HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-1995 City council Town Hall meetingM
AGENDA
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Saturday, July 8, 1995 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Community Center Multi- Purpose Room, 19655 Allendale Ave.
TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting /Town Hall Meeting
1. Roll Call
2. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting
was properly posted on July 7. The notice of adjournment from the
July 5 Council meeting was properly posted on July 6.
3. Need for Further Parks and Recreation Facilities in the City,
with Special Emphasis on Kevin Moran Park and Asule Park
4. Items from the Community
5. Other
6. Ajournment
I
6/26/95
Harry:
RE: NOTIFICATION FOR TOWN HALL MEETING 7/8/95
Since you will undoubtedly be asked who was notified for
this meeting, here is the information on mailed notice.
Community Gardeners
"Parks "label list
(includes Nelson Gardens people,
dog people, Joan's sports league
contacts, people interested in
parks, people who signed up for
notification at the 6/13/95 joint
meeting, and Parks Commissioners)
Community Group List
Sports Participants (Ron's list)
Betsy
15
92
85
80 (approximately)
FA
Jul 06,1995 021':49PH FROM ASAG PLAN TO 914087411132 F. 02
Keep
Moll Valley Dogs
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Several hundred doh 1�o+�esa.
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youth
Youehful Ex" players and
soccer onidsh and local•
homeowner) packed into the
fr oamtX doP will be able to
a visa that the )dill
Mount TamalPau Mto dat
Church TueadaY night
vaoscm Council hopes will end
tbetr came to the ooundL
a toW bsm between pet ownerm
After nearly tbree houre of der
and toveme patents over the use of
.bate, the council decided to ran**.-
a local path.
The tugaf•war over a strip of
vats an a� mumpu� lbeid`
nest to the dog4lm area and turn.
1
land at HaYfmt Part was largely
defused TuNday Bight when roe-
it into a fenced, regulatb"Iso am
cer held A decidon on whathar to'
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cer otiltials dropped their request
new field on a spot where
move_tW 4ogm to anoUm area war
delayed uatil An envhVDmen
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f or a
many generations of dogs have
marked their territory.
study can be conducted oet' both
the wri=ting and pMpmed f
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The council left opm the poem-
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bility, however, of forcing the peu
if future studies tndi'
Tike decWou MOMS e
elsewhere
t&te another area is better suited.
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PlAYen will get their wish for a
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for no, continue romping with
their furry friends an thetr trey
donal stomping grounds•
"I thought the council ddumd
a very $zp1odve actuation.» lobs
B�eiley. the former president of the
If l Valley S Cl ub, said after
mtagontgm here and a level of
patanoca
BUDGET: Gore
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dtaatl It was hard to Under-
stam4
Canine fanciers am that
thougb they are happy wttb the de`
cislon to fence in the mom field,
the age battle over the existing
dog-run area will probably cmtin-
"We don't want to go theougb
this again nett year. and, in a waft,
We're back wbere we started,° rid
Dianne Fannft*Fiores, a m�berr
o[ the Bayfront Park 0.. Spam
mor Steps In
M are Am
Aarem* to paw a budget. Repub`
Beam cows boil 40 Meats, Demo-
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ad k delivering the votes he ton.
tom, a" `7f be im%U's
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Responded Brune: Mere', no
Orange Bounty 0 billion at state
ow ed the b e a Coun no
A" In operty tax so tM state than U receives in Md.
"We are looking for a band rip,
MA a handout," said Assembly
wonua Harilyn Srewer. R.Ne�
Port invoking a line =Wit
beard in debates on welfare legb-
W members ware- Paw
blWY cdtkd of the lengthy deer e. During the part Year, however;
aion- making proem "While we soccer coacbm and parents of.
apprectte the city Countow co®- pkyers bavemade ounmWous conk-
meats they want to establish a plaint, about pets running loose on
permanent dog park, the next
COUGa m�waat m establleb
souiedft 1be battle k over a 49eat
field at scrub grans and Meer next
to esque land is a d) P
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dog
have been park, sedde�
for up to 25� they
A po guide book, the "WC
paniM»
front Park gave
top rating of font
OTHER STATE NEWS
NA n moo l enrlrormwlw provp
nearing in San FrwKiaao wm that
many *ft beadws porgy beabh roks to
the adjacent field, squatting in the
UM and
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Ca>lada
City has rate
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president.
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Job August 1
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COMRICYPI
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of SARATO G
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13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867 -3438
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
TO: Mayor City Council
FROM: Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Background material for July 8 Town Hall Meeting
DATE: July 5, 1995
Ann Marie Burner
Paul Jacobs
GNhan Moran
Karen 7ucker
Donald Wolfe
In preparation for this Saturday's Town Hall Meeting, I have
assembled the enclosed background information about the City's park
system, including both the Azule and Kevin Moran Park sites, along
with copies of correspondences which have been received over the
years concerning the two parks. I have not copied all of the
correspondences we have received, but only those which I believe
are relevant to the issues you will be discussing on Saturday
morning. My intention is to provide you with enough information so
that you have a sufficient historic perspective from which to
facilitate a meaningful discussion with the community while not
getting caught up in too many details at this time.
General Park Information:
The current Parks Trails Master Plan for the City was completed
in November, 1991 by the consulting firm of Wallace, Roberts
Todd. Work on the Plan began in the summer of 1990 and the
planning period is through the year 2000. The Plan updates earlier
plans prepared in 1979 and 1985.
The Master Plan documents 91.8 acres of parkland in the City for
which the City is responsible, 47.7 acres of which have been
developed. Of the remaining 44.1 acres of undeveloped parkland,
14 acres constitute the Heritage Orchard, 9.5 acres are at Hakone
Gardens, and 10 acres is an open space preserve within the San
Marcos Heights subdivision. The remaining undeveloped parkland is
the 4.3 acre Azule Park site, and 6 acres at Kevin Moran Park. An
additional 3.6 acres of parklike facilities (linear park and tot
lot) are slated to be developed as part of the Greenbriar
development at the former Paul Masson Champagne Cellars on Saratoga
Avenue.
The Open Space Element of the City's General Plan adopted in
November of 1993 includes several Goals, Policies and
Implementation Measures specifically related to parks. Copies of
relevant sections are attached.
Printed on recycled paper
The City has not adopted a specific standard for the amount of
parkland which should exist within the! City per se, but both the
General Plan and the Parks Trails Master Plan speak to this issue
somewhat. For example in the Master Plan, reference is made to the
County of Santa Clara's standard for parkland which suggests that
Saratoga possesses only 40% of the amount of parkland which it
should for its population. The Open Space Element of the General
Plan notes that development in the past, has been permitted on
small lots without parkland or open space dedications. It is
important that active and passive recreation open space be provided
on a neighborhood basis in reasonable proportion to the population
of the area." The Master Plan also notes that "The large
triangular Saratoga Sunnyvale- Cox Saratoga residential area is
deficient in park acreage and recreational facilities." The City
also sets its Park In -Lieu (Quimby Act:) Fee for new lots using .a
formula which attempts to achieve a rattio of 5 acres of parkland
per 1000 residents. For Saratoga, this; amounts to an overall goal
of approximately 150 acres.
The Parks and Trails Master Plan groups parks into three
categories; neighborhood, community and specialty. As defined in
the Plan, neighborhood parks will typically be between 1 and 5
acres including local serving active and passive recreational
improvements. Community parks will typically be between 5 and 20
acres including active and passive recreational improvements which
serve residents throughout Saratoga. Specialty parks provide
unique and distinctive recreational amenities.
A survey was conducted in early 1990 in an attempt to identify the
community's current and future parks -and open space needs. The
results of the survey appear in the Master Plan and a copy is
attached to this memo. For comparative purposes, I have attached
the results of an earlier community su:rvey conducted in 1987.
Azule Park:
The Azule Park site consists of two parcels totalling approximately
4.3 acres which were both acquired by the City in the early 1970's
for roughly $108,000. The park site is located on Goleta Ave.
between the Blue Hills Elementary School and the Route 85 freeway
corridor. There have been several attempts over the years to
develop the park site, but for one reason or another these have
never materialized. Today the park remains undeveloped. The Parks
Trails Master Plan lists Azule Park as a neighborhood park and
contains recommendations for specific improvements (see attached).
The most recent discussions concerning the park have focused on
arranging some sort of joint venture with the Cupertino School
District to develop both the park site and the roughly 8
undeveloped acres of the school site into a combined facility of
over 12 acres.
Kevin Moran Park:
Kevin Moran Park is located at 12415 Scully Ave. and it too backs
up to the Route 85 freeway corridor. A pedestrian overcrossing
structure (the Blue Bills POC) connects Kevin Moran Park to the
Azule Park site on the opposite side of the freeway. The usable
area of Kevin Moran Park is a little over 9 acres, of which 4 acres
have been developed. Like the Azule Park site, Kevin Moran Park
was acquired in the early 1970's for approximately $232,500.
Initially, Kevin Moran Park was intended to be developed as .a
neighborhood park and this seems to have remained the case through
the 1979 Park Master Plan. In the 1985 Master Plan update however,
the passive vision for the park changed when the Parks Recreation
Commission recommended a more active oriented development of the
park. It is not clear whether the City Council ever formally
concurred with this recommendation. In the current Master Plan,
Kevin Moran Park is listed as a community park and recommendations
for its development are identified (see attached) Since 1989, the
neighborhood in the immediate vicinity of Kevin Moran Park has
routinely voiced opposition to any further aggressive development
of the park. From their comments, it is clear that this
neighborhood believes Kevin Moran Park should be developed as a
passive, neighborhood oriented park.
we, f
'09 J I J d
Larry I. Per in
Attachments: 1. Maps.
2. Excerpts from Parks Trails Master Plan.
3. Excerpts from Open Space
4. 1987 Community Survey.
5. Implementation policies for Open Space Element.
6. Minutes from joint meetings with Parks Rec.
Commission on 12/13/94 and 6/13/95.
7. Information specific to Azule Park.
8. Information specific to Kevin Moran Park.
9. Correspondences re: Azule Park.
10. Correspondences re: Kevin Moran Park.
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"Gardens_;
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Hakone
Japanese Gardens
Figure 2
CITY PARKS
CITY
OF
SARATOGA
PARKS AND TRAILS
MASTER
PLAN
WALLACE ROBERTS TODD
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22 Planning Context
Park Standards:
The Saratoga General Plan identifies parkland standards as set by the County, which
indicate the City of Saratoga is deficient in provision of parks (about 40% of what it
should be). The Open Space Element states no specific standards for the city, and
emphasizes that much existing private open space actually provides "both visual and usable
open space," and further, that the schools "provide valuable active recreational areas" for
Saratoga residents. The Element identifies the northern part of the City as particularly
deficient in parkland and open space, due to planning policies in effect when the area was
developed twenty years ago. Private open space includes residential, agricultural and
institutional uses. Residential open space is described as all residential properties one
acre or larger. The Element states that providing the same ratio of open space for areas
with large lots is "less realistic since those residents are "providing their open
space." Much of the agriculture zoned land is currently designated as Agriculture Preserve
under the Williamson Act. Institutional uses include church properties, the 54 acre Notre
Dame Novitiate, and the 80 -acre Odd Fellows property. City parks and park sites comprised
78.5 acres in 1981, including eleven developed parks, covering about 1% of Saratoga's total
area. The Element recognizes that few of the existing parks are provided with sufficient
play equipment. The large triangular Saratoga Sunnyvale- Cox Saratoga residential area is
deficient in park acreage, and recreational facilities.
Conservation Element
Th nervation Element identifies a broad range of physical resources including
geologi ter, air, vegetation, wildlife and cultural resources. Several of these
resources re a level of protection from development. Some of the reso not
suitable for dev meat, may be suitable for other uses, including pass ecreation.
The major land res es to conserve in Saratoga are undeveloped ricultural lands.
About 15% of the City ��Itural potentially developable land, 1,167 in
vacant.
The agricultural holdings i ity include more than 268 of land, of which 223
acres have been designated ag preserves under tlliamson Act.
The San Andreas Fault crosses the Ci Sphere of uence. Many of the associated
hazards soil erosion, landslides, subsi ce 19OFgroundshaking make the area less
suitable for development than open space
Several Saratoga creeks experience pe is flood including Calabazas, Rodeo, Saratoga,
Wildcat and San Tomas. Saratoga zens have resist efforts at Flood Control that would
destroy the "aesthetic values" o e watercourses. Are ss suitable for development
due to flood hazards should considered for open space
Vegetation resources ude the 178 acre Montalvo Arboretu\cmarefflding mprehensive
collection of nativ ants. Several stands of "heritage" oaks banized areas
of the City req special efforts for preservation, including placement,
and develop t setbacks.
The Co rvation Element lists several rare species of wildlife which inhabitN Santa
Cru ountain, although no particular areas for protection are identified. The ly
W+' ife preserve in the Saratoga area is the Montalvo Arboretum, which is the of a1
udobon Society sanctuary for birds.
