissioner Jones asked if the pool at Franklin Park is under ARPD. Director Wooldridge
answered the pool is on City land that is leased to Alameda Swimming Pool Association, whose
current lease is coming to an end in September. The City is in negotiations for a new lease
agreement.
Commissioner Nguyen asked why Alameda High does not use their baseball field instead of the
ARPD field. Director Wooldridge answered Alameda High's field dimensions are not of adequate
size and space for the baseball teams and there is not enough space for all of their JV and
Varsity Men's and Women's teams.
6-C Motion
Commissioner Navarro moved to accept the report as presented.
M/S Commissioner Navarro / Vice Chair Robbins
All present in favor with 5 ayes via roll call vote.
6-D Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Butterfly Garden Project
Dorothy Freeman, board member of Jean Sweeney Open Space Fund announced they will be working
with ARPD to create a Monarch Butterfly Garden east of the playground near Sherman. They will need
funding for site preparation, installing irrigation and for plants. The Jean Sweeney Open Space Fund
will be doing the fund raising and has created a Go Fund Me page or people can donate on the website.
ARPD staff will help with creating the garden. Community will help with maintaining the pesticide free
garden. Estimated cost is $20,000.
6-D Public Comments - No Public Comments
6-D Commissioner Comments
Vice Chair Robbins thanked Dorothy Freeman for all the work she has put in to the park and said it will
also be good for the 8th grade student's science classes.
ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA:
Peralta Colleges Presentation
Friends of the Park Foundation Presentation
Vision Zero Action Plan (Lisa Foster, PBT)
CLCS Improvement and Use of Woodstock Park Art Studio
Chair Alexander wants to donate children's books about the Native Americans written by a Native
American woman to the book box at Chochenyo Park from the Recreation and Park Commission and
asked the asked the Commissioners if they would be interested in having their names in the book.
SET NEXT MEETING DATE: July 8, 2021
4",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,5,"ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn
M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Jones
Motion carried by the following voice vote: All in favor with a 5 ayes via roll call vote.
Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 8:57 PM.
5",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,6,"EXHIBIT 1
Eujoy Alameda Parks
June 6, 2021
Ms. Adrienne Alexander
Chair, Recreation and Park Commission
Dear Adrienne,
During the last Board Meeting of Friends of the Parks and Recreation Foundation (""FOTP""), we discussed
the lack of connection between our board and the Recreation and Park Commission (the ""Commission"").
While ARPD staff member, Patrick Russi, attends many of our meetings, we have been remiss in not
reaching out and keeping in close contact with the Commission. While the two entities were very
closely aligned 15 years ago, there has not been any alignment in recent year. I personally, along with
the FOTP Board, would like this to change.
We had a couple of ideas as to how we could begin the alignment process, although we are certainly
open to other suggestions.
First, one or more of the members of our board could introduce FOTP at a Commission meeting. We
could provide a quick 10-minute presentation on who we are, our mission, and ways we've been
supporting recreation, parks and wellness in Alameda over the years.
Second, perhaps there is a member of the Commission who would be interested in sitting on our
Advisory Board and possibly joining our Board of Directors.
Let me know if you'd like to meet sometime over lunch outdoors or jump on a call to discuss.
I very much look forward to connecting and collaborating with you and the Commission.
Warmest regards,
Joe Restagno
President
Friends of Alameda Parks and Recreation Foundation
oe.restagno@gmail.com
408-464-0857 (M)
SVB Confidential",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,7,"EXHIBIT 2
06/10/2021 ARPD Director's Report
Presented by Recreation and Park Director Amy Wooldridge
Recreation Services
Fall 2021/22 RAP (Recreation After School) program registration opens June 23 at 10am.
Celebrate Independence Day the Alameda Way! - Includes the Porch of July, our citywide
decorating contest. Register your porch, house, bike or lawn to be on our map and then everyone
can walk, ride and roll to view all of the amazing decorations throughout the July 4th weekend!
It
also includes porch musicians. Plus, the All-American Movie Night with live music at the Alameda
Point Multi-Purpose Field on Sunday July 4th. The Jubilee starts at 6:45pm and the movie begins at
approximately 8:15pm.
