HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2009 PRC Agenda Packet
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA
DATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall
Warner Hutton House
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order
Roll Call
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was
properly posted on September 3, 2009.
Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2.
Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any
matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up three minutes. Commissioners may not
comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
Commissioner Announcements
Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the July 14, 2009
meeting.
Staff Reports: (This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.)
1. Claudia Cauthorn, Interim Recreation and Facilities Director
2. Crystal Morrow, Staff Liaison
Old Business:
1. Azule Park – Petanque Court Location
Issue: The PRC has been asked to recommend a location for a petanque court in Azule Park.
Action: PRC will recommend a location for the petanque court.
New Business:
2. Children’s Heritage Garden, Farm, and Heritage Trail
Issue: Kathryn Mathewson and Betty Peck are leading an effort to purchase a piece of property
in Saratoga and hope to turn the site into a City park called the Children’s Heritage
Garden, Farm, and Heritage Trail. Doing so will require that the Council formally accept
the donation of land and designate it as a City park. Consequently, Matthewson and
Peck are seeking a recommendation from the PRC to the Council to accept the land and
designate it as park space should the property be obtained.
Action: PRC will make a recommendation to the City Council on whether or not to accept and
then designate the proposed Children’s Heritage Garden, Farm, and Heritage Trail site
as park space, should the property be acquired and donated to the City.
3. Amendment to Facility Use Policy and Fee Schedule
Issue: With the upcoming completion of the renovations of Fellowship Hall at the North
Campus, the City has started drafting a use policy for the North Campus to determine
appropriate use and hours of operation for the City facility. Additionally, the completion
Kevin Moran Park requires an update to the fee schedule to allow the City to charge for
rental of this park. The City Council is currently scheduled to take action on the
amendments to the facility use policy and fee schedule at the October 21, 2009 City
Council Meeting.
Action: PRC will make a recommendation to the City Council on the facility use policy for the
North Campus and fee schedule for Kevin Moran Park.
4. Joint Meeting Wrap Up
Issue: On September 3, 2009, the City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission held a joint
meeting. During the meeting, the PRC members presented ideas for the Commission’s
future and received feedback from the Council on these proposals.
Action: PRC will review the joint meeting, discuss opportunities for the future, and update the
Commission work plan if necessary.
5. Park Adoption Plan
Issue: At the July meeting, the Commission indicated an interest in creating a plan that would
allow Commissioners to adopt City parks and monitor assigned parks for any issues.
Action: PRC will develop park adoption plan and make park assignments.
Commissioner Reports
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ November 10, 2009
Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability‐
related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at
408.868.1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business
day before the start of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Note:
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Parks
and Recreation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the City
Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials distributed by staff after the
posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of the City Manager at the time they are
distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Certificate of Posting of Agenda:
I, Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the
meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on September 3, 2009 at the
office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at
that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
MINUTES
DATE: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall
Warner Hutton House
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order – 6:31 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Goldberg, Soukup, Johnson
Absent: Bruno, Wilson
Staff: Cauthorn, Cherbone, and Morrow
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was
properly posted on July 9, 2009.
Accept Agenda Items: No additional items may be added pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2.
Oral & Written Communication: Any member of the public may address the Commission about any
matter not on the agenda for this meeting for up three minutes. Commissioners may not
comment on the matter, but may choose to place the topic on a future agenda.
‐ No public comments
Commissioner Announcements
‐ Goldberg announced that the Kevin Moran Park Grand Opening will be held on July 17, 2009 at
4:00 p.m.
Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the May 12, 2009
meeting.
‐ SOUKUP: MOVED TO APPROVE AS PRESENTED
‐ JOHNSON: SECOND
‐ APPROVED: 3‐0
Staff Reports: (This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.)
1. John Cherbone, Director of Public Works
‐ Cherbone reported that Public Works is doing some detail work before the opening of Kevin
Moran Park on July 17, 2009. Work includes repainting signs, light poles, and placing picnic
tables.
‐ Cherbone added that he expects work on Joe’s Trail to start in the fall after the City receives an
agreement from the Santa Clara Valley Water District to start work. Once the agreement is
signed, the City will put the project out to bid.
2. Crystal Morrow, Staff Liaison
‐ Morrow reported that the City will be holding a garage sale on August 8, 2009 and encouraged
Parks and Recreation Commissioners to participate.
Old Business:
1. Preparation for Joint Meeting with Saratoga City Council
Issue: The City Council conducts joint meetings with each Saratoga Commission. The PRC is
scheduled to meet with the Council on September 2, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the
administrative conference room at City Hall.
Action: PRC will continue to prepare several discussion items for the joint meeting.
‐ Goldberg noted that she wanted to use this opportunity to refine discussion items for the joint
meeting with the Saratoga City Council.
‐ Johnson asked if the Commission has an annual brainstorming session and suggested that the
Commission hold a meeting to develop ideas about the needs and interests of the City related to
Parks and Recreation.
‐ Soukup added that he really hoped to get a better get idea of what the Council thinks the
Commission should be focused on.
‐ Goldberg indicated that she would like to see if the Commission should update the parks and
trail master plan. She added that the Commission could do the update rather than paying a
consultant to do it.
‐ Johnson asked if the Commission could play a role in tree planting in City parks.
‐ Goldberg added that in the past, the PRC had identified potential locations for benches in City
parks. The commission could do something similar with trees.
‐ Johnson also suggested that the PRC could create beautification plans for public property.