22 -4
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2.7 Community Concerns
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
1990 COMMUNITY SURVEY
During February and March of 1990 the firm, Moore Iacofano Goltsman, conducted a door to
door survey of Saratoga residents. The purpose of the survey was to identify Saratoga
residents current and future open space needs so that open space policies, programs and
services can more closely reflect community values and concerns; assess residents
willingness to pay for open space and parkland acquisition and preservation; and determine
residents receptivity to alternative open space funding strategies. The survey
distribution plan was designed to reach a representative cross- section of the Saratoga
community. Randomly selected addresses in each neighborhood were targeted for potential
participation. The survey team then administered the survey in face -to -face interviews
using a survey sample of 435 residents. The results are summarized below.
When asked to identify, in general, their favorite recreation or leisure activities survey
respondents most frequently mentioned walking and hiking. Biking, swimming, tennis, golf
and running are additional popular activities.
Seventeen percent (17%) of survey respondents indicated that they use parks or open space
in Saratoga two or more times a week and thirteen percent (13%) indicated once a week.
Fourteen percent (14%) indicated that they use these area a couple times a month, 12% once
a month, 18% several times a year and 26% seldom or never.
There were no questions directed at the use of speck parks.
In order to determine the unmet needs and desired facilities of survey respondents, a
series of questions were directed at the level of support for the provision or improvement
of specific facilities of activities. The facilities or activities supported by over 80%
of the survey sample are as follows:
94%
walking and hiking trails
93%
activities for teens, and children
91%
activities for seniors
90%
activities for the disabled
89%
playgrounds
87%
running and jogging
87%
bicycle trails and paths
87%
family picnic area
86%
arts and cultural programs
81%
active sports field
In an open ended question, survey respondents most often mentioned the following recreation
improvements as much needed in Saratoga
facilities for specific activities, activities for children and bike lanes.
2.7 -1
2.7 Community Concerns
When asked in an open -ended question about what other- policies or programs the City should
consider, the most often mentioned items pertained to the acquisition and preservation of
open area in general and the acquisition and preservation of specific open space areas.
The need for more parks and recreation areas was also mentioned, as was a need to improve
park maintenance.
Regarding potential planning policies for future park and open space areas, questions were
directed to test the desirability of specific policies that could be adopted to improve
open space, parks and recreation service in Saratoga.
Responses to the potential acquisition policies are as follows
Acquisition of parcels for low usage open space
54% very desirable
35% somewhat desirable
Acquisition for the dedication of scenic preservation areas
62% very desirable
26% somewhat desirable
Acquisition for active use parks
34% very desirable
48% somewhat desirable
Acquisition for several small parks
38% very desirable
38% somewhat desirable
Acquisition for school park sites
38% very desirable
35% somewhat desirable
A large majority of respondents (88 indicated that they would support the acquisition
of open space in and around the City of Saratoga regardless of whether they would use
it frequently.
Responses to the potential policies related to the utilization of available aress are as
follows:
Development of joint -use recreation facilities on school sites:
55% very desirable
32 somewhat desirable
Use of existing watercourses for trails
45% very desirable
28% somewhat desirable
Development of railroad lands for trails:
35% very desirable
34% somewhat desirable
Development of .easements for trails:
28% very desirable
34% somewhat desirable
2.7 -2
Establishment of stricter controls on private property in order to preserve views and
the feeling of open space:
39% very desirable
26% somewhat desirable
When asked in an open -ended question about what other policies or programs the City
should consider, 7% of the survey respondents mentioned the need to enforce current
development or building standards. Five percent (5%) mentioned the need to limit
housing densities and another 5% felt the need to limit development.
2.7 -3
t'
2.7 Community Concerns
Concerning the annexation of county lands in the western hillsides survey respondents
considered this very desirable by 30% and somewhat desirable by 32%.
Over half of the survey sample indicated that each of the potential policies for the
improvement of open space, parks, and recreation service are desirable, signifying that the
community values open space and parks highly and strongly supports related improvements.
The survey also addressed the respondents' level of agreement or disagreement with several
strategies for obtaining additional funds for open space, parks and recreation improvements
and the respondents' willingness to pay certain amounts for acquisition and maintenance of
open space and parks. Each of the four proposed strategies for obtaining additional funds
is supported by at least two- thirds of the sample, either strongly or somewhat. A resident
tax is supported, though not as strongly as the other strategies.
The results are as follows:
Sponsorship of parks by local corporations and organiration —r
T
59% strongly agree
25% somewhat agree
Allocation' of general fund monies to parks and recreation programs:
37% strongly agree
36% somewhat agree
Resident Tax:
22% strongly agree
44% somewhat agree
User fees:
35% strongly agree
30% somewhat agree
Over half of survey respondents indicated that they would be willing to pay $65 per year
through a special assessment to fund acquisition and maintenance of open space, parks and
recreation facilities. Over a third of the sample indicated that they would be very
willing to pay $65. Though the majority of respondents are also willing to pay $100, 32%
are only somewhat willing to pay this amount. The majority (55%) of respondents are not
willing to pay $150 per year.
Concerning development standards, survey respondents felt the following to be of
importance:
Establishment of stricter controls on private property in order to preserve views and
the feeling of open space:
39% very desirable
26% somewhat desirable
When asked in an open -ended question about what other policies or programs the City
should consider, 7% of the survey respondents mentioned the need to enforce current
development or building standards. Five percent (5%) mentioned the need to limit
housing densities and another 5% felt the need to limit development.
2.7 -3
2.7 Community Concerns
Azule Park and Kevin Moms Park
On November S, 1990 a third public workshop was held at which the discussion focused on the
future of-Azule and Kevin Moran Parks. These parks are located on opposite sides of the
transportation corridor in the northwest part of town. Kevin Moran faces east with the
transportation corridor forming the western boundary. Residences border on the north and
south. The park covers 14.3 acres of which 103 acres are developed at this time. The
remaining 3.0 acres consist of an orchard. Azule Park, on the southern edge of the
transportation corridor, is completely undeveloped. Blue Hills School borders on the west
and the remaining borders are private residences. A pedestrian bridge over the
transportation corridor is currently under construction to connect the two parks. Input
from the community members produced the following comments
Issues:
'children's play area is dangerous
vandalism
no skateboard ramp
lighting
no tennis, basketball or baseball
lighted bridge
flooding playground
improve maintenance
reclaim water
resolve dog issue
no barbecue
safety for children
repair lights and benches
maintain orchards
parking special events
support neighborhood events
restroom unlocked
restroom locked
immediate landscaping
remove soccer
limit parking at Azule
Goals:
*improve park aesthetic now
*new name "Ed Gomersall"
*neighborhood park
serenity
neighborhood events
integrate parks with school
quiet parks
maintain trees
develop parks as a pair
2.7 -7
2.7 Community Concerns
Program:
sand volleyball
barbecue
tennis
sensory garden along path
improve bike racks
young children's playground at Kevin Moran
par course
older children's playground
improved existing playground
games for seniors
maintain walking path
extend path to Azule
fountains to mask noise
In summary, the residents feel most strongly about improved maintenance and improved
safety. If development were to occur the desire for a passive -use neighborhood park
prevails.
Draft Goals and Objectives
On April 8, 1991 a public workshop was held at which a conceptual master plan was presented
to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the public for comment and review. The plan
indicated existing and possible locations for the city's trail alignments and also listed
tentative programs for the city's neighborhood, community and specialty parks.
The public response was in support of the plan. They expressed concerns regarding specific
issues for the parks programming. A representative from AYW, the local soccer league,
expressed the need for more fields and practice area in the City. He suggested the
establishment of joint use agreements with the various school districts in order to provide
the additional turf. The league is willing to provide equipment and maintain the fields in
the establishment of an agreement.
Questions of funding were raised in terms on the development of Nelson Gardens. The
tentative program suggests the establishment of a museum and series of demonstration
gardens which will all require substantial funding to initiate.
2.7 -8
ATTACHMIOT 3
Private and Community Facilities. These properties are currently designated for use
under the residential zoning category. Potential exists for more intensive development
of the property in the future. For example, a portion of the Saratoga Country Club
property is currently zoned Hillside Residential (HR). Under the current zoning, the
property could be developed with single family homes.
School Sites. The 1990 U.S. Census indicates that Saratoga is experiencing a continuing
aging of its population, with a reduction in the student population. This change in
population may lead to the closure of some existing schools. The City has the right
under the Naylor Act to purchase portions of this property at aelow market prices. The
City should be alert and prepared to acquire those sites when opportunities and funds
become available.
Large Lots and Private Yards. Much of Saratoga is developed in low density, single
family neighborhoods. Past city policies have relied on this land use to provide necessary
open space to the exclusion of acquiring public neighborhood parks. There is -still
demand and necessity for additional neighborhood parks and pockets of dedicated open
spaces.
Hillside Lands within the Qty or its Sphere. These hills, and further away, the
mountains, are valuable scenic open spaces which balance the growing urbanized areas.
The conservation of these unspoiled open spaces with their scenic views and undisturbed
wildlife habitat and native plants, as a permanent greenbelt around the City, is essential
for the preservation efforts of the City's rural character and well-being. Insensitive
developments endanger this last valuable natural resource. The preservation of
ecological balance is essential for a better quality of life in the future.
Open Space Linkages. The City's existing open spaces and parkland are currently spread
throughout the valley areas and the hillsides. However, the continuity of open spaces
and connections through trail systems are important in order to enhance the scenic value,
provide public access, maintain existing wildlife pathways and ensure the enjoyment of
the open space system. Especially important is the connection of public facilities and
parkland through a pedestrian trail system.
Parks. Although the City parks are located throughout the City, there are areas of the
City without sufficient quantities of local open space. Higher density neighborhoods are
particularly sensitive to the absence of open space. Development in the past, has been
permitted on small lots without park land or open space dedications. It is important that
active and passive recreation open space be provided on a neighborhood basis in
reasonable proportion to the population in the area
Trail System. There are a number of issues related to the City's equestrian and
pedestrian trail systems. Dedicated trail easements which are not identified or improved,
are not accessible to the public. Some trail easements are not interconnected within the
9
City area, and are not connected to the regional trail system Public facilities and
schools are not well connected by trails for pedestrian use.
The Open Space Goals of the City of Saratoga. are:
1. To provide and maintain open space resources of local and regional significance
acces i i ble to the public
2. To preserve the hillside and mountainous land in its natural condition and
inherent natural beauty.
3. To use open spaces to protect human Uh and property from natural hazards such
as fire, flood, seismic, and geotechnical hazards.
4. To achieve and maintain a harmonious relationship between the natural
em►ironment and man-made structures and land uses.
5. To protect and conserve natural resources including watersheds, water quality,
productive agricultural land, native vegetation and wildlife habitat, mineral land,
archeological and historic sites and areas of ecological significance.
6. To encourage preservation of land uses for open space and agriculture.
7. To preserve the natural and rural charm .-ter of Saratoga
8. To preserve and protect existing view sheds, view corridors and scenic open
spaces.
9. To create and maintain distinctive, attractive entrance ways reflecting the City's
rural character and scale.
10. To ensure that any new development is sensitive to the natural environment and
the community's open space resources.
11. To provide and maintain parks which are located, designed and improved to serve
the needs of .the residents, the community and the neighborhoods of Saratoga
11 To provide and maintain a trail system which links open spaces, schools, public
facilities, the Saratoga Village, and historic sites
10
13. To encourage the awareness, appreciation and use of the City's open space
resources in Saratoga's residents, particularly its youth.
14. To preserve and maintain casting open space resources.
15. To preserve open space and re creational resources provided on school sites and
surplus school sites through acquisition and /or land use controls.
16. To wreserve, protect and maintain riparian habitats and creek corridors.
The City of Saratoga recognizes the value of open space for 1) the preservation of
natural resources, including watershed lands, plant and animal Iife; 2) viewshed
preservation; 3) recreational use; 4) the managed production of resources such as
agricultural lands; and 5) the protection of public health and safety through open space
designations which restrict development in areas where environmental hazards exist. The
City will work to insure the preservation of valuable open space in perpetuity through
private initiative, land use regulations and acquisitions.
It is the policy of the City to:
1. Preserve, through a variety of methods, as much as possible of the open space areas
described in the Open Space Element for visual greenbelts, conservation and
management of environmental resources, public health and safety protection and for
recreational use.
2. Prepare an Open Space Manageme plan in conjunction with its Capital
Improvements Program. The Plan would identify open space needs as well as the
appropriate use and ongoing maintenance needs of open space areas.
3. Encourage and facilitate the participation of individuals, citizens, groups, civic
organizations, and those having special needs, such as the physically disabled, in the open
space planning process.
4. Improve and upgrade c&ting municipal open space, parks and trails to serve the
current and future recreational needs of the community. These shall be consistent with
preservation of open space.
11
Protection of water quality.
