The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About03-08-2022 PRC Meeting Packet 1 City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Agenda DATE: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 TIME: 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: Via Zoom Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19 This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Parks & Recreation Commission members, staff, and public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order N‐29‐20 suspending certain teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide the safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by: 1. Using the Zoom website at 2. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84091857373 or App Webinar ID: 840 9185 7373 and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by the Chair to speak on an agenda item; OR 3. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 840 9185 7373 and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair. The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person. As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the meeting by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/prc prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official record of the meeting. During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer public comment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at bavrit@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety. 2 Call to Order Roll Call: Chair Renee Paquier, Commissioner Anna Huang, Commissioner Nimisha Mahuvakar and Commissioner Michelle Wang Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was properly posted on March 3, 2022. Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up three minutes. Commissioners may not comment on the matter but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda. • Letter from staff at “The Inn at Saratoga” regarding Wildwood Park Approval of Parks and Recreation Commission Draft Minutes: 01-11-2022 Draft Minutes Agenda: 1. Summer Movie Nights Issue: City staff will discuss this summer’s Movie Night events Action: Make recommendations Movie Night Discussion Items 2. Beauchamps Park Update Issue: Review comments from residents about the Draft Park Design 1B Action: Recommend changes based on comments and approve final design Attachment 1 – Draft Design Plans from Spec Play Attachment 2 – Letter sent to residents Attachment 3 – Public Comments about the Draft Design 3. Update on Historical Plaque Program Issue: Update on progress of the Historical Plaque Program Action: No action, information only Photos of existing plaques in Ravenwood and Kevin Moran Park 4. Review Workplan & Community Engagement Brainstorming Issue: Discuss ideas to foster community engagement and review current workplan Action: Make recommendation 2021 PRC Workplan Community Engagement Discussion Sheet 3 5. Equity in Parks Issue: Discussion of equity in parks Action: Discussion and recommendation Commissioner and Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.) Commissioner Park Vacant Wildwood, Foothill, Quarry Huang El Quito, Gardiner Vacant Bell Grove, Congress Springs, Ravenwood Paquier Beauchamp, Brookglen Wang Azule, Kevin Moran, Friendship Park Upcoming Dates • Joint meeting with the City Council – Monday March 28, 2022, 6:00-9:00 p.m. via Zoom • Arbor Day – Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 3:30-4:30, location to be determined. Agenda Items for Next Meeting May 10, 2022 • Adjournment In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, contact Kristin Borel at 408.868.1296 or kborel@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Note: In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Parks and Recreation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Public Works Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on March 3, 2022 at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us. 1 Draft Minutes 01-11-2022 City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Draft Minutes DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 TIME: 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: Via Zoom Call to Order: Chair Paquier called the virtual Regular Session to order at 6:33 p.m. via teleconferencing through Zoom. Prior to Roll Call, the Chair and Staff Liaison explained that the meeting was conducted pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act and a recent Executive Order issued by the Governor to facilitate teleconferencing to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at public meetings. Ordinarily the Brown Act sets strict rules for teleconferencing. The Governor’s Executive Order has suspended those rules. The Executive Order does require that public agencies continue to notice meetings in advance and provide members of the public an opportunity to observe the meeting and offer public comment. The Commission met all of the applicable notice requirements and the public is welcome to participate in this meeting. Information on how the public can observe the meeting and provide public comment was also shared. Additionally, the Chair explained that votes would be taken through roll call. Roll Call: Chair Renee Paquier, Vice Chair, Commissioner Huang and Commissioner Wang. Absent: None. Also in attendance was Kristin Borel, Staff Liaison, (All appearing via Teleconference) Staff Liaison, Kristin Borel confirmed all the Commission members could hear the meeting proceedings and no doubts were expressed regarding the identities of the individuals representing themselves as Parks and Recreation Commissioners. Report on Posting of the Agenda: Kristin Borel reported that the Agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 6, 2022 Oral & Written Communication None Approval of Parks and Recreation Commission Draft Minutes: Commissioner Wang/Huang moved to Approve the Parks and Recreation Minutes for the Regular Meeting on November 9, 2021. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 2 Draft Minutes 01-11-2022 Agenda: 1. Drone Video Program Adam Xu and Dustin Peng from Saratoga High School gave a short presentation of their previous drone projects and made recommendations for the Saratoga City Park Drone video. Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item. There were no speakers Commissioner Paquier/Huang moved to Select EL Quito Park as the next Drone Video Project. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 2. Beauchamps Park Update Three design firms submitted proposals and the Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of each design. The design firm that they selected was Spec Specialized Play Equipment, Option 1 (page 7 in Attachment 2). They did want to include another assessable element if possible. Staff will work with the design firm to finalize a design. Next, it will be posted on the website and letters sent to neighbors asking for comments, and then be brought back to the March meeting. Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item. One speaker remarked that she was familiar with Ross Recreation, and they were able to alter designs easily and were knowledgeable about safety requirements. She asked if a water element could be added to a plan. Commissioner Paquier/Huang moved to Recommend Spec Specialized Play Equipment Option 1 with the possible addition of another assessable element. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 3. Update on Historical Plaque Program Chair Paquier that the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting will be adding this project to their workplan to be approved by the City Council in March/April. Two of its members, Commissioners LoPresto and Commissioner Shariati are going to work with our Commission on creating historic information for our parks. All the commissioners supported working with the HPC on this project and supported the goal of posting this information in our parks and on our website. The Commissioners agreed to take photos of any existing plaques in the parks to have for the next meeting’s discussion. Chair Paquier – Wildwood, Foothill, Beauchamps and Brookglen Vice Chair Huang – Quarry, El Quito and Gardner Commissioner Wang – Azule, Kevin Moran, Friendship, Bell Grove, Congress Springs and Ravenwood Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item. There were no speakers. 3 Draft Minutes 01-11-2022 4. Community Engagement Brainstorming The Commission spoke in general about ideas for future events and activities. Vice Chair Huang suggested organizing ongoing hikes to encourage residents and families to get out into nature for wellness. Commissioner Wang initially raised the idea of a photo contest and Chair Paquier liked it as well and recommended that they be shown at Movie Night. She also suggester partnering with the Youth Commission. Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item. There was one speaker who recommended using the term “wellness” instead of mental health when discussing the hiking events. Commissioner Paquier/Wang moved to Recommend two new projects to the 2022-23 PRC Workplan – Organizing Hikes for Wellness and a Park Photo Contest to be shown at Movie Night. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. 5. Equity in Parks Chair Paquier introduced the topic diversity and equity in our parks at the November meeting. The Commission had the option whether to move forward on their own or wait for City Council direction on this topic. Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item. There were no speakers. Commissioner Paquier/Wang moved to Recommend that the Commission wait for City Council direction on this topic. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. Commissioner and Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.) Commissioner Park Vacant Wildwood, Foothill, Quarry Huang El Quito, Gardiner Vacant Bell Grove, Congress Springs, Ravenwood Paquier Beauchamp, Brookglen Wang Azule, Kevin Moran, Friendship Park Agenda Items for Next Meeting January 11, 2022 • Beauchamps Park playground replacement project • Update on Historic Plaque program • Update on Let’s Work • Community Engagement Discussion • Equity in Parks • Drone Video Update 4 Adjournment Commissioners Huang / Wang move to Adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Huang, Paquier, and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, contact Kristin Borel at 408.868.1296 or kborel@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Note: In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Parks and Recreation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Kristin Borel, Public Works Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on January 6, 2022 at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us. Saratoga Movie Nights 2022 About Saratoga Movie Nights For many years, movie nights have been hosted in El Quito Park on the 3rd Friday of June, July, and August. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, featuring G or PG rated movies appropriate for all ages. In addition to the movie, the event usually includes activities and resources tables for attendees to enjoy prior to the start of the movie. PRC Role Staff is requesting that the Commission provide input on the movie options. If desired, the PRC is also welcomed to host an activity and/or resource table at the beginning of the event as families arrive early to set up their blankets and chairs on the lawn. Some ideas for activities include: • Bean bag toss game with prizes • Hula hoop contest with prizes • Parks trivia game with prizes • Saratoga community tree activity If the PRC would like to host an activity, staff can provide any necessary materials and prizes. Movie Options Staff has brainstormed some movie selections that are rated G or PG and requesting input from the PRC. Date Event Program Movie Options June 17, 2022 • Activities/Resource Fair • Welcoming Remarks from Mayor • Remarks from PRC Chair • Movie Previews • Feature Program Feature: • Peter Rabbit 2 • Encanto • Raya and the Last Dragon Movie Previews: • Park Videos • Community Harvest July 15, 2022 • Activities/Resource Fair • Welcoming Remarks from Mayor • Presentation of Parks Make Life Better Month Proclamation • Remarks from PRC Chair • Movie Previews • Feature Program Feature: • Luca • Spirit Untamed • Space Jam Movie Previews: • Park Videos • City Events August 19, 2022 • Activities/Resource Fair • Welcoming Remarks from Mayor • Presentation of Parks Make Life Better Month Proclamation • Remarks from PRC Chair • Movie Previews • Feature Program Sing-A-Long Feature: • Sing • The Lion King • Trolls • Aladdin • Grease Movie Previews: • Park Videos • Back to School Message • Upcoming City Events www.specplay.cominfo@specplay.com800.475.1071 Burke: Tower of Fun w/ Inclusive Spinner Design # 137-145853-3Equipment Cost as shown: $116,571Discount($18,000)Tax: $8,999Estimated Freight: $9,800EstimatedTotal:$117,370Fully Customizable Colors Concept 1B Playground Concept OPTION 1B –3D Visuals Tower Of Fun with Inclusive Spinner •User Capacity: 112 •Fun for everyone with towering heights, swinging, climbing, sliding, and interactive fun for all. •Sensory panels, games, and challenges for every ability and comfort level. •Transparency throughout, giving parent and caregivers the ability to supervise, while kids have their own place to play and grow. •Biba interactive play system adds another dimension to the play and inclusion experience. •Inclusive Orbit is WheelChairAccessibleandfunforall! Playground Concept OPTION 1B –3D Visuals Interactive, and sensory oriented equipment provide inclusivity at its best.Tactile enhanced slides, transfer platforms and climbing elements provide fun for all ages and abilities. *note: Use zoom in functionfor even more detail! Playground Concept OPTION 1B –3D Visuals Playground Concept OPTION 1B –3D Visuals Specified Play Equipment Company is very pleased to present this proposal for consideration for the Beauchamps Park located in Saratoga. BCI Burke Company, LLC has been providing recreational playground equipment for over 90 years and has developed the right mix of world-class capabilities to meet the initial and continuing needs of City of Saratoga. We believe our proposal will meet or exceed your project's requirements and will deliver the greatest value to you. The following is a summary of some of the key elements of our proposal: • Project Name: Beauchamps Park • Project Number: 137-145853-3 • User Capacity: 111 • Age Groups: Ages 2-5 years, 5-12 years • Dimensions: 59' 11" x 58' 4" • Designer Name: Pa Der Vang Specified Play Equipment Company has developed a custom playground configuration based on the requirements as they have been presented for the Beauchamps Park playground project. Our custom design will provide a safe and affordable playground environment that is aesthetically pleasing, full of fun for all users and uniquely satisfies your specific requirements. In addition, proposal # 137-145853-3 has been designed with a focus on safety, and is fully compliant with ASTM F1487 and CPSC playground safety standards. We invite you to review this proposal for the Beauchamps Park playground project and to contact us with any questions that you may have. Thank you in advance for giving us the opportunity to make this project a success. COBRA SLIDE® CORKSCREWExcitement can’t be contained when it comes to COBRA SLIDES! They are twisting, turning, in and out of light and SO MUCH FUN! Fun aside, sliding has a variety of developmental benefits ranging from core strength and balance to taking turns and imagination. Nucleus® Evolution® Arch ClimberClimbing up ropes to view the world from a different angle. Inspiring new panoramas, creating new vistas. You’re protected but it looks open and new. A perspective like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Serenity SpotLearn. Socialize. Sit. Relax. Play. Engage. All this and more are the purpose behind the creation of the Serenity Spot. Within a playspace sometimes a child, caregiver or parent needs a comfortable place to step away and still be part of the playspace. EVOLUTION SQUARE ROOFBurke’s roofs offer protection from the damaging effects of the sun while still allowing children to have fun. Evolution Arched Catwalk BridgeIntricate climbers. Fast slides. The Next Evolution in Play is here. The Nucleus