‐ Johnson noted that some of the City’s parks have undeveloped areas and suggested that the
PRC consider creating plans for these undeveloped areas.
‐ Johnson suggested that each Commissioner be assigned to adopt a park and notify staff if there
are any problems or areas for improvement.
‐ Goldberg said that this is something that the Commission used to do and asked that park
assignments be added to the September agenda.
‐ Goldberg summarized the list of items to be discussed with the City Council:
o Facilitate tree planting and beautification in parks or on City property
o Parks and trails master plan update
o Supporting recreation programs
o Community events that encourage residents to use parks
o Plans for portions of City parks that are undeveloped
o Inventory parks and determine their needs, such as addition of benches or tree
plantings
o Evaluate the City’s park dedication fees and determine if the City is charging the
appropriate amount
2. North Campus Naming Process
Issue: The Council has directed the PRC to lead a public process to name the North Campus.
Action: PRC will finalize plans for the public process to name the North Campus.
‐ Goldberg suggested that the naming process start after Labor Day.
‐ Soukup agreed with Goldberg’s suggestion.
‐ Goldberg explained that the rules for submission and evaluation require that names have either
a historical or environmental connection to the site.
‐ Goldberg suggested that she and Morrow work together on creating a flyer and submission
form. Once created, Morrow will send both to the Commission for comments.
‐ SOUKUP: MOVED THAT GOLDBERG AND MORROW CREATE A FLYER STATING THE PURPOSE OF
THE NORTH CAMPUS NAMING PROCESS, THE RULES FOR SUBMITTAL, PROPOSAL DROP OFF
LOCATIONS, A WEB ADDRESS WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET MORE INFORMATION OR SUBMIT
NAMES, AND A CONTACT THAT THE PUBLIC CAN REACH FOR MORE INFORMATION. IN
ADDITION TO THE FLYER, CONTENT FOR A WEB PAGE AND A PRESS RELEASE SHOULD BE
CREATED AND PUBLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL SHOULD BE AT
LEAST A MONTH AFTER THE FLYER IS PUBLISHED OR UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER,
WHICHEVER IS LONGER.
‐ JOHNSON: SECOND
‐ APPROVED: 3‐0
New Business:
3. Informational Report on Proposed Installation of a Petanque Court in Azule Park
Issue: The PRC has been asked to consider public input on the location of the court in the park
and recommend a location for the court to City staff. This report on the proposed
petanque court at Azule Park is intended to prepare the Commission for a decision at
the September meeting.
Action: Informational item, no action necessary.
‐ Devin Utter, Saratoga resident, suggested potential petanque court locations in Azule Park,
including suggestions for court sizes and amenities. Utter added that while petanque can be
played on virtually any surface, the most commonly used surface is gravel over packed rock.
‐ Goldberg commented that when that the Commission visited Azule Park and looked at proposed
locations, the site east of the tennis court appeared to be the best location as it did not require
removal of the horseshoe pits or picnic benches.
‐ Cherbone added that the cheapest option is to build the petanque court on the site east of the
tennis court; removing grass, concrete, or park furniture would add costs to the project.
‐ Cherbone noted that staff is currently in the process of determining what could be built with the
$20,000 the City received from Monte Sereno. He expects work to being in the fall or winter.
4. Recreation Program Enrollment
Issue: During the January 2009 PRC meeting, the Commission decided to discuss opportunities
to help increase enrollment in Saratoga’s recreation programs.
Action: Discuss and create a plan to help encourage residents to enroll in the City’s recreation
programs.
‐ Cauthorn reported on the Recreation and Facilities Department’s marketing plan, which she
developed with staff several months ago. She added that every city recreation department is
seeing a decline in enrollment, partly due to the economy and also due to increased
competition.
‐ Cauthorn added that the PRC could help the Department’s outreach efforts by going to public
venues, such as Chamber of Commerce events and the local Farmers’ Market, to promote
Recreation programs and answer questions.
‐ Cauthorn indicated that If Commissioners are willing to outreach to the community then staff
can provide Commissioners with upcoming event dates, informational packets, and Recreation
marketing materials.
‐ Cauthorn also noted that enrollment is actually picking up this summer.
‐ Goldberg asked which events PRC members could attend to encourage registration in
Recreation programs.
‐ Cauthorn suggested farmers’ markets, Chamber of Commerce events, Village events, and
neighborhood association meetings and events.
5. September Meeting Date
Issue: Currently, the PRC is scheduled to meet on September 8, 2009. Because Labor Day is
September 7, 2009, Commission Chair Goldberg has suggested moving the date of the
meeting to September 22, 2009.
Action: PRC will determine whether or not to reschedule the September meeting.
‐ Goldberg asked if the Commission wanted to reschedule the September meeting date, since
September 7th is Labor Day.
‐ The Commission agreed to keep the meeting date on September 8, 2009.
6. Proposed Ordinance Amending the City Code Requirements for Park Dedication and Fees
Issue: On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, the Saratoga City Council will be asked to adopt
amendments to the City Code that will increase parkland dedications from a ratio of
three acres per 1,000 residents to five acres per 1,000 residents. Additional changes to
the Code that will ensure it complies with State law are also being proposed.
Action: PRC will review the proposed ordinance and make a recommendation to the City
Council.
‐ Cherbone indicated that this agenda item is primarily administrative. It will bring the City’s Code
into compliance with the General Plan in regards to park dedication and fees.
‐ SOUKUP: MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT.
‐ JOHNSON: SECOND
‐ APPROVED: 3‐0
Commissioner Reports
‐ Goldberg provided an update on Kevin Moran Park grand opening events.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ No additional items for the next meeting.