'C4mdmark slgnlfiCanCe.
to mmrmity► as a whole or to adjo' neighborhoods.
N and interest.
Maintenance 'an of private property,
An equitable and
programs throughout the or
Praaomity to other
'Recreation potent
Access to
funds potential.
of park lands, recreation facilities and
Potential maintenance and management costs and liability e=phue for the City.
Policies
40. Standards. The City shall maintain, and where possible improve, the existing
inventory of three (3) acres per 1000 population of local public park and recreation
facilities. The City should achieve (5) acres per 1000 population standard by the year
2001. The City incorporates by reference, the National Recreation and Park Association
Standards (see appendix). These standards are to be used as a guide to identifying
minimum goals to be achieved
41. Conservation Easements. Open space, conservation ors ements and
c� shall be utilized to preserve open space
Ian o protect critical areas
in subdivrsr ese areas shall include but to riparian areas, wildlife
habitats and areas
subdivisions.
42. Density T ranter. shall co, a creation of a density transfer system
whereby assigne opment rights in Preservati 'cts are transferred by sale to
property rn designated development districts. The of this system is to
dir
ve
lopment away from significant environmental resour toward
ropriate locations.
transient o=q)anry fazes to find open space acquisition and development. Final
approval of any increase for the purpose of open space acquisition and development shall
be subject to a majority vote of the citizens of Saratoga
u. Sale, Lease, or Use A ts. The City should provide that all funds derived from
the sale, lease, or use of C by -owned park or open space be exclusively used for park or
open space acquisition, capital' nts, or operation and maintenance costs so that
the balance of use .remains constant.
v. School rroperty. The City should utilize the provisions of the Naylor Act to increase
recreational opportunities The City should continue to explore the potential for
establishing agreements with the school districts for the joint use of school property for
public recreational uses
w. Voluntary Contcibotlons. The City should develop a program to encourage voluntary
dedications, grants of land, monetary oontn'butions or gifts in kind to the City for parks
and open space.
..r�
24
ATTAotmE.m 4 4
FROM M 7 Com S vZ Ey
o f
7A ,eK
REC
7
AJEEPS
5. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO SARATOGA CITY
PARKS?
111
Restrooms
E E
W
F C
K
G
T
L R
I
0 0
E
A
0
0
L
0 N
V
R
T
e 0
D
T G
40
D
A
U K
W
H R
M
I
L
I G
0
I S
0
N
Horseshoe pits
T L
0
L
R
E
10
0 E
D
L S
A
R
N
P
N
Parking
19
4
57
7
11
7
6
111
Restrooms
45
23
39
31
26
50
34
248
Playground equipment
22
24.
35
8
15
28
14
146
Exercise courses
20
7
30
12
22
39
18
148
Picnic facilities
23
15
23
15
20
26
18
140
Tennis /sport courts
29
13
23
19
28
33
16
161
Designated dog walking areas
50
34
53
40
47
72
44
340
Telephones
26
14
36
19
22
22
20
159
Horseshoe pits
it
8
5
5
11
10
8
58
Volleyball nets 21 14 20 15 25 29 15 139
Improve maintenance
at this park 11 4 6 5 6 7 2 41
Used this park
last year 128 57 251 95 224 134 69 958
Comments:
Used no park facilities last year 134
The most frequently mentioned teen program additions were dances
and parties, after school drop -in center, and music or concerts.
The most frequently checked improvement to city parks was
designated dog walking areas (340). It was either the first or second
most requested improvement at every park. Several respondents (2G)
specifically asked that dogs not be allowed in parks at all. Comments
relating to problems with dogs in parks were frequent. It is clear
that this issue evokes strong opinions on both sides. El Quito park,
Wildwood park and Kevin Moran part: had the most comments on this
subject, but all the parks were mentioned.
Restrooms at the city parks was the next most frequently
requested improvement (248), specifically at Kevin Moran and E1 Quito
parks. Tennis and sport courts (161), telephones (159), exercise
courses (148), playground equipment (146), and picnic facilities (140)
all received similar requests.
Besides designated dog walking areas, the top votes for each park
were E1 Quito restrooms, Brookglen playground equipment,
Wildwood parking, Foothill restrooms, Congress Springs
tennis /sports courts, Kevin Moran restrooms, and Gardiner
restrooms. Wildwood park was used most by the respondents and
Congress Springs was next.
Playground equipment was named as the most frequently used part:
facilities. Next was picnic facilities and then playing fields.
Respondents mentioned several times that there is a need for better
playground equipment, especially for small children.
Development of existing park land received the most votes (358)
as the area on which the city should place the most emphasis.
Maintaining the existing facilities with no growth received the next
highest number (243). The current method of fee payment received 56%
of the total vote.
There were many comments on a wide variety of topics. The most
common was one expressing satisfaction with the job being done by the
Community Center and city parks (80). Next was comments that
residents were unfamiliar with the parks ,and their locations (26).
Several people expressed a desire to protect open and quiet space and
create a green belt area (26). There was 23 remarks about the need
for better policing of parks due to parties, drinking, and drug
problems, especially at night. Requests to strictly enforce all
regulations regarding dogs in parks came -From 19 respondents. Hiking
and /or walking trails were requested by 11 respondents.
Dogs should not be allowed in parks /school grounds 20
Need more shaded areas in parks 8
Have 4- b-,
e restrooms unlocked more of the time 8
Need more tables and benches in parks 4
Need roller skating or bicycle paths 4
Need park rules and attendants 3
Restrooms need running water 2
Light Community Center parking lot and parks 2
Add restrooms, courts, and phones wherever possible 1
Add picnic facilities only if they can be maintained 1
Keep restrooms cleaner 1
Fix the exercise courses 1
Do not put tennis courts next to basketball courts 1
Poison oak around parks is dangerous for children 1
City has too many park facilities, close some 1
E1 Quito Park comments:
Poorly maintained muddy, broken glass,
Playground too close to street 2
Brookglen Park comments:
Poorly maintained 2
Needs playground for small children 2
Equipment dangerous for small children 1
Basketball courts are useless 1
Wildwood Park comments:
Park is deserted and spooky 4
Need sidewalk access from Big Basin Way 2
Playground rocks dangerous 2
Falling tree limbs dangerous 1
Pleasant park 1
Foothill Park comments:
Need signs for par course 1
Congress Springs Park comments:
Need playground for smaller children 4
Excellent park 3
Courts locked when we want to use them 1
Kevin Moran Park comments:
Needs better policing at night 2
Needs a drinking fountain 1
Build a par course 1
Build a sports court 1
Gardiner Park comments:
Needs a drinking fountain 2
Provide access via Harleigh 1
Build a par course 1
6. WHAT PARK FACILITIES DID YOU USE?
Playing fields 193
Picnic facilities 245
Playground 300
Sports courts 80
Other 49
Walking 62
Walking dog 6
dog excrement 3
ATTAesmemT 5
Policies for consideration
1. There is no present need to institute new revenue sources to
complete implementation of the Parks and Trails Master Plan.
2. No new park sites should be acquired (i.e. dedication /gift)
without a funding mechanism for development and maintenance.
3. No new park sites should be acquired with development funds.
4. Park development funds shall be used to develop parks.
5. Trails should be acquired and developed as part of development
approvals (i.e. paid for by the developer).
6. Development funds should be spent to design Kevin Moran and
Azule Parks at one time; development of individual parks (i.e.
previously designed) will occur as funds become available.
7. Staff is encouraged to negotiate with project applicants to
achieve the objectives of the Open Space Element as long as
the result is consistent with the overall objectives of the
General Plan.
8. Priority of park development should be per the adopted Parks
and Recreation Commission priorities and implementation plan.
Unique situations may arise from time to time that may
necessitate varying the Park and Recreation Commission's
priorities.
9. Park /Trails development shall occur only as funds become
available.
10. All aspects of the Open Space Element should be taken into
consideration to ensure timely implementation in addition to
park and trail development (e.g. land use decisions, design
review approvals, cooperative legislation with other agencies,
etc. to ensure open space preservation).
AT 4 r44e Hfr'vr
city council Minutes 2 December 13, 1994
6. Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation commission
Senior Day Care Center 19655 Allendale Avenue
The city council reconvened in the Adult Day Care Center at 7:30 PM.
Councilmembers Present: Burger, Jacobs, Tucker, Moran, Wolfe
Commissioners Present: Miller, Clark, Swan, Crotty, Dutra, Weiner
Commissioners Absent: Bernard
Staff Present: City Manager Peacock, Public Works Director Perlin,
Recreation Director Pisani
A. Kevin Moran /Asole Part Development Process
The commission stated it believes the two park sites should be looked
at together even though they are separated by the freeway. It believes
that the city should start fresh in making decisions about the nature
of the development of the two parks.
A preliminary process for proceeding was outlined by the city manager
for discussion purposes. The steps proposed were:
1. City Council to hold hearing to decide whether parks will be
neighborhood or community oriented. Need to consider the
community's needs and balance them with the desires of the
surrounding neighborhoods where they conflict. Need to perhaps
seek professional assistance to identify the park and recreation
facility needs of the community for now and for the future.
2. Retain the services of a park architect to work with the
community and the commission in coming up with a park design
based on needs and budget constraints.
3. Develop a concept plan and have the plan reviewed and revised
by the commission with the assistance of the community.
4. Present the proposed concept plan to the city council for
acceptance to develop the final plan.
5. Have the city council approve the final plan and authorize the
call for bids.
6. City Council awards contract.
7. Park improvements constructed.
The issue concerning the play equipment at Kevin Moran Park was raised
and the need to replace same before the long range improvement plan
takes place and construction is completed. The commission indicated
that they are aware of this problem and will try to take that into
consideration as the process unfolds.
Members of the community present indicated they wished to be
communicated with and be told the reasons for the decisions which will
be made regarding development so the people will understand not only.
City Council Minutes 3 December 13, 1994
what is being done but why as well. (A sign up sheet of persons wishing
to be notified of future meetings was passed around and collected by
the city manager at the and of the meeting).
D. Dogs in the Parks
The city council next took this item up out of order since there were
several people in the audience interested in the discussion. The
Public Works Director presented a report from his department on the
possible creation of a dog exercise area under the PG E power lines
adjacent to Congress Springs Park. He indicated that an area of
approximately 60 x 300 feet could be fenced in for a cost of
approximately $6,500 and maintained for an annual cost of approximately
$1,000. A number of dog owners expressed their desire to have such a
facility or in the alternative to allow a time for dogs to be off leash
under voice command in one of the parks. The city manager indicated
that before this latter suggestion is pursued the city attorney should
be asked to examine the possible liability exposure such a policy could
be creating for the city. Mrs. Metcalf, one of the dog owners
indicated she had a list of cities which allow such practice. The city
manager asked to be furnished with a :List of those cities so staff
could investigate those policies and the city attorney could consult
with legal counsel for those cities as to the liability consequences
of such a policy.
It was Moved by Tucker, Seconded by Moran to direct staff to examine
these alternatives further on receipt of the required information and
to report its findings to the commission for action in making a policy
recommendation to the city council and to the city council for
information.
C. Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in City Parks
The commission reported that in their view this is a clear law
enforcement problem specific to Wildwood Park. They are opposed to a
general prohibition of allowing alcoholic beverages to be consumed in
the city's parks.
Councilmember Jacobs suggests that drinking be prohibited during
weekdays except when the weekday is a legal holiday. Councilmember
Tucker suggests that such a change be modified to allow possession and
consumption by special permit as is now required for large groups.
Both agreed that such a measure should apply only to Wildwood Park.
It was Moved by Jacobs, Seconded by Tucker to direct the city attorney
to prepare a revision to the city code which would limit possession and
consumption of alcoholic beverages in Wildwood Park to weekends and
legal holidays without a permit, such permit to be limited to no more
than one permit per month for the same group of people and that the
standard permit fee be charged. The motion passed 5 -0.
B. Role of the Commission with Regard to the City Council and the
Public.
Discussion ensued regarding clarification of the city councils%
TM: Tuesday, June 13, 1995 --7:00 p.a4
PZACZ: City Ball. Administration Nesting.Roon, 13777 Fraitvale
Avg.
TT=3 Special !basting/Adjourned Regular Mesting/Jt. Meeting
-with Parks and Recreation Commission
WZ2K r asoa MGKYI!XATOR
W
Agem negotiator: Lori Pegg
SUP10yee organisations Saratoga U limployess soaia
sea "J
Wsoai/a
The mating was Oaed to Order by Mayor Burger 6:35 PK.
A. Call Mayor Burger and "M Jacobs and Moran
were present; councummSers Tucker olfe were absent.
Also present: -Barry -Peacock, city -gar
The city council adjourned from cl session at 7:00 PM and the
Mayor announced that. in closed ion the City Council''had
instructed its tam to ____e the proposed Memorandum
of Undarstand between the Ci and SER for the period from
September 1, 2994, through 31, 1996, and that the City
Council would formally ratify UM at its June 21, 1995, mating
subject to prior ratificati. the SZA. The Mayor than called
the adjourned regular Barry Peacock, city
199t, to order.
