REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of the Conceptual Design for the Fair Oaks Park Renovation Project
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) considered this item on September 12, 2018. The report to the PRC is included as Attachment 1. The PRC voted to pass a motion to recommend to Council approval of the Preferred Site Plan. The vote was 3-0, with Commissioner Pasqua absent and one seat vacant (Attachment 3 - Excerpt of Draft PRC meeting minutes of September 12, 2018).
Initial questions and comments from the commissioners focused primarily on how features in the existing park compare with features in the preferred site plan. In general, almost all existing park features on the northern half of the site will be replaced, but some, like the water play feature and the reservable picnic areas will be consolidated for operational efficiency. Most of the features on the south side of the site such as the parking lot, new auxiliary restroom, park building renovation, and skate park lighting, were recently updated through receipt of grant funding. The Preferred Site Plan is included as Attachment 2.
Other questions from commissioners related to which features were requested, but not represented in the Preferred Site Plan. A few key features and their estimated construction costs were discussed as they relate to the approved project budget. Construction costs for the plan presented for approval are currently estimated to be within the available budget. A dog park was identified as a priority for the project in a Study Issue regarding the Feasibility of Establishing Additional Dog Parks in Sunnyvale’s Park System, and during the public input process, batting cages were requested. Neither are represented in the Preferred Site Plan to reduce the estimated construction costs to fit within the available budget. Space for the dog park was identified, but it was removed from the overall site plan with the intent that a very basic simplified dog park would be installed by Parks staff following the project using funds from the operating budget. Similarly, space for batting cages is identified in the overall site plan making them relatively easy to install in the future, should funding become available.
In the interest of delivering a complete, high quality finished project with minimal coordination between City parks staff and the construction contractor, staff is recommending that a dog park along Wolfe Road near the entrance to the park parking lot be added to the Preferred Site Plan. The total estimated construction cost for the project, including the dog park, is expected to be approximately $360,000 above the available budget and a budget modification will likely be necessary to award a construction contract. This amount is just an estimate and the true cost to construct will not be known until bids are received.
In response to commissioner questions about funding partnerships, Olenka Villarreal, Founder and Executive Director of the Magical Bridge Foundation, provided an update on the status of fundraising for the Magical Bridge Playground at Fair Oaks Park. The foundation has raised approximately $2.4 million and needs approximately $150,000 to reach the fundraising goal. Ms. Villarreal also acknowledged some of the major donors.
There were 13 speakers during the public comment period. They were all in support of including adequate fields for playing cricket with some also requesting installation of cricket batting cages with the project. In general, the proposed multi-use artificial turf works well for most of the cricket field, but is too soft for the area called the pitch which is 10 feet wide by 22 yards in length at the center of the field. A much firmer surface is desired for the cricket pitch area and conventional pitch surfaces do not meet safety requirements necessary for multi-use fields. The Preferred Site Plan includes a location and striping for a cricket field, and staff will continue to explore options for surfaces that perform well for playing cricket, and are soft enough for the multi-use field.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve the conceptual design for the Fair Oaks Park Renovation Project as shown on the Preferred Site Plan (Attachment 6) with direction to include a dog park along Wolfe Road and authorize staff to proceed with detailed design and preparation of bid documents.
2. Provide other direction to staff as City Council deems appropriate.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Alternative 1: Approve the conceptual design for the Fair Oaks Park Renovation Project as shown on the Preferred Site Plan (Attachment 2 of the report) with direction to include a dog park along Wolfe Road and authorize staff to proceed with detailed design and preparation of bid documents.
Staff feels that the Preferred Site Plan reflects an attractive, sustainable design that will optimize recreational use of the park. The plan is based on a combination of feedback from the community and the City staff that will operate and maintain the park.
Staff
Prepared by: Nathan Scribner, Assistant City Engineer
Reviewed by: Chip Taylor, Director, Public Works
Reviewed by: Cynthia E. Bojorquez, Director, Library and Community Services
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report to Parks and Recreation Commission 18-0418 dated September 12, 2018 (without attachments)
Additional Attachments for Report to Council
2. Preferred Site Plan
3. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of September 12, 2018