‐
Adjournment – 9:03 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga – City Manager’s Office
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 8, 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Azule Park—Petanque Court Location
After Council approved installation of a petanque court in Azule Park, the Parks and Recreation
Commission (PRC) was asked to make a recommendation on the location of the proposed
court. The City has allocated $20,000 towards installation of a petanque court in Azule Park.
Two sites in the park have been identified as potential locations. The proposed locations for the
petanque court are listed here:
‐ Site 1: east of the tennis court
o Between the tennis court and the paved path that runs through the park
o Dimensions of the court are 30 feet by 80 feet (2400 square feet)
o Installation at this site is expected to be less expensive than Site 2
‐ Site 2: north of the tennis court
o A horseshoe pit is currently located at this site
o Dimensions of the court are 40 feet by 65 feet (2600 square feet)
Playing Petanque:
Similar to English lawn bowling or Italian bocce ball, French petanque is usually played on a
hard dirt or gravel surface. The ideal surface is neither too soft nor too hard, allowing the
petanque balls to roll appropriately. Many petanque courts are made of decomposed granite
and have surface similar to a baseball diamond. While regulation courts are only 13 feet by 50
feet, recreational courts are often built much larger to accommodate more players.
Petanque can be played with as little as 2 people or in teams. The goal of the game is to toss a
hollow metal ball, a boule, as close as possible to a smaller target ball called a jack. Players can
also aim to knock the boules of their opponents away from the jack. One point is awarded for
each of the boules of a single team that lies between the jack and the best placed boule of the
opposing team. The first team to reach 13 points wins the game.
Attachment:
‐ Resident proposal for size and location of a petanque court in Azule Park
Recommendations for Petanque Area
Size and Location at Azule Park
The regulation size court for petanque tournament play is 13 feet wide by 50 feet long (4
meters by 15 meters) or 650 square feet. However, only 4 to 6 people play on a
tournament court. This is too small for a recreational petanque area.
For family or recreational play, we recommend the petanque area be sized for two large
games. Each game could have as many as 10 players, so each game area should be
roughly equivalent to two regulation sized courts.
This is equivalent to a total area of 2600 square feet. This is our recommended goal for a
petanque area at Azule Park.
Two locations at Azule will accommodate a petanque area very close to this goal with the
least impact to existing park activities. One location is alongside the tennis court. A
court 30 feet wide by 80 feet long (2400 square feet) fits nicely in this area. A par
exercise station and three small trees would have to be relocated.
The second location is the horseshoe pit area. A court 40 feet wide by 65 feet long (2600
square feet) fits in this area if the horseshoe pits and tables are relocated.
We recommend either one of these two locations. (See attached sketch.)
Other park locations are also possible, but might involve removal of existing grass.
We also recommend the following features:
• Terrain: three inches of crushed rock plus three inches of grey decomposed
granite, at grade (not perfectly level but conforming to existing grade)
• 4 x 4 wood-border
• One entry for wheelchair access
• Two benches or tables
• Shade trees
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SARATOGA CHILDRENS GARDEN, FARM AND HISTORICAL
CREEK TRAIL PROPOSAL (September 2009)
1. THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN: Buckman property, 14285 Saratoga Avenue: 1.3 acres with
a 1920s wooden arts and crafts building; the land is owned by Eric Buckman. It is adjacent to the
Peck Historical Garden with its many children and nature programs.
2. THE FARM: Santa Clara Valley Water District 3.5 acres with entrance on Walnut Avenue.
Much of it is flat and sunny with about 1650 ft. of creek trail natural areas.
3. HISTORICAL CREEK TRAIL: The proposal is for a natural base trail along the north side
of the creek on the Water District right of way. It will be on the edge of three privately owned
parcels of land. Two are on Arbeleche Lane (one is a 7 unit HUD project) and the third is at
Neales Hollow on Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd. The creek trail between the Village and the farm and
is about 1100 feet (one-quarter mile) to the Village. It will connect to the high school through the
Farm and along two Alta Vista Ave. blocks.
STEPS WE ARE AND PLAN TO TAKE
1. We have prepared preliminary plans, aerials, and background information/history for the
three parts of the proposal. Eric Buckman owns the land on Saratoga Avenue, is supportive
of the plans, and has cleared pathways for visitors to view the land. His parents were teachers
and his father was one of Willys Peck’s best friends. The urgency is because Eric needs
money and is beginning to work with developers whose desire is to place condominiums
on his land immediately.
2. We have met with the Water District to help solve some of the creek’s problems and
discuss our proposal. They have agreed to allow a trail from the Farm along the Saratoga
Creek to the Village and to giving the City their 3.5 acres for a farm.
3. We are educating Saratoga citizens about the uniqueness, importance, and
timeliness of this plan. This is done by discussing the plans in the Peck’s home, taking
people on a portion or all of the trail and into the properties, and showing them a slide
show. We desire to gain support from Saratoga residents and to develop a volunteer
support group and raise money.
4. In September and early October 2009 the plans and information will be presented to
the Saratoga Parks and Trails Commissions and the City Council. The goal is to get
their approval to allow these parcels of land to become Saratoga parks.
5. Upon receiving notice that the City will allow the two parcels of land into the city’s park
system, we will immediately go to the Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Mid
Peninsula Open Space District to obtain the $4.4 million to purchase the Buckman
land. For over 30 years TPL has been helping governments save important parcels of
land which are in danger of development. They have indicated a strong interest in this
multi disciplinary approach to creating a unique necklace of urban open spaces.