A. moll Call:...
council Present: yor Burger, Jacobs, Tucker, Moran
Staff Present: cock, Perlin, Pisani, Rizzo
Commissioners Crotty, Clark, Dutra, Wainer
S. Report of Clark on Posting of agenda
Pursuant to Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting
Was Properly tad on June 9. The notice of adjournment from the
June 7 Counc mating was properly posted on June S.
C. Joint with Parks and Recreation Commission
1. Master Plan. Disaussion Topion
A. Disaussion of Parks and Recreation Va"Itties needs
survey
on Director Pisani presented the February 1995 report and
which had been prepared by staff and forwarded to the City
in February and discussed at the March Policy Development
member of the Public, Al Rotten from the rareenbriar neighborhood,
cated that when one goes to spacial interest groups in surveys
get special interest answer.
S. Zovis Moran/Asule Park Development
Menbers of the Commission asked if Park Development Fund money
could be used to
ratain a consultant to work through the process
Of determining how the Park is to be developed, such as a Public
opinion consultant or group facilitator? There was no ready answer
..-t
.0 this question.....
A number of mebars of the public :addressed the City Council and
the Commission at this point. The major issues which were brought
.Mty 2
.�e 13, 1 99
1. The list of people to be contacted for meetings regarding
these parks is incomplete and therefore people who wished
to be not wars not. A shest of paper was passed
around the room for people to sign up if they wished to
be notified and At was returned to the City Manager.
;Z. When people bought into the Kevin Moran Park neighborhood
they didn't know that the park could be changed.
2ssuss .ralating to E1 Quito Park need to be discussed as
well.
a. The City was thanked for replacing the old play equipment
at Ravin Moran Park but plans should proceed to added
even more facilities of a neighborhood scale.
S. Kevin Moran Park should be a neighborhood park both now
and forever.
6. There are members of the community who want to work with
the City to develop a good park for the Kevin Moran area.
7. According to one neighborhood survey, 87= of the people
polled want no changes to Ravin Moran Park.
S. The City needs to focus an getting people involved; so
far the City Council has not done that.
S. There is a need to focus an the entire park systes, not
just Ravin Moran and Azula.
10. There is a rumor going around that Kevin Moran Park will
be sold to build houses. It was pointed out that this
was an option which had been mentioned if the City wets
to not continue developing the rest of Kevin Moran Park
but facility needs could be set by purchasing property
somewhere else in the City and developing it. However,
there was no intention of doing away with Kevin Moran
Park as it now exists.
Counc ilmembeT Horan commented that it was time to move forward to
deal with the future park facility needs of the City and suggested
that the City Council's next Town Hall meeting, set for July 8th
be devoted to this topic, that the neighbors be invited if they had
signed up an the list and that the focus be on Kevin Moran and
Mule Parks.
a Councilmember Tucker stressed there is a need to look at the entire
park system perhaps with a special focus on Ravin Moran and Azule.
The remaining members of the Council agreed to these ideas and
asked that in addition to written notices all the parks be posted
with signs inviting people to attend the Town Hall meeting on May
C. Parks and Trails Master plan
"t�oesiiss o Crotty indicated that to a revision of the
f r" plan is the the of Kevin Moran and Azule
Parks. Until those de s, revision of the plan would
be an incomplete effort.
Public Works Dirscto in sugges the group may wish to
caste back to is after all the other are discussed.:
Then maybe ty Council could give better wation to the
�i arding revisions to the current plan. Perlin
that there ware same organizational changes to n
Id like to see which would make the document easier
.and and use but these would not impact the substantive..`
which remain to be decided.
City CounaLl Minutes 3 Jnae 13. 1995
Councilmember Wolfe arrived at the meeting, the time being 8:25 PM.
City Council agreed that the Commission ghoul dantify
Bps c areas in the plan for updating and to repo ck to the
City cil at another joint meeting in November to the areas
identifi for change and what those proposed as might be, if
possible a t time.
D. aussioa of open span emaat and Master plea
Imp tation Comsat Report
It was noted that at last meeting the recommendations
contained in the report reviewed by the City Council but
not adopted. It was a at when the City Council and the
Commission next meat the ammission is to be prepared to
recommend which of ca of the Committee should be
folded into the P a Pla
nd Trails Ma n.
E. V&oatinq a Plaos for a ty Garden within
ffistiag Part properties.
The sta,0 requested to invite the Friends of th lson Gardens
a of the casssunity who are on the list !or an plots
ark to the Town Sall meeting as those have
rspectivss an park facilities needs which sho be
beard.
Jr. loomtiaq a Dog nag area within smisting park
properties or otherwise Dealing with the Issue of
Dogs is the parks
The Commission asked if the issue of liability had been examined
regarding allowing dogs to run loose in the parks? The City
Manager responded that he would inquire through the City's risk
manager as to the potential liability exposure this could create
and whether such a course of action was recommended and if so under
what conditions. Parks and Building Superintendent Rizzo reported
that he had looked into fencing an area under the PG i E power
lines to create a sale dog exercise area, that PG i E seemed to be
willing to cooperate and that it would cost about $6,500 to lance
an area about 1/2 the size of a football field.
Several dog owners spoke to group about this issue indicating they
liked the current situation where they run their dogs tree at
Congress Springs Park even though it violates the leash law. The
City Council asked the dog owners present to look at alternative
locales to Congress Springs Park since apparently the owners do not
arrive on loot but drive to the Park with their dogs.
2. Conamption of alaohoiio Beverages at City parks
Users of El Quito Park on Monday for volleyball, ate. consume
ificant quantities of alcoholic beverages according-
Therefore the neighbors are seeking ame
res ion on the consumption of alcoholic beverages Quito
as ly exist at wildwood Park. After extans discussion
as to the ions available to the City, the City cil asked the
staff to direct contact with the pe involved first,
stressing the vior which is unaccep to the neighbors to
see if the behav is modified after tter has been brought
to the offending 's attention. was instructed to report
back to the City Coun at its nd meeting in July and give a
progress report on the the intervention effort.
3. Trails
A. saw4qiam Balutist Rasa Trail
CommissiFagilaThich it Crotty reported City is supporting the
devel this trail which coincid with the City's plan'to,
have runs along the rail roa inn. Funding for the
p is through the federal Rails to is Project. The
lam arge major cuts in
is that the program may be the t
ATTAINMENT 7
2.4 Existing Parks and Recreation Provision
EXISITNG PARKS AND RECREATION PROVISION
CITY PARKS
Park and recreation facilities include City, school, county and privately owned facilities
within and adjacent to the City of Saratoga
The Parks /Open Space Division of the Maintenance Services Department is responsible for
parks, trails and open space maintenance while the Recreation Department is responsible for
recreation programing. At this time existing parks include about 93 acres of which 63 have
been developed. The parks are generally well distributed throughout the City. For a
location map, see Figure 2. For the purpose of this Master Plan we have separated the
parks into three different types: Neighborhood, Community and Specialty Parks. In the
following section each site is individually discussed addressing the size, location,
existing facilities and issues.
Neighborhood Parka There are five neighborhood parks in Saratoga totalling nine
acres.
AZULE PARK
Acreage: 4.3 acres (City owned)
Location: 12777 Goleta Avenue
Azule Park faces south on Goleta Avenue and backs to a portion of the
state -owned transportation corridor. The west side is adjacent to the
property of Blue Hills School and the east side adjacent to private
residences.
Facilities: Site currently unimproved
Issues: Being at present unimproved, the park is primarily used as access for school
children and adults from Goleta Avenue to Scully Avenue and Kevin Moran Park.
The state -owned transportation corridor, which separates Azule and Kevin Moran
Parks, is planned for development as a freeway. A bridge is under
construction at this time to carry the pedestrian traffic between the two
sites.
2.4-1
3.3 Neighborhood Parks
NEIGHBORHOOD ]PARKS
In the following section each of the neighborhood parks is described in detail. There are
five sites in the City, two of which remain undeveloped. In addition, the City is in the
process of considering one small additional neighborhood park site east of Quito Road where
Ravenwood hits Mont Pierre.
AZULE PARK (5 2
No improvements have been made to date at the Azule Park site. A community workshop was
held in order to determine the residents needs and intentions for this park. Issues that
the workshop attendants felt most strongly about were the need for long -term maintenance
and safety issues to be addressed in the plan for the park, and a desire for the site to be
developed as a neighborhood park site complementing the adjacent school and Kevin Moran
Park. The proposed program for the park detailed below includes a level grass play area
for soccer field use combined with the placement of it backstop for informal
softball/baseball play. It also includes an area for pauive park use including
picnic /barbeque facilities and a totlot. (There is more need for a totlot to address the
play needs of pre school age children at this site beaLuse the adjacent school already
provides play equipment for school age children.) The City should negotiate agreement over
use of the school property for off street parking to serve the park site.
Existing Facilities:
Unimproved
Program:
Item Cost
Site plan and construction documents: $30,000
Level field for sports play.
125,000
Soccer goals:
2,200
Backstop:
3,500
Totlot:
20,000
Security lighting 6 at $2000 each:
12,000
Picnic area 8 units including
table, benches and raised grill:
(5,500
Drinking fountain:
1,500
General improvements including paths,
shade trees, informal grass play
areas and landscaping:
16:5,000
TOTAL $365,700
3.3 -1
33 Neighborhood Parks
Financing:
In the City's current Capital Improvement Program, Park Development Funds have been
allocated for the future development of this site. For the years 1993 -94, $30,000 is
listed for design and for 1994 -95, $200,000 is listed for construction. (See Table 9,
section 2.6). Based upon the cost estimation for improvements to this site as presented
above, the City should raise the amount allocated for site improvements to 5335,700.
Operations and Maintenance:
As long as the site remains unimproved, maintenance costs will be minimal. However once
improved the. city should anticipate an annual maintenance cost of $23,650 (in 1990
dollars):
Revenue:
Being undeveloped, the park presently generates no revenue. Some user fee revenue might be
expected from this site if the soccer field is used for organized sports league use by a
group such as AM. Otherwise, in being developed as a neighborhood park, it is not likely
that Azule will be capable of significant cost coverage.
EAUCHAMPS PARK
No im vements have yet been made to the Beauchamps but a detailed design
process for k development is underway at this time mmunity workshop focusing on
this site was co ted to determine the surroun idents needs. Attendants felt,
most importantly, a park should be dev as a neighborhood park serving the
immediately surrounding ential area a proposed program for the site includes both
local servicing active uses suc n d a half -court surfaced play area as well as
passive -use with a playground, p' bles and benches. There is a concern of the
residents about the issue of p ng and It is felt that the surrounding roads may
not be suitable for on -s arking. The pr ed program accordingly includes a small
number of off -street `ng stalls. The issue of er to use on- or off street parking
at this site shoul resolved during the site design pr
ties:
nimproved
3.3 -2
191A MASTIC 74AM
AZULE PARK
DXATION 12277 Goleta Avenue, Saratoga
Faces south on Goleta Avenue, backs to a portion of the
State -owned transportation corridor, west side is adjacent
to property of Blue Hills School of Cupertino School District,
east side is adjacent to residential private property.
__GROUND
Acquisition: 1972 3.5 acres $100,717
1973 .8 acres 8,000
TOTAL 4.3 acres $108,717
Development: 1977 -78 .5 acres $4,523
'TER PLAN No Master Plan developed. Use concept to be neighborhood
Park. Pathway and landscaping plan designed by City staff.
Area not developed contains non productive fruit trees.
OPMENT
Completed: 1977 -78 A formal pathway and landscaping was installed to
Provide better access for residents from Goleta Avenue to
Kevin Moran Park and to protect privacy of resident immediate-
ly adjacent to the park.
Planned: Since no Master Plan has been designed, further development
is not scheduled. Additional
pathway may be developed to
Provide better access for school children. Future develop-
ment plans must take into consideration use of the trans-
portation corridor and the residents' need for part: facilities.
!'RESENT USE
The park and pathway are primarily used as access for children
and adults to go from Goleta Avenue, through the park, across
the State -owned transportation corridor to Kevin Moran Park
and Scully Avenue. Undeveloped area is non productive orchard.
This is a major access for school children which will increase
in the immediate future with proposed closing of elementary
schools in the area. The State -owned transportation corridor
is currently leased to Boething Tree Farm. A separate agree-
ment between the City and Boething allows Boething to have water
lines across Azule Park and requires Boething to maintain open
access across the leased area between Azule and Kevin Moran Parks.
The agreement between the City and Boething will be in effect as
long as Boething leases the property from the State.
"'L�'�L 2ATF?ORI•IATION: Throughout the
years discussions regarding development of Azule
Park have revolved around the potential development of the trans-
portation corridor and further development of Kevin Moran Park.
No final decision has been made on whether Azule Park. should or
should not be developed.