Evolution collection will move children to experience adventure, develop narratives and create experiences like no one has seen on the playground before. Freedom Swing SeatThe Freedom inclusive Swing Seat allows children of all abilities to enjoy the childhood joy of swinging in a safe and secure seat. Public Works Department 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK ON BEAUCHAMPS PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Dear Beauchamps Park Neighbors, The City of Saratoga is in the process of replacing the play equipment at Beauchamps Park, incorporating upgrades consistent with the City Council’s Inclusive Playground Policy, where feasible. The park was originally created in 1988, and the play equipment was installed in 1992. It is now time to replace the equipment due to increasing standards and accessibility requirements. The City requested three park designers create designs for the playground replacement, and the Parks and Recreation Commission has selected the design from Specialized Play Equipment Company to present to the community for feedback. The Youth Commission also organized fundraising efforts to support this project by purchasing an inclusive piece of equipment. Please visit www.saratoga.ca.us/beauchamps to review the proposed design and additional details about the equipment, then send your comments to Kristin Borel by emailing kborel@saratoga.ca.us before February 28, 2022. All comments and input will be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Commission to consider as they review and finalize the design at their meeting on Tuesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/PRC to find the meeting agenda and participation information. Depending on the community’s input and any necessary changes, we anticipate installation of the new play equipment to occur in late summer. We look forward to hearing from you! For more information, please contact: Kristin Borel, Administrative Analyst kborel@saratoga.ca.us, 408.868.1296 Public Comments Received for the Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement Project 2-4-2022 Are there any plans to add pickleball courts? Thanks, Kelly Kaneko [Staff replied that there are no plans for pickleball at this location] 2-4-2022 Hi, I am a resident living in Saratoga with 2 young children. Thank you for updating the playground and we visited Beauchamps a lot during the Pandemic. They really loved the train structure and it’s great to see the playground updated. My children who are 2 and 4 would love option b. It would be great to also see a 3rd swing with a baby bucket seat. Other than this, I feel the proposed playground would be exciting for older children and younger toddlers alike. What I see my children loving about option b is the orbit wheel! They always love anything that spins at other playgrounds. The 2 different structures for older and younger children are wonderful with exciting climbing and slides of different heights. I’m excited for this playground and hope that a similar playground will be considered in the future for Wildwood Park. Sincerely, Susie Kim [Staff replied: Thanks for you input. We are using the existing footprint of the play area and don’t have money to expand it to add another swing, but depending on comments, the type of seating we have on that swing may change. There is not enough room for an additional swing set without removing something else. Swing sets and things that spin require extra space for a safety buffer zone. We appreciate your taking the time to comment and I will be forwarding them to the Commission for consideration.] 2-4-2022 I am glad that the Beauchamps Park will have a new playground. After reviewing the design concepts, I favor Playground Option 1. I do wish that there would be more than 2 swings, given the use. I suggest a total of 4 swings. Second, please include benches at periphery of the playground so families can sit. Third, formal shade structures (ie large shade sails) will be appreciated by all. With climate change and the harm from prolonged sun/heat exposure, we should invest in shade structures over the playground. Sincerely, Peter Cham Saratoga Woods resident [Staff replied with the same comment about the limitation of the existing footprint.] 2-4-2022 Hi Kristen, in looking over the posted design for Beauchamps Park it does not show any seating for parents. This seems like a must have item. Can you either specify how much seating there will be or forward our input? Also, we would like to see more than one swing set. The new design looks very colorful and the slide element looks neat. Thanks, Bill and Tina Mack Beauchamps residents [Staff replied with the same comment about the limitation of the existing footprint.] 