6. We would also like to establish a foundation to help develop and maintain these city
parks and to create unique and needed children and nature programs building on the Peck
legacy. It would be headquartered in the Buckman historical home.
For further information contact: Betty or Anna Peck Rainville at 408-867-3156
BettyPeck@aol.com or Kathryn Mathewson at 408-292-9595 kmathewson@secretgardens.com
SARATOGA CHILDREN’S GARDEN AND FARM
ON SARATOGA CREEK TRAIL
September 2009
ACTIVITIES FOR BOTH CHILDREN’S GARDEN AND FARM
Growing food, harvesting, preserving, storage, cooking, sales
Picnicking, eating, BBQ
Nature art and crafts (baskets, birdhouses, wreaths, dies for painting, cards, jewelry,
sculpture, painting, poetry, paper making
Growing seeds, flowers, grasses, gourds, bulbs for activities
Making pottery and wood projects
Collecting and saving seeds
Educational programs and tours (especially for schools)
Water oriented education (testing, education, observation, and springs)
Dancing and games in the native grass meadow
Story Telling
Hiding and crawling places (dwarf buildings, caves, holes in trees, willow tunnels)
Outdoor Theatre for dance, music, and poetry performances
Outdoor classrooms
Play, walking, observing nature and exploring everywhere
Parking for cars and bikes
CHILDREN’S GARDEN SPACE IDEAS
Adventure Playground
Secret Garden
Fairy Garden
Tree house, Playhouses
Wind in the Willows Garden
Plants with stories and history
Plants with unusual shapes, seeds, flowers, or colors
Native Woodland and Riparian Gardens plants
Wildlife Garden for food and habitat (birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, bees, bats)
Fragrant Garden Plants
Drought and Water Gardens
Touching Garden
Aviary
Poetry Garden
Fantasy Sculptural Garden
Main House as Foundation office and educational area
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2
FARM SPACE IDEAS
Orchard
Vegetable Garden
Flowers, Herbs
Cold Frames for winter food growing
Barn (square dances, classes, performances, community events)
Windmill
May Pole Dancing
Big Meadow for events and gatherings
Trails along the creek and that connect to the high school and Village
Cultural Gardens (Latino, Chinese, East Indian)
Environmental Garden (solar, electric cars, compost and healthy soil)
Woodland garden along the creek
Demonstration area for native plants and how to use them (especially the native
American Indian culture)
Native Indian Village along creek
Aquarium and pond for fish
Bridge over creek that connects to Children’s Heritage Garden
Plants that attract beneficial insects around the perimeters of the gardens
Picnic Tables
Parking for Bikes and Cars
Note: All paths and garden rooms to have natural materials such as wood chips or leaves.
September 3, 2009
Dear Commissioners and Council Members,
At a time when the term “nature deficit disorder” describes the growing
disconnect between children and the natural world, a unique opportunity is
presenting itself here in Saratoga. This city nestled against the foothills and
once part of an agricultural legacy of the Santa Clara Valley still holds the
possibility for nature to serve as a quiet teacher and to be a model for children’s
good health and well being. While a call to save the environment, the rainforest
and endangered wildlife persists, there is open space within our own city limits
that deserves attention.
The proposal has many levels. The big picture is a children’s garden and farm with an
educational center on creekside property with a trial connecting to the Village. There are
potentially three combined properties within walking distance of several public and
private schools.
The garden/farm would allow children and their families to become stewards of
the earth as they learn to grow vegetables, fruits and grains and participate in
the cycles of the year. Good health also comes through healthy play in nature.
The proposal calls for designated play areas. Educational programs
emphasizing ecological and environmental awareness, crafts and activities are
part of the big picture.
The Saratoga Creek runs through the proposed site bringing a new dimension
of preserving and utilizing the creek as a community asset.
The inspiration for the proposal comes from the many cultural and educational
events held by my parents, Betty and Willys Peck, at the Peck Heritage
Gardens. As a life-long Saratoga resident, my father has witnessed the
changing landscape of the valley. Through his writing, his role as Town
Historian and involvement with the Historical Foundation, he has helped
preserve the qualities of the town he loves so well. I grew up in a garden where
his interests in trains, theater and printing came to life. My mother's passion for
children and gardens has bloomed in many ways through the founding of the
Los Gatos Saratoga Observation Nursery School, the Saratoga Community
Garden and her own Kindergarten at Saratoga School. She continues her
celebration of life through the quarterly Kindergarten Forum, the annual May
Day gathering, the weekly salon and many other welcoming activities. My
1
2
parents, both authors and creative forces for building a vibrant sense of
community, love Saratoga. Their legacy will continue to grow through this
proposal.
Please come to see the plans and walk the land. There are organized walks on Friday
mornings at 10 or please call to make other arrangements before your respective
meetings.
Your interests and questions are important. For further information contact
Betty Peck at (408) 867-3156, bettypeck@aol.com or Kathryn Mathewson at
(408) 292- 9595, kmathewson@secretgardens.com.