AZULE PARR
January, 1979
1. BACKGROUND
Azule Park is located at 12277 Goleta Avenue, Saratoga. It fronts on Goleta
Avenue and backs to a portion of the State -owned transportation corridor between
Cox and Prospect Avenues. The west side of the park is adjacent to the property
of Blue Hills School of the Cupertino School District and the east side is adjacent
to private property which fronts on Goleta Avenue.
The Property for Azule Park was acquired in the early 1970'x. 3.5 acres were
purchased in 1971 from the developer of the adjacent properties, and .8 acres were
purchased from the State in 1973 when the property was declared surplus as far as
the transportation corridor was concerned. Total park area is. 4.3 acres and total
cost of acquisition was $108,237.
In the five year City Capital Improvement Program in 1973 -74 initial funds for
development of Azule were placed in the 1977 -78 year. Beg in 1974 the Capital
Improvement Program was reduced to a three year program and monies for Azule Park
development were on the "acquisition and needs not funded" list.
Various problems have been encountered during the years including complaints
regarding litter, motorcycles and inappropriate walking area for school children.
A great number of school children and adults use the access from Goleta Avenue across
the Azule Park site and the State -owned property to obtain access to Kevin Moran Park
and Scully Avenue. In 1974 when the Boething Treeland Nursery Company obtained a
lease for use of the transportation corridor from the State of California, the resi-
dents requested that Boething leave an access across the transportation corridor so
that individuals could get from Goleta Avenue to Kevin Moran Park. The City entered
into an agreement with Boething which allows Boething to have a water line under
Azule Park and also allows access between Azule and Kevin Moran Parks. The City's
agreement runs concurrently with the State's lease and will be in effect as long as
the State leases the property to Boething. The tree farm in the transportation
corridor helped to reduce some of the problems of motorcycles and in 1975 the Public
Works Department improved drainage on Goleta Avenue to provide a better walkway for
children.
In February, 1976, the Parks and Recreation Commission met with homeowners and
residents in the Azule Park area to discuss the current needs and potential develop-
ment of Azule Park. Residents related to the Commission the continuous problem
with dust and/or mud created by the heavy use of the pathway by people going from
Goleta Avenue through Azule Park across the transportation corridor to Kevin Moran
Park and Scully Avenue. An additional problem was created by the fact that the
informal pathway was within five feet of the property line of the resident who lives
adjacent to the park on the east side. Also mentioned in the discussion were com-
ments regarding the litter, maintenance of the orchard trees in the area, potential
development schedule and what kind of development might occur. Some residents
Azule Park
Page 2.
expressed interest in selling the property but maintaining an access, some felt
it would be to the City's advantage to fully develop the property as soon as
possible. A great deal of discussion centered around the transportation corridor
and its eventual use.
As a result of this meeting and discussion by the Parks and Recreation Commission
it was recommended a formal pathway with landscaping between the pathway and private
home be planned and developed, that the Homeowner's Association would be asked to assis
with the planting, and that additional maintenance of litter and the orchard be sched-
uled by the Park and Landscape Maintenance Division.
In March, 1976, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the 1976 -77
Capital Improvement Program include $7,500 for the Azule pathway development. This
item was included in the 76 -77 Capital Improvement Program which was approved by
City Council in August 1976. By February, 1977, drawings and plans for the pathway
and landscaping had been completed by the Planning Department and Parks and Land-
scape Maintenance Division. In March, 1977, the Commission met with the Homeowner's
Association to review these potential plans and following revisions the Commission
recommended in April, 1977, that the City Council approve development and authorize
a call for bids. The bid specs were prepared and the bid was combined with the
paving of the Community Center parking lot to improve the size of the bid and in
August, 1977, a contract was awarded for development of the Azule pathway.
The contractor's work of the formal pathway was completed in December of 1977
at a cost of $3,839. City staff had installed a minimum irrigation system when the
pathway work was being done and in February of 1978 the City purchased all plant
materials and these were planted with volunteer help from the community. Total cost
of the irrigation materials, plants and landscaping material was $683. Total cost
of the development of the Azule pathway including contract and planting was $4,522.
The formal asphalt pathway now goes from Goleta Avenue across Azule Park, through
the State-owned transportation corridor and to the formal pathway of Kevin Moran Park.
The pathway is a mi nimum of 15 to a maxim of 20 feet from the fence of the private
home and the landscaping is providing a very good buffer to preserve the privacy
of the resident.
2. ORIGINAL FUND SOURCES AND RESTRICTIONS
Funds used to purchase the Azule Park site came from a combination of Park and
Recreation use fees, Federal Revenue Sharing and some general funds. The $17,096 of
Revenue Sharing funds used provide the restriction that it would have to be used for
major capital improvement. Restrictions on the Park and Recreation Use fees are that
money be used for Park and Recreation purposes. So generally, if the property were
sold, the original amount of total purchase which was $108,237 would have to be used
for Park and Recreation purposes or for capital improvement programs. If the selling
price exceeds the original costs excess funds could be put into the Capital Improvement
Fund, Park and Recreational Use Fund or the General Use Fund.
Azule Park
3. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH BOETHING
Page 3.
The license agreement between the City and Boething Treeland Farms, Inc., gives
Boething the right to install and maintain water lines from Goleta Avenue, across
Azule Park to the State- leased property. The license also re Boething to grant
access to the City over and across a ten -foot strip of leased property, connecting
Azule and Kevin Moran Parks, for the purpose of public ingress and egress. The term
of the license agreement is coextensive with the term of the lease by Boething of the
State of California land, and will continue as long as Boething leases the land. If
the City commences development of Azule Park and such development prevents continued
use of the license granted by the City for the water lines, the City has the right
to terminate agreement with 60 days notice. Boething has a use permit (UP -239) approve
by the Planning Commission which regulates their use of the State- leased property.
4. POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
Problems which the City currently has are relatively minor. Problems that will be
generated by the closing of either Blue Hills or Hansen School have caused considerable
discussion by residents. Problems as outlined by residents and members of the Parks
and Recreation Commission which currently exist or will exist are:
a. Orchard trees or other trees on the Kevin Moran Park side adjacent to the
pathway need to be cleared or pruned.
b. The mound on the Kevin Moran Park side is sufficiently high that the pathway
immediately drops below the level of the park, and therefore out of sight from
the park itself.
c. There is no lighting in the area.
d. There is a need to provide a restriction for motorcycles.
e. Consideration should be given to provide sidewalks adjacent to Goleta Avenue
on the Azule Park side.
f. There may be a need for a wider pathway and a manner in which to separate
bicycle traffic from pedestrians and walkers.
g. Only an informal dirt pathway currently exists from the formal pathway to
the sidewalk at the edge of the School District property.
5. IMMEDIATE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
a. Prune and skirt all orchard and pine trees that are within ten feet of the
formal pathway on the Kevin Moran Park side. This can be done by City staff
at no additional cost.
b. Provide better elevation on pathway that goes from Kevin Moran Park pathway
transportation corridor area. Elevation can be provided only on that portion
of property which is City owned. This would require tearing up the current
pathway, bringing in fill and replacing the pathway. This must be done by a
contractor and no estimated cost is available.
e. Redo the lighting in Kevin Moran Park adjacent to the pathway. This project
must be done by a contractor. The last estimated cost in 1975 was over $5,000
Azule Park
Page 4.
to have the lighting replaced. No up-to -date estimate of cost is available.
d. Provide a gate system wide enough for bicycles but narrow enough to prohibit
motorcycles access. This would have to be at both ends of the pathway which
goes through the transportation corridor. This would probably have to be done
by a contractor and no cost estimates are available.
e. Consider installation of a formal sidewalk, curb and gutter on Azule site
paralleling Goleta Avenue. This is approximately 370 feet of frontage, the
project would have to be done by a contractor and no cost estimates are avail-
able.
f. Attempt to modify the agreement with Boething Treeland Farm, Inc. to provide.
access of greater width than the current ten feet. Consider low fencing to
separate bicycles from pedestrians in this area of the pathway, gate the ped-
estrian side so no bicycles can enter. This work would have to be done by a
contractor and cost estimate is not available.
g. Provide a formal pathway in Azule Park from the current pathway to the side-
walk located at the corner of the school property, to be done by a contractor
and cost estimates for 415 feet of pathway, seven feet wide, would be approx-
imately $6,000 including materials and labor. No landscaping would be planned.
additional maintenance requirement would be minimal.
6. LONG RANGE PLANS
Long range plans should include development of the park, as a park. Although no
master plan for the park has been developed the use concept has been for a neighborhooc
park. Development will add maintenance responsibilities. Long range plans may also
include selling the park site, retaining only that portion needed for the current path-
way plus additional landscaping to buffer a new private residence. Use the funds from
the sale to purchase other property or for further development at Kevin Moran Park.
Further development will also add maintenance responsibilities. If sale of the propert
is considered require purchaser to develop sidewalk adjacent to Goleta Avenue from
current pathway to existing sidewalk at the corner of the school property. If selling
the park site is considered the additional pathway mentioned above should not be develc
7. POTENTIAL USE OF PROPERTY IF SOLD
If the property is sold the only allowed use would be residential. The zoning'in
the area is a combination of R- 1- 12,500PD and R- 1- 10,000. The maximum number of lots
for R- 1- 12,500PD would be three per acre and 3.5 per acre for R- 1- 10,000. If a �Y�m
of one acre were retained for pathway purposes the remaining 3.3 acres could provide ai
estimated nine lots. This is not exact and actual layout including area for streets
must be considered. If sale of the property is considered it would be necessary for
the City to determine the potential development which would be allowable
8. COORDINATION WITH CUPERTINO SCHOOL DISTRICT
In discussion with Dr. Robert Pedrick, Superintendent of Cupertino School District
he stated that the School District does not foresee a need for any additional land wick
Azule Park
Page 5.
current school enrollment projections, and as a result would not be interested in
buying Azule or trading property, i.e. Azule for Hansen field area. Dr. Pedrick said
he feels the District may not need to sell Hansen, if it is closed, and that the Distr
would be very interested in talking with the City about some form of lease or joint usi
agreement for the school area which is closed.
9. RECOMMENDATIONS
a. Because the license agreement between City and Boething is the only legal
document which requires that public access be maintained between Kevin Moran
and Azule Parks across the transportation corridor, it is very likely further
action should be taken by the City, School District, or both to assure that
access across the transportation corridor remains available. This would requi:
negotiations with Boething and with the State Dep artmen t of Transportation.
This must be done prior to any consideration for widening, dividing or gating
the pathway. It should also be done before considering change of the elevatior
of the pathway on the Kevin Moran side.
b. If the Azule Park site property is to be retained consider developing the
additional pathway from the current pathway to the sidewalk at the corner of
school and City property. Or, consider the appropriate development of side-
walk, curb and gutter the length of frontage on Goleta Avenue. The second
alternative would require extensive grading and would be more costly than the
first alternative.
c. If the property is sold retain sufficient land to provide for the current
pathway and landscaping and area for additional landscaping on the side of
the pathway which may be adjacent to another private residence. Require dev-
eloper to install sidewalk, curb and gutter from the current pathway to the
School District property. It may be wise to consider requiring the developer
to install lighting for the pathway as well.
d. Consider negotiating with the Cupertino School District for lease or joint use
of the Hansen School field area, keeping in mind that if the play field area
is leased the City will undoubtedly have to maintain the property, and addition
Park and Landscape Maintenance staff would be necessary.
e. If the property is sold recommend to City Council that funds received from the
sale be reserved for park development purposes, and if possible that any profit
be reserved for park maintenance purposes.
f. Following action on Recommendation "a" regarding the pathway across the trans-
portation corridor, consider widening and dividing the pathway and gating to
control access for pedestrians and bicycles. Elimination of the motorcycle
Problem should also be included in the gating.
BS /rkw
Report prepared by, c z
Barbara Sampson
Director of Community Services
ATTACHMEur S
2.4 Existing Parks and Recreation Provision
KEVIN MORAN PARK
Acreage: 10.3 doweloped
4.0 undeveloped
(City owned)
Location: 12415 Scully Avenue
The park faces east and fronts on Scully Avenue. The west boundary is the
State -owned transportation corridor and the north and south properties abut
private residential properties.
Facilities. Childrens playground;
Picnic tables;
Open turf area;
Semi- productive orchard
Issues: A master plan was designed for the site in 1971 -1972. The park is currently
used by a number of joggers and a great deal of school children traffic. This
is a major link between Blue Hills and Hansen Schools. Children are moving to
and from Scully Avenue through the park, across the transportation corridor,
through Azule Park and to Goleta Avenue. A pedestrian bridge is currently
under construction to better link Azule and Kevin Moran. The park receives a
limited amount of group use by organizations and families for specific
functions. The turf area surface is not sufficiently flat for regulation
soccer or baseball games but is frequently used by the youth group for games
and practice. The orchard is not currently under crop agreement and doesn't
appear worthy of it. The city is responsible for pruning and general upkeep.