2-5-2022 Hello Kristin: I am an original homeowner on Beauchamps Lane, Saratoga. I received your letter today regarding Beauchamps Park upgrades. I oppose any upgrades that will draw additional people from all over the county to our neighborhood. Since the last couple of years, we have experienced hordes of people from all over the area, most of whom do not live in Saratoga. My street has become the destination and vacation location from people everywhere. I have never seen anything like it. They create parking problems, noise, trash and general upheaval. They have spoiled the privacy and quiet neighborhood my neighbors and I have enjoyed. The City of Saratoga recently posted no parking signs outside of Beauchamps at the corner of Prospect in order to help us safely turn out of our street since our view was obstructed by on coming cars. Unfortunately, the signs are entirely ignored and unenforced and are partially obstructed by trees. I have requested no parking or permit signs at least in the first block of Beauchamps after turning into the street as the parking has become a nuisance and safety issue but no one in the City seems interested. Please consider the impact on the residents on Beauchamps when making any upgrades that will simply cause things to get even worse for those that live here and pay property taxes. Seven Springs has protected its residents and maintained their privacy. I respectfully request you consider doing the same for us. Thank you, Mike Nichols 12022 Beauchamps Lane Saratoga, CA 95070 [Staff directed this resident to the Traffic Safety Commission] 2-7-2022 Hello Ms Borel, Thanks for the chance to provide feedback on the proposed playground design. I live across the street from the park, and my kids loved visiting it in their younger days. The new playground design looks wonderful. I have only one comment: my kids loved the existing train as a place to sit quietly for a bit. The "Serenity Spot" in the new design addresses that need, but I fear that it's small for more than one or two people, or to share between groups of kids who don't know each other. Maybe more "sitting quietly" space could be achieved with additional covered seating around the perimeter. I'm looking forward to seeing the new equipment, Jill Huchital 12278 Beauchamps Lane 2-11-2022 Hi Kristin, We live on Bowhill Court and love the plans for the park! A few comments below: • We love every aspect of the design except we would like to recommend an open, uncovered cork screw slide, instead of the covered slide. This will be safer from a germ perspective and also better for little kids who may want to slide down on a lap. • We would like to have additional signage around the park for speeding drivers to slow down. Folks from out of the area speed down our cul de sac and make a u-turn in front of our home and they are driving too fast to get to the tennis court or playground. • The new park will attract additional outsiders into our community amid the huge increase of burglaries in Beauchamps (neighbors on both sides of us have been robbed). Can we get multiple cameras in the park facing toward the street parking so we can identify outside cars following a burglary? We have had 2 burglaries in Beauchamps in the last 3 weeks. We would like especially like a camera pointing toward cars driving down Bowhill Court. We are all in favor of the park with the open slide and look forward to a quick installation in late Summer. We do hope you consider our signage and camera requests as well, but we don’t want that to delay construction of the park equipment. Thanks so much for soliciting community input! Mari Mineta Clapp 408 398 6433 20960 Bowhill Court [Staff directed this resident to the Traffic Safety Commission for speeding and signage request] 2-25-2022 Hi there, thanks for sharing the proposal! I live a walking distance from the park with 2 toddler girls so it's nice to be part of the proposal effort. Please see my feedback: -Can there be a larger shade sail added? There are these individual leaf shaped shade fixtures but they don't add much value. If the pillars are already there, can there be one larger shade fixture that's connected at the 3 points to have useable shade? -I like option 1B, only because it looks like a small sacrifice on the smaller play area to gain the spinner. It was a no-brainer for my girls to have that. -My kids (and confirmed with other parents) love ropes in the playgrounds. Climbing ropes, tunnel ropes, mesh ropes, whatever. Anything with mesh rope is a really good idea. All there is in the current playground is hard plastic. Please consider integrating a rope structure somewhere. -Most 'developmental' features I've noticed go untouched by any and all kids. The "Fun Phone" for example is not useful. The tic-tac-toe thing that's in the current playground now is also useless. There was one that had a heavy duty lock set, like this melissa and doug latch board but for all weather playgrounds. Kids loved that. Way more interactive. -Similarly, the Biba thing is totally unnecessary. Why are we encouraging kids to bring phones to the playground? It's at best a distraction and at worst sending the wrong message to our kids that normalizes walking around with phones is ok. I'm strongly unsupportive. Happy to provide any further feedback if anything changes, thanks so much! Sed Turan A True Neighborhood Park October 1993 Ravenwood Park is dedicated to the current and future generations that will enjoy this pocket of tranquility made possible by an outpouring of community support, volunteerism and dedication. Hope all who enter here feel welcome and enjoy the beauty that so many worked for and may Ravenwood Park exist as long as the last tree stands. Special heartfelt thanks are offered to the following friends and neighbors who showed their generous support for Ravenwood Park through their labor, expertise, material, and/or monetary donations, without whom Ravenwood Park would not exist. (In the bottom part with all the names of the donors and participants it says “Saratoga Parks & Rec. Commission of 1993”) CITY OF SARATOGA Memorandum To: Mayor Zhao & Members of the Saratoga City Council From: Kristin Borel, Public Works Analyst Date: March 30, 2021 Subject: Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan and Draft Mission Statement The Parks and Recreation Commission meets every other month and last met on March 9, 2021. Below is a current list of projects with some on hold due to Covid 19. Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Objectives For 2021 • To build stronger community relations and gathering all Saratoga residents by hosting events at City parks. • To build stronger community relations by engaging community members in hosted events, dialogues, and activities by the city. • To continue promoting a healthy lifestyle by informing residents about park and trail locations and amenities. Proposed Ongoing Activities Project Name Objective Tasks Movie Night To build stronger community relations between the City of Saratoga and the community and gathering residents by hosting events at City parks. Continue to support City staff with outdoor movie night series in the summer of 2021 Age Friendly Communities To provide inclusive, age- friendly opportunities for social interaction and equitable access to parks. Continue to organize walking groups; Create virtual parks for less mobile residents; And organize afternoon movies at Civic Theater. ON HOLD Continue to work with volunteer to produce drone videos of all the City parks. Let’s Work! Volunteer Program To continue promoting a healthy lifestyle and engaging community members about new parks and trails in Saratoga. Continue to coordinate the volunteer program at Quarry Park and to help the City advance its effort to extend the existing trails. Historic Plaque Program for City Parks Create plaques for City parks that describes the history of the park location or name. Work with Historical Preservation Commission to research park locations and local history. Ongoing Park Survey Gather feedback to help make better decisions about park amenities and improvements. Create survey and link survey to website and add link on park signage. Work with staff on channels for survey promotion via Facebook and at City events. ON HOLD Below are line items the PRC would like to continue to work on. • Community Outreach – Assist and contribute to city events including Blossom Festival, Arbor Day, State of the City, etc. prepare informational pamphlets. These pamphlets will be distributed to residents and members of the public to increase awareness of parks, trails, and recreational activities. Continue to provide feedback to Council. Notable Accomplishments in 2020 • Analyzed information from community members during the discussion of park improvements and revitalization, especially Wildwood Park. • Let’s Work Program had another successful year in helping clean and maintain Quarry Park. It has drawn over 70 volunteers of all ages participating in these events. • Commissioners starting to work with the Historic Preservation Commission to research information for plaques in City parks. • Worked with Staff to edit and update a City Park Map which was finalized in January 2021. Current Commission Membership: Name Term Ending Eligible for Reappointment Anna Huang 9/30/2022 Yes Ping Li 9/30/2021 No Renee Paquier - Chair 9/30/2023 No Rick Pearce – Vice Chair 9/30/2021 No Michelle Wang 9/30/2024 Yes Commission Duties/Purpose Resolution No. 432 – Powers & Duties: The powers of the Parks and Recreation Commission are advisory only and it shall render all reports and recommendations directly to the City Council, unless otherwise directed by the Council. The Commission does not constitute a planning agency with the terms and meaning of Government Code Section 65100 of the State of California. The Commissions' powers and duties, in such advisory capacity to the City Council, shall include the following: (a) to recommend a parks and recreation program, and the programming and implementation thereof, to the Council; (b) advise the Council specifically on design, use, development, financing, care and maintenance of parks and playgrounds; landscaping along thoroughfares and other City streets; walkways, pathways, equestrian paths, streambeds, protection and promulgation of trees, and such other matters as may be requested by the Council. Primary Goal How to get Community involved How to accomplish the goal Who do we partner with Get them outside Through education Make a plan with details Community Groups Get them moving Activities Who organizes Other Commissions Get fit Events Who supervises Non-profits Attend an event Projects Costs Businesses Learn something Social Media Website Religious Organizations Create something Publications Social Media Boys and Girl Scouts Experience something QR codes in Parks Library Reach a specific demographic Publications Fire and Sheriff Department Give out info at events Orchardkeepers Schools and Students Examples Previous examples Event opportunities Scavenger hunts "Let's Work"Arbor Day Docent walks "Let's Walk"Tree Lighting Clean up events Celebrate Nature Movie Night Organized hikes Healthy City initiative Blossom Festival Easter egg hunts Drone videos of Parks 4th of July Historical tours Planting Events State of the City Photo sharing on social media Movies for seniors Senior Center Health Fair Book/movie topic promotion Displays at the Library Youth Commission Events 09/01/21 PRC Community Engagement and Project Discussion All project and activities must be approved by the City Council before implementation