I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Anna Peck Rainville
14275 Saratoga Avenue,
Saratoga, CA
(408) 872-1456
annarainville@aol.com
1
Crystal Morrow
From:Kathryn Mathewson [kmathewson@secretgardens.com]
Sent:Thursday, September 03, 2009 1:50 PM
To:Crystal Morrow
Cc:annarainville@aol.com; 'Betty Peck'
Subject:Children's Garden, Farm, and Saratoga Heritage Creek Trail info
Attachments:Saratoga Creek Trail, Farm, Children's Garden.doc; Saratoga Creek.pdf; Saratoga Children's
Garden Ideas.doc; Saratoga Anna's Letter to City 9-09.doc
TO: Chrystal Morrow and Parks and Recreation Commissioners:
We are looking forward to presenting our plans for the Children's Garden, Farm, and Saratoga Heritage Creek Trail
Presentation on September 8, 2009 at 6:30 pm. Our minimal goal for this meeting is to get your approval to include two
parcels of land along Saratoga Creek (Water District's 3.5 acres and Buckman family at 1.3 acres) into the Saratoga parks
system and send your support to the City Council. This is urgent because the Buckman property is in danger of being
developed into condominiums. To get funding from the Trust for Public Land we need City Council support for this.
The development and maintenance of these parcels will be similar to what the City of Saratoga has with the Hakone
Japanese Garden. This means a foundation will develop the land, provide programs to the public, and maintain the two
parcels.
To allow you opportunity to study our proposal I am sending you in advance the following:
1. Proposal Description and the steps we are taking
2. 4 plans (Property lines and public ownerships, Historical notes and current usage and problems,Master Plan for the
Creek Trail and the Farm, and Master Plan for the Children's Garden)
3. Aerial of the area showing property lines
4. Proposed Activities and space ideas for the Children's Garden and Farm
5. Email from Anna Peck Rainville with an invitation to walk the land
6. 2 published articles by Anna Peck Rainville regarding the importance of children and nature today
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email me, Betty Peck (408-867-3156) or Anna Rainville Peck (
Kathryn Mathewson
408-292-9595
kmathewson@secretgardens.com
1
Crystal Morrow
From:annarainville@aol.com
Sent:Thursday, September 03, 2009 2:12 PM
To:Iveta Harvancik; Crystal Morrow
Subject: correctedFwd: Children's Garden, Farm and Heritage Creek Trail Invitation to Walk the Land
Hello: I have corrected Kathryn's email address on this version. This would be the one to send out, please.
Thank you so much.
anna
-----Original Message-----
From: annarainville@aol.com
To: cmorrow@saratoga.ca.us; iharvancik@saratoga.ca.us
Sent: Thu, Sep 3, 2009 10:50 am
Subject: re: Children's Garden, Farm and Heritage Creek Trail Invitation to Walk the Land
Dear Commissioners and Council Members,
At a time when the term “nature deficit disorder” describes the growing disconnect between
children and the natural world, a unique opportunity is presenting itself here in Saratoga. This city
nestled against the foothills and once part of an agricultural legacy of the Santa Clara Valley s till
holds the possibility for nature to serve as a quiet teacher and to be a model for children’s good
health and well being. While a call to save the environment, the rainforest and endangered wildlife
persists, there is open space within our own city limits that deserves attention.
The proposal has many levels. The big picture is a children’s garden and farm with an educational
center on creekside property with a trial connecting to the Village. There are potentially three
combined properties within walking distance of several public and private schools.
The garden/farm would allow children and their families to become stewards of the earth as they
learn to grow vegetables, fruits and grains and participate in the cycles of the year. Good health
also comes through healthy play in nature. The proposal calls for designated play areas.
Educational programs emphasizing ecological and environmental awareness, crafts and activities
are part of the big picture.
The Saratoga Creek runs through the proposed site bringing a new dimension of preserving and
utilizing the creek as a community asset.
The inspiration for the proposal comes from the many cultural and educational events held by my
parents, Betty and Willys Peck, at the Peck Heritage Gardens. As a life-long Saratoga resident, my
father has witnessed the changing landscape of the valley. Through his writing, his role as Town
Historian and involvement with the Historical Foundation, he has helped preserve the qualities of
the town he loves so well. I grew up in a garden where his interests in trains, theater and printing
2
came to life. My mother's passion for children and gardens has bloomed in many ways through the
founding of the Los Gatos Saratoga Observation Nursery School, the Saratoga Community Garden
and her own Kindergarten at Saratoga School. She continues her celebration of life through the
quarterly Kindergarten Forum, the annual May Day gathering, the weekly salon and many other
welcoming activities. My parents, both authors and creative forces for building a vibrant sense of
community, love Saratoga. Their legacy will continue to grow through this proposal.
Please come to see the plans and walk the land. There are organized walks on Friday mornings at
10 or please call to make other arrangements before your respective meetings.
Your interests and questions are important. For further information contact Betty Peck at (408)
867-3156, bettypeck@aol.com or Kathryn Mathewson at (408) 292- 9595,
kmathewson@secretgardens.com.
I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Anna Peck Rainville
(408) 872-1456
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National Kindergarten Alliance
P.O. Box 309, Agua Dulce, Texas 78330
Connecting Children to Nature
April 15, 2008
Dear Members and Friends of the National Kindergarten Alliance,
As kindergarten teachers, we know that nature has always been one of our first teachers.
Through a richness of diversity in patterns, textures, forms, and color, she graciously serves a feast for
our senses, the faithful turning of seasons and the lawful cycle of life. On her beaches, under her
canopies, even in her relentless and abiding presence in cities and sidewalk cracks, nature patiently
invites us to participate. Powers of observation are honed, limbs exercised, senses nourished, feelings
quickened and wonder awakened. What more could we want for the young child?