What fruit the trees do bear is available for the community residents to pick.
2.4 -6
3.4 Community Parks
KEVIN MORAN
A community workshop was held to focus on the future of this park site and to elicit the
needs of surrounding residents. The primary isswes raised by the surrounding residents were
the need for a balance of passive and active uses of the site, achievement of adequate
maintenance standards, and improved safety. Spe:ific facilities mentioned by the residents
as desirable included the opportunity to level the central green in order to provide an area
for soccer play /practice, the addition of tennis courts, and the provision of a fenced
dog -run area, possibly within one of the orchards.. Residents generally value the orchards
and want them to stay. In response to the need of the City overall to maximize active
recreational opportunities in the face of very limited available level land, the proposed
program for this site includes tennis courts, a combination soccer /softball field, and a
basketball court. It is recommended that the wesaern portion of the north orchard area
(nearest the freeway) be cleared for the tennis and basketball. The softball/soccer play
area would be located approximately in the center of the site. The addition of parking and
restrooms are necessary in order for this park site to meet the standards for community
parks. The eastern portion of the orchard at the north end of the site will be retained as
will the orchard at the southern end of the site. Both orchard areas require some
replanting and the installation of irrigation. The southern area will be fenced to also
serve as a dog run area.
Existing Facilities:
Children's playground;
Picnic tables;
Open turf area;
Semi- productive orchard
Program:
Item
Cost
Site plan and construction documents:
$50,000
Drinking fountains 2 at $1500:
3,000
Update the existing play equipment
25,000
Maintain orchard
4 -acre irrigation system:
16,000
New planting
5,000
Barbecue 4 at $500 each:
2,000
Dog run fencing:
3,500
Parking 20 stalls at $1,000 each:
20,000
Tennis 2 court battery.
49,000
Restrooms:
100,000
3.4.4
3.4 Community Parks
Level field for sports play. 150,000
Soccer goals: 2,000
Backstop: 3,500
Basketball court 15,000
General improvements including paths,
shade trees, informal grass play
areas, and landscaping: 80,000
TOTAL
$524,000
Financing:
In the Parks Capital Improvements Program $500,000 has been allocated for improvements to
Kevin Moran Park to bring it up to the level of service required for a community
recreational facility to serve the northern portion of the City. Based upon the estimates
above, this amount should be increased to at least 5524,000. Part of the funding earmarked
includes the remainder of a State Park Bond allocated for improvements to play equipment.
See Table 9, section 2.6 for more information on finance.
Operations and Maintenance:
Based upon the system -wide estimated average maintenance cost, the 10.3 improved acres at
the park require an annual maintenance expense of $56,650. Once the full 14 acres at Kevin
Moran Park are improved, the total cost will increase to approximately $77,000 per annum.
An additional $11,000 per annum should be added to the annual maintenance budget for these
increases.
Revenue:
CYSA currently contributes a rental fee for use of facilities at the park. It is suggested
that once the City has effected the recommended improvements, user fees be charged for any
organized sports league use of the site. As with all the City's fee schedules, the fees at
Kevin Moran should be periodically monitored and adjusted to keep pace with inflation and
typical fees charged for recreation uses in the surrounding region.
3.4 -5
Speak Out!
A son and brother
is remew hch-retd
and was a ha child.
Kevin took his schoolwork, paper
route and other endeavors seriously,
for he knew instinctively that his
efforts were a reflection of who he
was. l know my parents' love and sup
port for the family made it possible
or him to do his best. He always did.
He was a thoughtful and generous
boy as well. At Christmas, birthdays
and other unexpected times of the
year, he demonstrated his generosity
by often purchasing gifts with hishard-
earned paper -route money. He was
not a saint, but in his heart and scdons,
I'm sure God was very pleased. I
remember at times his frustration
could get the better of him. At times,
I'm sure some of his siblings, myself
included, added to that frustration.
Kevin graduated from Sacred
Heart School In 1962 and Saratogga
High School in 1966. Although he
was talentedenoughtopla runt
the high school level, he derided to
focus his time on school and part
time work. He was an excellent stu-
dent. He was the type of kid teachers
would love to have in their class,
eager to learn while being respectful
of his fellow students and teachers.
In the fall of 1966, Kevin enrolled
at UC -Santa Barbara, majoring in
economics. He continued to work
hard, and his grades were proof of
this. Kevin was a bright boy, indeed.
However, it was his tenacity and hard
work that brought him success Kevin,
who always enjoyed sports, finallyy
decided there was time in his sched-
ule and made the university's crew
team. He enjoyed it immensely.
T%. 1.. t. 1 bon. e..il rariv "?ne wo-r,-
Brian J. Moron, brother ofthe late
Kevin Moran, wrote this memorial
to mark the 25th anniversary of hfs
brother's death. Kevin Moran Park
in Saratoga was named after Brian's
brother. Editor
JF ncreasingly as a society, we look
toward movie stars and sports
legends for inspiration and per-
sona) qualities we would like to
emulate, often becoming disap-
pointed.
Many times we need not look any
further than our own families and
loved ones to find those that will
inspire I would like tobringtoyour
attention a young man, a boy really,
who demonstrated in his life all the
qualities a parent could ever hope for
In their young son. Raised primarily
In Saratoga, his name was Kevin
Patrick Moran, and he was a hero. His
life would only last a precious 22
years. He has been gone for 25.
Kevin was the first -born in a family
of 10children —four boys andsix girls.
Holding that position in the family
required of Kevin a lot of responsi-
bility. My parents expected him to
lead the way in all areas of his life and
set the example for his younger broth-
ers and sisters to follow. He did it well i
r.............................
campuses nationwide. Students and
others, upset with the war in Viet-
nam, somehow thought that vio-
lence against the police and busi-
nesses, both large and small, was the
way to change policy regarding the
war. I.Ittie did they realize the casu-
alties they would bring upon the
hard working and innocent. Kevin
wasone such casualty. His death left
my parents and family devastated.
tlr mrnrr,nifv,v�e endelt-nerl
It was on April 18, 1970, when
Kevin responded to a campus radio
station request by the student body
president for moderate and peace-
ful students to try and calm the angry
mob that had gathered in Goleta,
where the university is located. It
was a request that was honorable but
lacked sense. The angry mob rolled
police cars over and proceeded to
burn the local Bank of America
building. Kevin's heroic actions
brought about his death. While he
was attempting to extinguish fires
that had been set inside the bank, a
"misguided" bullet took his life.
Kevin's heroic actions were for-
mally recognized through procla-
mations by various cities through-
out the state, including the city of
Saratoga. Then President Richard
Nixon and then -Gov. Ronald Rea-
gan sent their condolences. Hun-
dreds of citizens nationwide sent
cards and letters expressing their
sorrow for our loss. The city of
Saratoga named a newly developed
park in honor of his memory.
Although he has been gone a quar-
terof a century, our mom daily pass-
es his picture on the wall and silently
says good morning to her eldest son.
On warm summer afternoons, our
dad often takes a bevy of grandchil-
dren for walks through Kevin Moran
Park. While the pain that his death
brought has subsided over the years,
my brothers and sisters wanted him
to not be forgotten. He would have
turned 47 on March 15.
I am happy to report that his par-
ents, brothers, sisters, theirspouses,
and his nieces and nephews are bury
with their lives and all is well.
This ph oto of Kevix Moron
wastw.#ev while
at UC Santa Barbaro:
KEVIN MORAN PARR
Update October 1985
LOCATION 12415 Scully Avenue
DEVELOPMENT
Completed: Initial development of the park took place in 1973
and included the open turf area, pathways, pre-
school play area and general landscaping. In 1974
the pathway lighting was completed and destroyed by
vandals in less than six weeks. It has never been
redone. The rest of the undeveloped portion of the
park is a semi- bearing orchard containing apricot
trees.
Planned: After review in October 1985, the Parks and
Recreation Commission recommended encouraging more
active, .rather than passive, usage of Kevin Moran
Park. It will be necessary to reevaluate and
redesign the park to allow maximum use and minimum
security problems. Items to be considered in the
redevelopment: tennis courts, soccer /softbal 1
field, group picnic area that can be reserved and
adding a parking area and restrooms.
PRESENT USE The area is currently used by a great number of
joggers throughout the day. Play areas and turf
areas receive general park use. There is a great
deal of traffic through the park of children going
to and from school from Scully Avenue through the
park, across the transportation corridor, through
Azule Park and to Goleta Avenue. This is a major
link between Blue Hill s and Hansen Schools. The
park receives a limited amount of group use by
organizations and families who hold specific
27
The park faces east and fronts on .Scully Avenue,
the west boundary is the State -owned transportation
corridor. The North and South boundaries are
private residential property.
BACKGROUND
Acquisition:
1970. 10.3 acres 236,572
Development:
1973 4.0 acres
1974 Pathway lighting 70,642
MASTER PLAN
A master plan was designed in 1971 -72 for the
entire 10.3 acres by the architectural firm
Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey. The master plan
includes open turf areas, play areas for both pre-
school and school age children, nature and garden
area, two tennis courts, parking area, pathways,
bicycle course and lighting.
DEVELOPMENT
Completed: Initial development of the park took place in 1973
and included the open turf area, pathways, pre-
school play area and general landscaping. In 1974
the pathway lighting was completed and destroyed by
vandals in less than six weeks. It has never been
redone. The rest of the undeveloped portion of the
park is a semi- bearing orchard containing apricot
trees.
Planned: After review in October 1985, the Parks and
Recreation Commission recommended encouraging more
active, .rather than passive, usage of Kevin Moran
Park. It will be necessary to reevaluate and
redesign the park to allow maximum use and minimum
security problems. Items to be considered in the
redevelopment: tennis courts, soccer /softbal 1
field, group picnic area that can be reserved and
adding a parking area and restrooms.
PRESENT USE The area is currently used by a great number of
joggers throughout the day. Play areas and turf
areas receive general park use. There is a great
deal of traffic through the park of children going
to and from school from Scully Avenue through the
park, across the transportation corridor, through
Azule Park and to Goleta Avenue. This is a major
link between Blue Hill s and Hansen Schools. The
park receives a limited amount of group use by
organizations and families who hold specific
27
Kevin Moran Park
Update October, 1985
functions in the park. The turf area is not
sufficiently flat for soccer or baseball games but
it is frequently used for practice. The semi
productive orchard which remains is not currently
under crop agreement and has not proven to be worth
crop agreement. The City currently discs the
property, prunes trees as needed, and what fruit
the trees do bear is available to the residents if
they care to pick it.
GENERAL Kevin Moran Park is one of the few parks in this
INFORMATION City that was actually named for a person. In
April, 1970, a 22 -year old Saratoga resident named
Kevin Moran was shot while trying to quell a riot
at the Bank of America in Isla Vista, California.
Kevin was a student at the University of
California, Santa Barbara. The Saratoga City
Council dedicated the Scully Park site in honor of
Kevin Moran for giving his life in an action to
protect the community.
01A MAJ51F91Z ?iAAJ
KEVIN MORAN PARK
LOCATION 12415 Scully Avenue
The park faces east and fronts on Scully Avenue, the west
boundary is the State -owned transportation corridor. The
North and South boundaries are private residential property.
BACKGROUND
Acquisition: 1970 10.3 acres $236,572
Development: 1973 4.0 acres
o
1974 Pathway lighting 70,642
MASTER PLAN A master plan was designed in 1971 -72 for the entire 10.3'acres
by the architectural firm Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey.
The master plan includes open turf areas, play areas for both
Pre-school and school age children, nature and garden area, two
tennis courts, parking area, pathways, bicycle course and
lighting.
DEVELOPMENT:
Completed: Initial development of the par]: took place in 1973 and i"cluded
the open turf area, pathways, pre- school. play area and r,,_aeral
landscaping. In 1974 the pathway lighting was completed and
destroyed by vandals in less than six weeks. It has never been
redone. The rest of the undeveloped portion of the park is a
semi bearing orchard containing apricot trees.
3t
Planned: No immediate further development is planned although consideration
is being given to some revision of the pathway lighting and also•
under consideration is revision of the grading which blocks the
view of the play area from the street. This park would also be
ideal for some type of jogging or physical fitness course.
PRESENT USE: The area is currently used by a great number of joggers throughout
the day. Play areas and turf areas receive general park use.
There is a great deal of traffic through the park of children going
to and from school as they go from Scully Avenue through the park,
across the transportation corridor, through Azule Park and to
Goleta Avenue. This is a major link between Blue Hills and Hansen
Schools. The park receives a limited amount of group use by or-
ganizations and families who hold specific functions in the park.
The turf area is not sufficiently flat for soccer or baseball games
but it is frequently used for practice. The semi productive orchar(
which remains is not currently under crop agreement and has not
proven to be worth crop agreement. The City currently discs the
property, prunes trees as needed, and what fruit the trees dQ bear
is available to the residents if they care to pick it.
