REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Completion of Study Issue LRS 20-03 Assessment of Needs for Additional Outdoor Sports Programs and Facilities
Report
BACKGROUND
Verde Design Inc. was hired to study the current recreation trends and community needs relative to certain outdoor sports, especially pickleball, tennis, and cricket. Along with the City, Verde Design looked at programs and facilities in neighboring cities and engaged the Sunnyvale community through surveys, needs assessments, and a community outreach meeting. Verde Design was also tasked with preparing conceptual plans for 6 parks that would accommodate the top three desired sports.
Verde Design staff and City staff presented the findings of Study Issue LRS 20-03 at the December 11, 2024 Parks & Recreation Commission and the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting. Feedback from City Councilmembers and Commissioners was either included in the final report or responded to (Attachment 2). The finalized completed report (Attachment 1) includes recommendations from Verde Design for potential improvements for outdoor sports along with additional information that addresses questions brought up during the study session.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this Study was to consider current recreation trends and community needs relative to certain outdoor sports, especially pickleball, tennis, and cricket.
The Study’s recommendations include eight design options that incorporate the research, survey data and public comments from the surveys and community meetings. In addition, the Study provides an analysis of potential cost options for City Council consideration.
The recommendations from the consultant are as follows:
• New dedicated pickleball courts at DeAnza Park or Encinal Park.
• Pickleball striping on existing basketball courts at Ortega Park or Washington Park.
• New proposed cricket pitch and field at Las Palmas Park.
• Improvements and renovations of cricket pitch and field at Ortega Park.
• New tennis courts at Las Palmas Park or Ponderosa Park.
The completion of this final report will serve as a resource for future project consideration for pickleball, tennis, and cricket. For Fiscal Year 2025/26 funds were approved for the restriping of up to three existing basketball and/or tennis courts to allow for pickleball.
Following the completion of this report, the Library and Recreation Services Department staff will begin community outreach to determine the most suitable locations. While we recognize the initial work that Verde Design performed in identifying alternative locations for the striping of pickleball on basketball courts, staff will work to perform outreach on a citywide level to ensure that we have captured feedback from a variety of user groups and neighborhoods. Staff may consider the option of striping pickleball courts on areas other than basketball courts based on feedback received.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
A check in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Tracey Gott, Recreation Services Manager
Reviewed by: Michelle Perera, Director of Library and Recreation Services
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Sunnyvale Athletic Facilities Needs Assessment Final Report
2. Council Study Session Questions and Responses