This letter is to inform you that April has been designated Children and Nature Awareness Month by the
Children and Nature Network (C&NN), a national organization catapulted to the forefront following the
overwhelming response to Richard Louv’s timely book, The Last Child in the Woods: Saving our
Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. Concerns for children’s health have caused communities to
organize and work collaboratively; there are currently 47 regional movements across the country
dedicated to reconnecting children with nature.
In January 2008, I was privileged to represent the National Kindergarten Alliance at one of these
collaborative meetings at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation in Mountain View, CA. My
colleagues included the head of pediatrics at Kaiser Permanente, the director of the Alliance for
Childhood, professors from Stanford’s Department of Education, representatives from Hooked on
Nature, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, London’s Adventure Playgrounds, The Health Trust and
Healthy Silicon Valley, Children and Nature Network and Children in Nature. It was inspiring to hear the
work in progress on behalf of the wellbeing of the young child through advocacy in play, health,
education and nature.
How can our scripted lessons compare with watching hatching chicks, tasting the first falling snow,
smelling the freshness of evergreen branches, and hearing the hoot of an owl in an old growth forest?
The National Kindergarten Alliance encourages you to take the initiative to reconnect children with
nature. As kindergarten teachers we can nurture children’s relationship with nature through the joy of
discovering the first sprout peeking through the soil, the crunching of dried leaves along trails, or the
feeling of mud between our toes in creeks. We live in a time when such experiences must be
intentional for the health of children and the future of the earth. Included you will find a list of resources
for reference and practical suggestions for the fortunate children in your care.
Sincerely,
Anna Rainville
for the Board of Directors of the National Kindergarten Alliance
National Kindergarten Alliance – Leading Kindergarten in the 21st Century
Fax: 361-998-2333 www.nkateach.org
RESOURCES
The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support the people and
organizations working to reconnect children with nature. C&NN provides access to the latest news and
research in the field and a peer-to-peer network of researchers and individuals, educators and
organizations dedicated to children's health and well-being.
Children and Nature 2008: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World
http://www.cnaturenet.org/uploads/CNMovement.pdf
A valuable C&NN resource includes an executive summary of two volumes and over forty research
reports that include a full citation and a PDF if available, or a link to each study in its entirety, or contact
information if the study is not available online. The first volume focuses on the benefits of nature and the
second volume on evidence of changes in children’s experience of nature.
http://www.cnaturenet.org/research/volumes/C16/16
April marks the release of the second edition of "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from
Nature-Deficit Disorder," by Richard Louv. This revised edition includes a "Field Guide" with 100
practical actions we can take; 35 discussion points for book groups, classrooms, and communities; new
and updated research from the U.S. and abroad; and a progress report on the movement
The web site for Richard Louv has compiled helpful resources for parents, teachers, and community
leaders to help them encourage children's enjoyment of the great outdoors. These resources include
Nature Activities for Kids and Families, Good Books for Kids and Families, and Helpful Links.
http://richardlouv.com/children-nature-resources
National Wildlife Federation has created a wonderful website introducing the “Green Hour”. By giving
our children a "Green Hour" a day -- a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural
world -- we can set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
http://www.greenhour.org/
The Health Benefits of Parks - As the nation's leading conservation group creating parks in and around
cities, The Trust for Public Land launched its Parks for People initiative in the belief that every American
child should enjoy convenient access to a nearby park or playground. This new, fully footnoted white
paper—The Health Benefits of Parks: How Parks Help Keep Americans and Their Communities Fit and
Healthy—draws from the latest research and topics include:
• Parks, greenways, and trails enable and encourage people to exercise.
• Exposure to nature improves psychological and social health.
• Play is critical for child development.
• Parks help build healthy, stable communities.
http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=21053&folder_id=175
The Alliance for Childhood promotes policies and practices that support children’s healthy
development, love of learning, and joy in living. Their public education campaigns bring to light both the
promise and the vulnerability of childhood. On the website is information about a new 55-minute PBS
documentary, produced by Michigan Television, now available for public screenings by schools,
universities, and community organizations. The brainchild of Elizabeth Goodenough, the film examines
the social and technological trends that conspire to rob children of their birthright: time and opportunity
for unstructured, spontaneous play, especially outdoors in nature.
http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/
Thanks to Mary Roscoe of Children in Nature Collaborative (info@cincbayarea.org) for compiling the list of resources.
Think Globally, Play Locally:
A Coast-to-Coast Perspective of Reclaiming Play Spaces and Play
By Anna Rainville
for the Alliance for Childhood, November 8, 2008
first published in ecology.com
A brilliant blue-sky Sunday afternoon in June: a perfect day to search for secret gardens
in Manhattan’s lower east side. Here are some of the carefully tended treasures of a city
that holds 600 community green spaces. On this Sunday, my two companions and I with
map and lists in hand were in search of places where children play. What we found were
a surprising number of community gardens where, clearly, the adults were having as
much fun as the children working in the plots or sharing a freshly harvested meal while
the children played along the sheltered paths or under drooping willow branches. Near an
outcropping of huge boulders, I heard young voices coming from inside a large bush.
Suddenly two heads popped out of the broad-leafed fort, giggled at the sight of surprised
spectators and disappeared under the green. I caught a glimpse of the same sprightly two
making their way over a trail of stepping stones leading to a lower level of the garden.
This small section of the city block, transformed by willing neighbors, sparked the
children’s imaginations and inspired their play. How rewarding to find such refreshment
just down the street and around the corner!