(Cont Id)
3'
Kevin Moran Park
January, 1979
GENERAL INFORMATION: Kevin Moran Park is one of the few parks in this City that
was actually named for a person. In April, 1970, a 22 -year old
Saratoga resident named Kevin Moran was shot while trying to
quell a riot at the Bank of America in Isla Vista, California.
Kevin was a student at the University of California, Santa
Barbara. The Saratoga City Council dedicated the Scully Park
site in honor of Kevin Moran for giving his life in an action
to protect the community.'
Second Public Hearing on Development of Scully Avenue
Park Site Kevin Moran Memorial Park
October 19, 1970
Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
The purpose of the hearing regarding development of the Scully Avenue
Park site is to receive public response from the citizens of Saratoga
and particularly near -by residents of the site concerning the type of
development which should occur upon the site.
Scully Site
Generally the site is 10.38 acres with frontage of 996± feet along the
easterly side of Scully Avenue and is triangular in shape.
Neighborhood Park
This site is intended to be developed as a neighborhood parka
Definition
The general definition which describes a "neighborhood park" as envisioned
by this Commission, is "a landscapedpark providing a restful breathing
spot Its recreational experiences include environments for creative
and individual play. Its use is for all age groups from pre school to
adult. And its emphasis is upon nature, growing things, space and land-
scape.
Some groups and team sports may take.place in such a park. But of more
importance is space for children not engaged in organized activities, for
a person to pursue some creative, passive and individualized activity.
A neighborhood park may range from 5 to 10 acres in size.
To encourage spontaneous play, distance from the home to park should be
short. Because this distance often coincides with the attendance area
of elementary schools, and because a wider range of experiences and
facilities can be afforded without duplication on less park land, neighborhoo(
parks are sometimes combined with school playgrounds. Ideally, they serve
as compliments to each other.
The definition and refinements of it are intended to express the concept
in broad terms because the definition applies to several sites in different
neighborhoods. The development of each park must relate to its oun physical
attributes and neighborhood environment.
No Present Plan of Development
There is no proposed plan of development for the Scully site which has
been adopted by this Commission or any other body of the City of Saratoga. 1
Public Testimony
These hearings are intended to present public testimony regarding the type
of development which should occur at the park site. From this testimony
the•Commission will attempt to draft a proposed development plan. That
plan, or any modification of it, or any other plan will not be an official
n l n L •1n r'• nG C-• .inn- ..il rn.•fn.7 ♦1.n h. .._1
AITACWHEWT q
To: Saratoga Recreation Department
13777 Fruitdale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
From: R.A. Battaglia
12651 Lido Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
Subject: Azule Park Recommendations
7 November 1990
C C
I was unable to attend the meeting on Monday the 5th of November regarding
recommendations for Azule Park, et al.
I live in the Greenbriar subdivision adjacent to the Azule Park and am an avid Tennis plaver
and would like to suggest that four (4) lighted tennis courts be built on the site as well as
facilities for slides, swings, large pipes and 'Jungle Jim" type activities for the kids and,
obviously, lots of grass and open space.
I hope that this letter reaches you in time to be considered.
Singerely w
Robert A. Battaglia
/777\
GHTA
L11
pq 77, 1 t-7N E I
%SdeM. Sally Johnson
Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
RE: Azule Park Goleta Avenue Saratoga
October 14, 1994
To Whom It May Concern:
As •representatives of the Greenbrier Homeowners and Taxpayers
Association, specifically residents of Goleta Avenue, it has come
to our attention that a proposed soccer /softball field or a
community garden are being considered for the Azule site. While we
gratefully acknowledge the effort to upgrade the site, which we
agree is an eyesore, we would like to give you a brief history of
Azule, and what we do and do not want in respect to any possible
development.
We have always been under the impression that the Azule site
was donated to the city of Saratoga by the Ditz Crane builders in
the early 70's,.to be developed as a park for the residents of
Greenbrier. The only maintenance over the years has been a weed
abatement plowing once or twice a year. The fruit trees have
slowly died from lack of maintenance. In the early 80's there was a
blacktop sidewalk installed as a walkway between the street and the
orchard, with the Homeowners Association planting drought tolerant
ground cover around the walkway entrance on Goleta. This improved
the safety factor for the children walking solely in the street,
but the area was still unsightly. We had continual problems of
debris accumulation in the orchard and in the street trench.
Around 1988, with the cooperation of the city, we were successful
in securing the street frontage and having a curb installed,
which decreased the incidence of littering and made the area
aesthetically more pleasing. Goleta Avenue has also had a
GHTA /AZULE PARR
-2-
continual increase in traffic and congestion, due in part to the
installation of portable classrooms and a Day Care Center at Blue
Hills Elementary, as well as and soccer games and practices after
school, evenings and weekends. Peaking our years of frustrations,
has been the construction of the 85 freeway with four years of
dirt, dust and noise.
We the people on Goleta Avenue, do not want anything that will
add to the difficulties we have endured, especially in regard to
the traffic congestion. We feel strongly that the site should be
utilized for more than a sports field or co munity garden rather
one that would give the whole neighborhood a sense of community and
serenity, especially with the opening of the freeway and the
inevitable noise.
As described in a proposal given to you in 1990, in addition
to changing the name of the ark to Zd Gomersall Park we suggest u ggest a
type of park with the following characteristics:
provide a open and visible area for children AW adults
be aesthetically pleasing from the street
relatively inexpensive to implement and maintain.
would not increase traffic congestion
We feel all of this could be accomplished by developing:
a Par Course and drinking fountain
grassy areas with shade trees
a Totlot, benches
a few picnic tables and grills
drinking fountain and trash receptacles
security lighting
We feel that our proposal would increase the
quality of in the Greenbrier neighborhood, and maybe offset s meofthe life
discomfort that will be inevitable with the opening of the freeway.
Sincerely yours,
Sally Johnson, President
ATT*WMFwMT IV
Anthony Jane Hoffman
19664 Northampton Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070
June 27, 1995
Mr. Larry Perlin
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga CA 95070
Dear Public Works Director Perlin:
Tel. (408) 446 -3230
The orchard remnants at Kevin Moran and Azule are the last orchard lands connected to public
parks on this side of the valley.
The young children cherish and use extensively these two little undeveloped patches of land. It
provides areas where they can let their imaginations run free and develop on their own natural
terms, without adults telling them the rules and requirements, and regimenting their play.
One has only to observe what the children have done without adult supervision with the surplus,
undeveloped land under the trees and around the stream at Rainbow park to see creativity
flourishing in its most impressive state. There, without adult interference, the children have
established a very comprehensive motocross track, complete with carefully sculpted tracks of
varying difficulty and configuration, and set up their own safety systems and gradations of
expertise and mentioning in a way no adult would ever have thought of doing. Since it is a
world entirely of their creation, they own it. They are the sole instigators and developers and
maintainers; The self confidence and realization of knowing they did it, by themselves, without
interference from the adult world, is immensely satisfying, and the personal growth resulting
from this experience is incalculable. The most important point here is that it is also not re-
creatable by adults; It must be done on their terms, or it is just another meaningless adult
structured goal activity.
This valley was built into the successfiil center of technology and creativity it is by adults who
as children had the privilege to play and dream in the fields and the orchards and the creeks.
We learned to create not strictly from reading a textbook, but from observing the myriad
happenings of nature first hand. This experience is necessary to a child's creative
developement.
The children growing up in this area have no concept of what "The Valley of Heart's Delight"
once was, except through these last little bits. This truly vital developmental experience which
is uniquely California should not be denied them, which will happen if adult structured areas are
developed there, but must be made available to them to dig and explore and play in, without
rules and regulations and restrictions.
Not a day goes by that there are not children out there in Kevin Moran and Azule, catching
ladybugs, watching worms dig, observing Raccoon burrows, and in the Spring pulling up lush
yellow flowered sour grass by the handfuls to give to their mothers as loving "bouquets This
aspect of pure unchanneled learning is totally lacking in the usual orderly, structured park
areas. The experience of an orchard in it's "Natural" Santa Clara Valley state is unavailable
anywhere else. Children get a glimpse and experience: of the valley as it once was; The wild
Mustard blooming yellow, the explosion of color when the trees bloom, the smell of Spring and
mud; The sight is all the more spectacular in that it is produced for them entirely by nature,
with minimal artificial manicuring or intrusion by aduGits. It is a quiet activity, without flash and
posturing, and it is fragile; easily trampled by the push for more highly visible entertainment,
but it is just as necessary and justifiable, and it is only accesible here. And the cost is low, too.
We hope you can see the tremendous value in leaving this area undeveloped, for the children's
sake.
Sincerely,
Anthony 0
Kevin Moran
City's current choices are:
I. Develop Kevin Moran /Azule jointly
as a sports complex
2. Replace with practice field
3. Sell park land for houses
Tomorrow night 7:00 PM City Hall
Tues June 13 Meeting!
(Allendale Fruitvale Avenues)
Support your need to be heard
regardiniz changes to vour nark!
Phone Your Neighbors!
Come show support for your choice:
A �1 5
0 C
'�Aye'
Anthony Koffman
PO Box 2273
&mto8a, CA 97070
May 31, 1995
Finance Director David Smith,. c/o City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga CA 95070
Dear Mr. Smith,
Tel. 3
In weighing budget cuts, please consider eliminating the various changes proposed for Kevin
Moran Park. Approximately 75% of the residents in that neighborhood do not want major
changes in it. 87% want it left as a small neighborhood park. (every city council person
received a full set, 120 copies, of the questionnaires completed by area residents.)
Additionally, any changes to the park that would impact traffic flow would create liability for
the City, since the park and its feeder streets are dedicated thoroughfares for pedestrian child
traffic from Blue Hills School. (City mandated the Blue Hills Overcrossing as the freeway
crossing for pedestrians at that point, requiring children to use that route to and from school.
Copy of letter enclosed)
Please call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Anthony Hoffman
1 2 O Q ra t�"'iswN alts
RC S�1�S R eg
Questionnaire
Kevin Moran Park: Suggestions for Development
QUESTION:
Do you want Kevin Moran as a neighborhood park?
Do you want Kevin Moran as a community park?
Suggestions:
Replace existing play equipment*
Install par course
Maintain Orchard*
4 Acre irrigation system
New Plantings
Install Horse shoe pits
Install shuffle board sites
Bike Trails
Community Gardens
Community Adopt a tree project
Wildlife zones
Specimen Orchard
Install Boccie Ball court
Keep all group activities away from adjaeen homes
Limit the lighting to the safety lights along the paths
No activities after dark in the park
Install soccer fields in the center of the site*
Fence in South orchard for dog run*
Install parking stalls 20 stalls*
Install 2 court Tennis battery*
Install Restrooms*
Level field for sports play*
Install softball field in North orchard*
Install basketball court in North orchard*
Level existing park area for soccer field*
Rent to day /night leagues
*Proposed in the General Plan created in 1991 without
Yes o No -V
Q T 34 2 to 1
2'i 1 87'4 34
Agree With Disagree
'1' 27 1 Y, S
4 t Ic 49 �8
Please feel free to add any features or ideas you may have for the park. When doing
this please keep in mind the activity and facilities and what their impact will be in our
lives. Consider that you might live in one of the homes bordering the park or live on
one of the streets that would be impacted by increased traffic due to organized sports.
MOVE
Sampling taken from Scully, Saraglen, Northampton, Newport, Dover, Viewoak, Somerville,
Elisa, Walden. Some of these streets are several blocks from the park, and would not be
directly impacted by traffic or noise considerations. However, they still voted along the same
lines as the rest of the sample. The results, therefore, seem indicative of the general population.
C o p Flit 0* t C;V *s
Anthony CK Jane Hoffman
19664 Northampton Drive
SaratoSa, CA 95070 Tel. (408) 446 -3230
May 31, 1995
Chuck Corr, Director of Facilities
Cupertino School District
10301 Vista Drive
Cupertino CA 95014
Dear Mr. Corr,
A matter has come to my attention that I feel involves the safety of the children at Blue Hills
School, .and so I feel you should be made aware of it.
As you know, the city of Saratoga is in the planning stages of "developing" Kevin Moran and
Azule parks further. Concepts are being considered, and one by the Parks and Recreation
Department would include soccer and softball playing fields. This proposal includes renting
the park for adult team use to generate revenue to help maintain the improvements, which
would mean adult use during expanded business lunch times (11:30 AM 3:00 PM).
Additionally, use of the park for practice by children's teams would increase traffic from 2:00
PM (set -up time) to sunset weekdays.
One idea popular with some members of the city council would expand it from the
neighborhood (walk to) park it is now, to a community (drive to) park to serve the city at large.
This includes the installation of restrooms at Kevin Moran.
These changes would increase vehicular traffic during all daylight hours, weekdays and
weekends, on the only two streets providing park access, Northampton Drive and Scully.
Additionally, the installation of restrooms at Kevin Moran park would create a hazard to all the
young children required to use the Blue Hills Overcrossing, and therefore who use the path
through Kevin Moran on their way to and from school every day.
