HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-22-1991 Park and Recreation Commission Minutes 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE · SARATO(}A, (:AI.IF()[{NI/x 95()7()
(408) 867-34~UTES COUNCIL MEMBERS:
SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION KarenAn,3erson
Martha Ctevenge:'
Wtt,'em Koh~e.,'
TIME: MONDAY, July 22, 1991 - 7:30 P.M. V, storM:n,a
Franos Stu~zman
PLACE: SARATOGA COMMUNITY CENTER
19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Chairman Ward called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL - Present: Crotty, Franklin, Gilman, Miller, Pierce
Swan, Ward
Staff: Trinidad
B. MINUTES - Approval of Minutes - 7/1/91. Minutes were
approved with following changes:
P. 2 - Commissioner Pierce's comment that the creeks
belong to everyone should be changed to "the
creeks should belong to everyone."
P. 3 - V. Change Kevin Moran Park to Gardiner Park.
C. POSTING OF THE AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting
was properly posted on July 17, 1991.
OLD BUSINESS
This meeting was dedicated to the presentation and approval of the
final draft proposal of the Beauchamps Park plans. The presentation
was made by the firm of Wallace, Roberts & Todd by their
representatives Steve Wheeler and Kathryn Ramsden. There were ten
residents in attendance.
Secretary Trinidad gave a brief background on previous meetings for
the benefit of the residents. He stated that while it appeared that
the neighborhood would like to have two tennis courts and paved off-
street parking, it is staff~s recommendation that only a single
tennis court be built with no off-street parking, because of the
cost, limited space, and because the Master Plan states that one of
the distinctive features of a neighborhood park versus a community
park is one that has no off-street parking.
Printed on recycled paper.
Parks & Recreation Meeting of July 22, 1991 Page 2
It was further pointed out that the current capital improvement
fund provides $120,000 for Beauchamps Park improvements while the
plan being proposed tonight, which includes one tennis court, is
estimated to cost $235,000.
Steve Wheeler then made a complete presentation of all the various
features being proposed. Of major interest is a heavily planted
buffer area separating the park from the properties to the West,
a small group picnic area, an area with climbing play structures
for young children, a paved half-court which can be used for
skating, remote control cars, ball bouncing, etc., a tennis court,
a large turf area and a sloped area planted with ground cover which
runs along the exterior perimeter. The park will also have a
bicycle rack, benches, water fountain and three 10' high security
lights.
Commissioner Franklin questioned whether the low ground cover
would encourage bike riding on the sloped bank and onto the street.
Steve Wheeler stated that their concern was that taller plantings
along the slope could interefere with the site distance along
Beauchamps and would not necessarily stop any traversing. It was
felt that bike riding would not be a problem, but if it was, it
could be remedied upon identification.
Commissioner Crotty expressed her pleasure on the type of play
equipment at E1 Quito Park and is hoping that this type will be
considered for Beauchamps. She also stated that a solid, well-
draining surface should be provided under the drinking fountain.
Residents, who were not identified individually, felt as
follows:
They were generally very pleased with the design of the park
and wished to be assured it was a small picnic area planned
for multiple family use as opposed to large group use, that the
site distance along Beauchamps, parking restrictions along
Beauchamps, and vehicular speed should be addressed.
Secretary Trinidad responded that the Plan would be taken before
the City Engineer to evaluate all traffic concerns.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of 7/22/91 Page 3
It was the consensus of the residents in attendance that an
additional tennis court should be a higher priority than the
paved half-court. It was stated that while the lots in Beauchamps
are large enough to provide their own paved basketball area, they
are not large enough for tennis courts. Secretary Trinidad pointed
out that tennis courts have a rather narrow users group and that
the paved half-court would provide a recreation area for young
children, teenagers and adults alike.
The neighborhood's priorities were decided to be as follows:
Landscaping and coverage of the unsightly, unimproved land,
play equipment, picnic area, one tennis court, second tennis
court, and then paved half-court.
After general discussion between the Commissioners and the
audience, it was determined that since the estimate for the
proposed design far exceeds the current capital improvement
amount budgeted, that the proposed plan represents the best
opportunity for acceptance by the Parks & Recreation Commission,
the residents and the City Council. At this point, the public
hearing was closed and the Commissioners offered their input.
M. Swan - generally supported the proposed design; however,
felt that the children's play yard is lacking in that the
children need the opportunity to play together and that the play
equipment should help in filling that need and also develop their
creativity. She does not like the "pipeline" play structures and
further is concerned with the overall cost of Beauchamps.
D. Miller - stated the need for a sandbox. Also does not like the
"pipeline" equipment. She feels that if additional funding is not
possible, the tennis courts should be deferred until later.
M. Pierce - likes the Plan. Does not want to see anything deferred
and feels the Commission and neighbors should push to get it now.
F. Franklin - likes the current Plan and feels we should do it now.
Is sorry there is so much neighborhood contention about the
additional tennis court.
J. Crotty - likes the current Plan and feels it should be completed
now, but feels we should prioritize as discussed during public
hearing. She likes the "pipeline" equipment but is willing to
accept other equipment, also.
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting of 7/22/91 Page 4
A. Gilman - would like to see the whole park completed now. Likes
the equipment installed at Brookglen Park but is willing to accept
other equipment, also.
Chairman Ward - agreed with and supported the comments made by
other Commissioners and further stated that he, too, supports
completing the whole park as designed now.
It was moved that the Plan be approved with the single tennis
court. 6/1.
Opposing vote was cast by M. Swan who felt more input was needed
for children's play equipment.
It was then decided that prior to final determination of play
equipment, staff and the consultant should consider utilizing
equipment which would better meet the creativity criteria discussed
by Commissioners Swan and Miller.
VI. Adjournment 9:15.
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