One can almost anticipate the presence of a garden in the neighborhood by the sudden
change of density. In a city whose foundation is so tightly sealed any exposed portion of
earth sends out a cry of delight! Instead of towering brick buildings-- an unexpected
patch of sky, a fresh waft of scents, leafy greens and shimmering light through stately
branches against a high fence with a gate and sign of welcome. Each garden whether on
a spacious corner lot or tucked between crowded dwellings serves a neighborhood
providing a place for both children and adults to spend time in nature. Their history
harkens back to the ‘70’s when residents whose interest in changing the quality of
neighborhoods resulted in claiming neglected or abandoned lots and turning them into
gardens. Organizations, such as Green Thumb, Green Guerillas and the New York
Restoration Project, formed at that time and continue to be key players in the greening of
the city. Their efforts provide essential venues where children and nature meet.
While children of the lower East Side are at play in the community gardens, across the
country in the West, another greening is taking place. Recently I attended a conference in
San Francisco sponsored by San Francisco Green Schoolyard Alliance. The room, lined
with tables representing area schools and organizations, hummed with stories, advice, and
encouragement for transforming blacktops, rooftops and empty lots into thriving gardens
and play spaces. School play grounds, with emphasis on play and ground, are
experiencing a revival as community gathering places. New designs and priorities address
an expanded sense of play and the urgency for reconnecting with nature. Guest speaker,
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature
Deficit Disorder, commended the participants on their vision and perseverance on behalf
of the health of our children and planet. By naming the dilemma, Louv has galvanized
many existing children-in-nature advocacy groups to join forces. Currently more than
forty such regional movements are bringing together people in the areas of health and
education and the environment.
One example is in Silicon Valley where Children in Nature Collaborative hosted an
October event for over 80 guests, including 35 organizations, all guided by their
commitment to the healthy child. Bouquets of garden flowers and tall grasses, a delicious
autumnal lunch, time for conversation, consideration of a strategic plan for local action
and inspiration from lawmakers, social activists and designers all combined to create an
atmosphere heralding change and meaning for the youngest earth stewards. A festive
mood prevailed, the kind where one knows the right thing is about to happen.
Over the last few months, from coast to coast, I have been very encouraged to meet
with individuals and corporations who are passionate about their advocacy for children,
play and nature. However, there remains a gnawing concern for those who are working
every day with our children: the teachers. As a board member of the National
Kindergarten Alliance, I hear distressing accounts of diminishing recess opportunities,
scripted lessons, premature academic expectations, and the decrease of unstructured play
in favor of more instructional time. At the fall meeting, the topic of play and the impact
made by its absence in school and home settings revealed a startling urgency. One
member, Penny Pillack, a former kindergarten teacher and now principal of a school in
south Texas, commented that 85-90% of the disciplinary referrals to her office are from
the unstructured play time. Children, losing the ability to develop social and conflict
resolution skills through the art of playing, resort to physical and violent alternatives.
Marilyn Murdock, a long-time Alabama kindergarten teacher, observed that four and five
year olds entering kindergarten have no “walkin’around sense,” a phenomena she
attributes to the lack of unstructured play time. The rigorous curriculum barrels ahead
without the necessary breathing spaces for play let alone time outside.
The question is always, how does one manifest change? My two companions in the
June garden search are leaders in that realm: Joan Almon, co-founder and co-director of
the Alliance for Childhood and Penny Wilson, playworker from London’s Adventure
Playgrounds. Joan, recognized internationally for her years of experience in early
childhood education, speaks eloquently about child development and the need for play.
Led by Joan and co-founder and co-director of the Alliance for Childhood, Ed Miller, the
Alliance’s current campaign centers on unstructured play with all its manifestations.
Besides facilitating play, Penny is adept at inviting people of all ages to recall and savor
their own play memories as a step towards acknowledging the importance of play for a
healthy foundation. At the first annual conference on play held at Sarah Lawrence
College, Penny led this exercise in such a profound manner that by the time the stories
concluded, the room had transformed into a lush field of possibilities. The incidents of
remembered play spanning decades, outdoors and inside, alone and with friends, spoke
convincingly of the true value and power of play. The experience repeated itself with
workers of the Battery Park Conservancy and the New York City Parks and Recreation.
Reclaiming play spaces in nature and the right for unstructured play go hand in hand:
all research points to a dynamic and successful merge. Take heart in the example of the
downtown Denver Play Plan, an ambitious project underway to create green imaginative
play spaces, large and small, designed for optimum play and community within 1/8 mile
of every city resident. Initiatives like this really do make it possible to think globally
about the greening of the planet and still play locally.
Our biography of place-- the land and unique vegetation which served as the
backdrop for our childhood-- becomes increasingly more important as those sacred places
that live in our memory are bulldozed, developed, eliminated. Preserving green spaces is
not just a national issue: the small, intimate patches of green in backyards and corner lots
require the same respectful concern as the acres of wilderness and wooded havens. Here
is where lessons grow under our feet and all around, inviting us into patient observation
and wonder. As our first teacher, nature informs our senses, expands our capacities and
opens us to mystery. Early impressions of running barefoot over tickling grass, looking
out from one’s perch in a favorite climbing tree or picking fragrant stems of lilac are
carried into our adulthood where, if we are lucky, they remind us to, literally, return to
our senses. For me, images of the backyard creek, wading up and down the pebbly bed,
searching for squirmy pollywogs, and building rock dams and forts from fallen branches
still come alive. My mother, now in her late eighties, still holds the nights she spent as a
farm child sleeping on the hay wagon under the blazing Milky Way of the night sky as
one of the pivotal points in her life.