Summer in-person programs are continuing registration, including Day Camp, WOW, Teen
Adventures and Aquatics. Sign-ups are rapidly filling up.
Sports camps and outside contractors are still offering a variety of classes including Aqua STEM,
cooking, martial arts, Teen All Sports, dance, and much more.
You'll see many year-end school picnics throughout Alameda over the next week and half. These
are provided at a minimal cost of $25 per picnic.
There are now 15 to 20 picnic rentals every weekend. Kudos to our Park Ambassadors and Park
Maintenance staff for keeping up with the high demand as well as to Katherine Sirota who manages
all of our rentals.
We are seeking aquatic interns ages 12-15. Check the ARPD aquatic section of the website for
more details.
ARPD has been very busy hiring for the summer with over 200 summer seasonal staff. Kudos to all
of our staff who have worked hard to set the foundation for a successful summer - Pat Russi, Stacy
Thomas, Christina Bailey, Shawn Smith, and Nora Pon.
Mastick Senior Center
On June 8, the Mastick Thrift Shop celebrated a successful modified reopening and is now open on
Tuesdays, 10am - 2pm. Donations are now accepted on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
On June 9, we partnered with the American Red Cross and offered the third blood drive since our
physical closure.
Mastick is now open for limited in person programs by registration and reservation only.
We offer several in-person outdoor classes on campus including Spanish, Lunch Program, Qigong,
Line Dance, Table Tennis, Hawaiian Dance, Yoga, Drawing & Painting.
Many classes still offered Zoom including Line Dance, Philosophy Discussion Group, Book Club,
Today's World, Diabetes Support Group, Egyptian Folkloric Dance, German and Italian and a Movie
Discussion Group.
The following are being provided by appointment: HICAP (health insurance counseling advocacy
program), Legal Assistance for seniors, case management (Senior Connections), Notary, computer
assistance, transportation assistance, book grab n' go.",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf
RecreationandParkCommission,2021-06-10,8,"Brown Bag Program (two bags of groceries per month) is being offered with bags delivered to
participants' homes and five bags dropped at the Center for those that might be missed. We
continue to serve as the drop off site for Meals on Wheels and staff assists with ""building the bags"".
In mid-July, we hope to reopen the courtyard and limited indoor space with reduced hours and by
registration. This will include a hybrid lunch program (indoor and grab n' go), computer lab, bridge,
mah jongg, bocce ball, scrabble, social time, media room, creative writing, sewing room for quilters.
Front walkway project is nearing completion and a section of the courtyard concrete was replaced.
Park Maintenance
Installing wood fiber for safety surfacing refill at eight parks to maintain safety and ADA compliance.
The Chochenyo Park sign was installed this week and staff is planning a Park Naming Celebration
with details to come.
Working on athletic field maintenance including adding infield mix to some baseball/softball fields,
doing warranty work on the Challenger Field at Estuary Park.
Aware of drought conditions and are continuing to do irrigation repair that helps reduce water and
will also be turning off the public water hose at Encinal Boat Ramp for the time being. Working on
an option for users to pay a fee for timed water use.
Additional bike racks at Encinal Boat Ramp are being installed by the end of next week.
Administration/ Project:
On June 15, the City Council is approving the FY 2021-23 City budget. Included in that is a
recommendation to fund $200,000 per year to support a variety of recreation facilities that the
community has requested and could include pickleball, tennis court resurfacing, skate park
improvements, BMX course and bocce ball improvements. If the funds are approved then ARPD will
conduct a community assessment and feedback process this summer to determine the community's
priorities and staff will work on how we can maximize the funds to address as many needs as possible.
The Bayport Park playground is complete and open. We are in the planning stages of the shaded
picnic area.
Lots of recreation facility projects are moving along: Leydecker retaining wall (completion
anticipated June 30), Alameda Point Gym modular bathroom (completion in July), and Godfrey
Recreation Center remodel (completion estimated end of October).
Greenway Golf is refurbishing the old, dilapidated fire tower at the entryway to the golf course.
They are determining if it is structurally sound and can remain or needs to be demolished. It if
remains, Greenway will work with the community for art submissions with a theme to honor the fire
department and public safety. The final design will go before the Public Arts Commission, Golf
Commission with final approval by the Planning Board.",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-06-10.pdf