Transients need restrooms, public restrooms are scarce, and so transients gravitate to parks with
restrooms. One has only to visit Quito and Wildwood parks a few times to be aquainted with
the permanent "resident" transients at those parks. The mothers in baby groups meeting in
those parks even have nicknames for those resident transients. (The transients at Wildwood
drink alcohol in the park, and have grown so surly they're accosting even organized groups of
children trying to have scout and Brownie meetings in that park during weekday afternoons.
The City has taken some action there to reduce the drinking, at least, but most children's groups
now avoid using it).
Additionally, Northampton Drive and Scully are the only two streets providing a safe
pedestrian route for all young grade school children living east of highway 85. Since the
decision was made by Caltrans and the City of Saratoga to place the Blue Hills Overcrossing
where it is, and since those two streets are the only ones serving it, an unusual situation exists.
The city has effectively mandated that those Blue Hills children living east of the freeway are
required to use those particular streets daily for walking and biking to and from Blue Hills
school. Neither of those long streets have sidewalks, and bicycles of course, cannot use
sidewalks anyway, so all children using those routes must walk and bike in the street.
The city and the school distrtict are responsible to maintain as safe a route as possible for those
children, and decisions impacting that route must have those children's safety as the first and
foremost priority. Increasing vehicular traffic, increasing the number of adult strangers, and
establishing facilities which would attract transients works against this responsibility.
Since these are the only two streets providing access to the park, and therefore are the only two
streets the Blue Hills Students can use to walk and bike to and from school on, all children
living East of the freeway are forced to use these streets. Unlike most other schools, there are
no alternative routes due to the location of the freeway and the overcrossing. Blue Hills School
therefore must do everything it can to maintain the safety of those routes. That includes
opposing anything that would increase the vehicular traffic on those streets.
Blue Hills School must oppose restrooms being installed at Kevin Moran park, and support
anything that would discourage additional vehicular traffic from being generated on Scully and
Northampton Drives. I hope you share this concern.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this.
Sincerely,
Anthony Hoffman
12/7/94
Harry Peacock 2�4
City Manager
City of Saratoga
177 Fruitvale Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
Regarding: Kevin Moran Park Development
On December 13th, the City Council will be making a decision on the further development of
Kevin Moran Park. To date, inaccurate information has been communicated to the City Council
from the Parks department.
1) Park size and maintenance costs. The Master Plan in section 3.4 Community Parks states that
the 10.3 improved acres at the park require an annual maintenance expense of $56,650 and once
the full 14 acres are improved, the cost will increase 'to $77,000 per annum.
FACT: The Kevin Moran Park update sheet dated October 1985 (attachment) and
distributed by the City lists the original acquisition in 1970 as 10.3 acres costing $236,572
with. 4.0 acres developed in 1973. It also states that a master plan was designed in 1971 -72
for the entire 103 acres by the architectural firm Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey.
This plan was developed with the inputs of the neighbors surrounding the park after many
meetings and discussions.
2) Park development plan. The Parks Department states that no plan exits for the development
of this park (see above paragraph), therefore between the October 1985 date and the 1991 Master
Plan date, somehow a community workshop was held to focus on the f lture of this park site to
elicit the needs of surrounding residents. The results of this "community workshop" appears to be
the designation of Kevin Moran Park as a community Park vice a neighborhood park
FACT: If this were the meeting held by Dan Trinidad that we attended with our neighbors
in 1989, the results have been reported in error. We were all in favor of maintaining the
neighborhood status of Kevin Moran Park and to keep organized activities out. We have
not been contacted for input or advised of a new study for this park site since 1989.
3) Kevin Moran and Azule Panics. The City Council continues to combine Kevin Moran and
Azule parks as one discussion.
FACT: The two parks are physically a city block apart, divided by a freeway (HY85).
Azule Park is a field of weeds. Kevin Moran Park is already partially developed.
Please understand we are greatly concerned and know that decisions based on inaccurate
information will yield the wrong answer. Further, given the lack of cooperation demonstrated to
understand and communicate the facts, we are not confident that the "Neighbors of Kevin Moran'
Park" will be recognized should the decision to fund the project be approved. Your decisions as
elected officials must represent the constituents. In this case, the constituents are the Neighbors
of Kevin Moran Park, not the entire City.
Moving forward, please consider the following recommendations.
Formally scrap the Kevin Moran proposal as documented.
Do not approve the project funding until a new /updated Master Plan is developed.
The new /updated Master Plan needs to incorporate the inventory of facilities at schools.
The schools are grossly underutilized today and are already constructed to handle the
traffic.
The new /updated Master Plan needs to include an Environmental Impact Study.
This time, the Master Plan needs to be developed with Neighborhood involvement.
Do not be in a hurry to spend the funds that you anticipate to be available.
We welcome your response, preferably via the phone prior to the meeting,
Sincerely,
JW
Ted and Elaine Clabeaux
Residents since July 1967
12357 Saraglen Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070
Tel (408) 252 -7243
Fax (408) 996 -0559
Attachment
Neil D. Newman
12563 Scaft Avenge
Saratoga, CA 95070.3907
Pbomw (408)255 -152?
rim. (408) 255 -3420
December 6, 1994
Mayor Ann Marie Burger
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Mayor Burger,
I ant writing to ask you and the other Saratoga City Council members to help
maintain Kevin Moran Park as a Neighborhood Park, not a Community Park,
As members of the Kevin Moran Neighborhood Homeowners Association, we are
appealing to the city council not to further develop the park, and not to adopt the
recommendations of the Paris-&- Recreation Deparanent,
Please consider the following:
At 10 acres, Kevin Moran Park is not large enough to be a Community
Park.
A parking lot and more facilities will bring increased traffic to Scully
Avenue, which is not a major through street.
The addition of restrooms will encourage out -of- neighborhood loitering,
litter, and crime.
Organized sports, events will be noisy and crowded
Thank you for your consideration. Please keep Kevin Moran Park as it is, without
further development, and please,
Keep Kevin Moran Park for the Neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Neil D. Newman
f1
PhY R Newman
Barbara Takahashi
12326 Larchmont Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
August 26, 1994
Saratoga City Council
13777 Fruitvale Ave
Saratoga, CA 95070
RE: Kevin Moran Park Renovations
Dear Council Members:
Other citizens and 1 have been before you and the Parks Commission
to address the need for improvements at Kevin Moran Park,
specifically in the children's play area. We have been pleased by the
apparent agreement that the park is overdue for improvement and
needs to be at the top of the list. The lack of money seems to be the
only roadblock; fortunately some new housing developments will be
bringing in new funds.
My request to all of you is to begin the design stage as soon as funds
are available for that stage. We understand the lengthy process
involved in redesigning a park and feel that we should not wait until
all funding is available before we proceed. We would like to be as
helpful and as involved as possible in determining the future of our
park. What we don't want to see is another long wait for action, as
our kids grow up without a fun and safe play area at our beautiful
Kevin Moran Park. The nearby neighborhoods are filled with children
and more are moving in every week.
Thank you to the City Council and Bob Rizzo for recognizing that the
play structure needed immediate replacement and budgeting
maintenance funds for that.. We're headed in the right direction. We
are excited that the park may reach its great potential in the near
future.
Sincerely,
3"Utt
Barbara Takahashi
cc: Parks Commission; B. Rizzo
12250 Saraglen L -iVe
Saratoga, California, 95070
November 15, 1990
I d It
Parks and Recreation Commission
1377 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, California, 95070
Dear Commissioners,
I appreciated the chance to expresL my views during the meeting last November.
It really is encour;:ging to see the city and our elected officials include the
citizens in preliminary planning for future park development. Kevin Moran and
Azule are our neighborhood parks and our family is very interested in any future
plans.
Moran and Azule Parks are some of the largest parks in the city and are able to
incorporate multi -use areas more easily than smaller parks. Parks should be
enjoyed and used. I've noticed at meetings that the people against park
development are the ones living next to the park. I don't blame them for wanting
a pastoral open space, but I think it is more appropriate to improve the park for
the community as a whole. The more anmenities in a park, the greater the use.
I enjoy the orchard land that is part of Kevin Moran Park; it is visually
pleasing and we enjoy the fruit from the trees. However we would not at all mind
if this land were used for further park development.
At the meeting I went on record supporting the installation of tennis courts.
I'm not interested in lighting for the courts. There was a man at the meeting
who was against tennis courts and I know that he lives next to Kevin Moran Park
and that bright lights were a concern for him. I can understand that. There are
very few public tennis courts in Saratoga and my family would be thrilled to have
courts in our part of town.
Today is a warm, sunny spring day. My husband and I walked through the park a
few hours ago. It is a lovely park, but there were not too many people using it.
When my children were young, it seems we would no sooner get to the park than
they had to go to the bathroom. I think toilet facilities would benefit all ages
and extend the length of park stays. I long for barbeque areas for family
picnics. I would like to see expanded and upgraded playground equipment (my
children are almost grown, but again, parks are to be used My sons and their
school friends often bring their volleyball net to Moran park and set it up on
the grass; they would like to see a sand volleyball court installed. Another
installation I think would benefit many is a Parcourse. A variety of well
planned additions to our parks would facilitate a greater use by people of all
ages.
I have always admired the cities of Cupertino and Sunnyvale for their parks that
were not only beautifully designed and landscaped, but served the needs of their
citizens so well. Surely we can do the same.
t
r
October 29, 1990
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
RE: Parks Recreation Meeting of November 5, 1990
Dear Sir or Madam:
'j-
we received notice of a meeting on November 5, 1990 regarding
Kevin Moran Park. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the
meeting but as residents of Saratoga and users of Kevin Moran Park we
would like to make the following suggestions.
1. We would like to see the addition of picnic tables and
barbeque facilities.
2. We also think basketball courts would be good to have as
there are many children and adults in the neighborhood who could
benefit from this activity.
3. Restrooms for park users are a needed facility also.
Thank you for allowing us to express our ideas and suggestions.
Sincerely,
►fit •°4'�l{I�it,6 I C�
Mr. Mrs. Henry Cruz
19775 Oakhaven Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070
September 28, 19$9
Dan Trinidad
Parks and Recreation
Commission Secretary
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, CA 95070
Dear Mr. Trinidad,
We appreciate the notice (however, so short) from your office regarding the
"public information meeting" on October 2nd "to receive input on the
contemplated changes to the Master Plan for future development of Kevin Moran
Park."
As discussed with yourself in our phone conversation, the likelihood of our
attendance at the meeting is in conflict with our schedules. As property owners
whose backyard has the Kevin Moran Park and orchard directly behind our
fence, we request that our "input" be hereby recognized and incorporated as part
of the meeting.
Positions:
1)
We
are
vehemently
oannsed
you mentioned)
to any
further
addition
to
the
11ark
_yes
such
as
tennis
courts
or
a
baseball
field(s)
2) We want to see the orchard remain intact.
3) We are supportive of expanding and improving the playground
area in the existing location of Kevin Moran Park, especially for
the neighborhood families.
4) We are further supportive of establishing a `spar course" for the
many local "children of all ages."
Comments on activities such as "baseball and tennis Currently, driving by the
park on Saturday morning with the soccer games in process, two cars are barel y
able to pass due to the limited parking on the local residential streets. Further
development of the Kevin Moran Park (and orchard) to increase sport facilities
will undoubtedly necessitate dedicated parking needs. The combination of
exRandin-g the activities and p rking be.y -Qnd the existing grass area will
undoubtedly increase traffic jeopardize an
,priva�v d security of the neighboring
hom cont bute to further noise poll ution create ligl��ollution (should the
fields /courts provide lighting for play during non daylight periods) and provide
additional areas loitering
Comments on the "play area The playground areas in many of the Cupertino
and neighboring San Jose parks have installed new equipment that provides
enhanced activities and aesthetic appeal to the user and observer. The next closest
park that has updated playgrounds for young children is located at Brookglen
Park (one mile and many cross streets from Kevin Moran Park). We believe that
the local Kevin Moran community, in Saratoga, deserves the enhancement and
beautification of the playground area for the children. The replacement and
addition to the current equipment would improve the existing area and would not
degrade the surrounding streets/homes as described above.
Comments on the "par course Installation of chin -up bars, sit -up stations,
stretching stations, et. al., is useful by all ages and clearly blends with the natural
beauty of the park.
We believe, as we are certain you and the local Kevin Moran Park community do
as well, that the beauty of a park lies within the trees, grass, and general serenity;
not in black/green topped areas, activity lights, bleachers, and cyclone fencing.
These facilities are best located at schools and areas not surrounded by a
residential area.
Please consider, digest, and communicate our feelings at the upcoming meeting
on October 2.
Brian Mary Robertson
12345 Saraglen Dr.
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 253 -2207
As residents of the Kevin Moran Park community, we the undersigned, concur at
minimum, with the positions stated in the letter to Dan Trinidad from the
Robertson's, dated September 28, 1989.
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