It is serious business to be a child. Great care must be taken to choose all the right
fundamental experiences from which to grow and thrive. Play is the perfect beginning.
Nature deepens and enhances possibilities. Play in nature is the best gift of all, for
everyone.
Parks & Recreation Commission
TO: Chair: Denise Goldberg
Commission Members:
Vice Chair: Lerry Wilson
Vita Bruno
Mark Johnson
Thomas Soukup
FROM: Interim Recreation & Facilities Director Claudia Cauthorn
DATE: September 8, 2009
SUBJECT: Amendment to Facility Use Policy and Fee Schedule.
____________________________________________________________
Facility Use Policy – North Campus
With the impending completion of the renovations at the North Campus Fellowship Hall, a few
adjustments need to be made to existing facility use policies. In order to craft a policy that will be
effective and meet the needs of both the City and the surrounding neighbors of the North Campus
site, a community engagement process was initiated to gain insight as to the issues that will arise
with the commencement of activities at this location.
A meeting announcement (attached) was sent to all residents within a 300 foot radius of the North
Campus site as well as to known interested parties on August 25, 2009. The announcement was also
posted on the City’s website and a news release was sent to the Saratoga Weekly. The community
meeting took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. in the Administration Wing
(fireside room) of the North Campus. 16 persons were in attendance as well as four staff members.
Staff initiated the meeting by thanking the residents for coming to help construct a use policy that
will meet the needs of all parties. The constraints on crafting this policy are that, given the City’s
financial situation, the North Campus has been looked to as a revenue source and yet due to its’
proximity to the surrounding neighborhood these uses may need to be limited to mitigate traffic and
noise issues that will affect the residents.
A lively and very helpful discussion ensued with the primary concerns of late night hours and the
noise generated from evening uses voiced by residents. The issue of the Taiko drummers practicing
at the site was also discussed and staff has indicated that this group will relocate to the
Administration building once the Fellowship Hall is open and the current occupant in the
Administration Building (an aerobics class) will move to the Fellowship Hall.
The group consensus was that activities should begin no earlier than 8:00 A.M. daily and cease by
9:00 P.M. on weeknights (Sunday through Thursday) and by 10:00 P.M. on weekends (Friday and
Saturday). This means that the event organizers must be cleaned up and all attendees gone from the
premises by the times indicated. These operating hours will enable the City to rent the facilities to
1
2
some of the groups and types of uses currently requested at the Joan Pisani Community Center and
will not cause undue hardship on the surrounding residential neighborhood. It was further agreed
that doors and windows remain closed at all times during events to keep the noise levels to an
acceptable level.
However, the time restraints outlined at the neighborhood meeting will constrain the City’s ability to
generate revenue at this location as it will require that a group will have to end activities by 8:00
P.M. on weeknights and by 9:00 P.M. on weekends in order to clean up and load excess materials
into their vehicles. A good number of the requests currently received for rental uses at the Joan
Pisani Community Center well exceed those limitations. As an example for the period of January 1
through June 30, 2009, fifty-nine rental uses were booked. Thirty-two of these rentals ended after
10:00 P.M. most of which ended at midnight or later. We recently received a call (on 9/2/09) from
the Saratoga Rotary Club wishing to have a special event at the Fellowship Hall with an end time of
10:00 P.M. on a Monday night in November. They are awaiting the outcome of this policy to
determine if they will host their event here or at some other location. Staff is concerned that limiting
the ending time for operations to 9:00 P.M. on weekends (plus the 1 hour needed for clean up,
loading and evacuating the parking lot) will result in significantly fewer uses at the North Campus
than needed to cover operating expenses.
Other issues discussed at the group meeting were keeping the doors and windows closed during
events to prevent noise from leaking out to the neighborhood and enacting a smoking ban at the site
so users would not be inclined to go outside and socialize while smoking (hence eliminating extra
noise). Neighbors indicated that the church that occupied the site previously had an ending time of
9:00 P.M. on weeknights and 10:00 P.M. on weekends plus ½ hour to clear the parking lot of guests.
City staff is in the process of placing “Quite Zone” signs in and around the parking lot to remind
users to be respectful of the neighbors. It was also suggested that a “hot line” be set up where
residents could call for assistance if an event becomes disruptive. The neighbors were also
concerned that there might not be enough parking spaces to accommodate users and that the
overflow parking would intrude into the neighborhood.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is requested to evaluate the findings generated from this
community meeting and to provide input on the operating policy as appropriate. Feedback from the
Parks and Recreation Commission will be included in the Council Report and City Council is
expected to take formal action on this issue at their October 21, 2009 regular meeting.
Fee Schedule – Kevin Moran Park
Additionally now that Kevin Moran Park is complete, a fee schedule for use of that park needs to be
adopted. Staff recommends that the fees be consistent with fees charged for other City of Saratoga
parks. The attached proposed fee schedule is consistent with the fees charged at El Quito,
Wildwood and other City parks. No fee schedule needs to be adopted for the North Campus as fees
were incorporated into the most recent fee schedule.
PARK & FACILITY RENTAL FEES
FY2009/10
Kevin Moran Park Resident Non‐resident
Picnic Area (2) ‐ no Barbeque $35/day/area $50/day/area
Bocce Courts (2) $10/hour/court $15/hour/court
Tennis Court $10/hour $15/hour
North Campus North Campus
Neighborhood MeetingNeighborhood Meetinggggg
When: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Where: North Campus -Admin Building
19849 Prospect Road, Saratogapg
We are approaching completion of the remodeling at the
City’s North Campus site In order to begin activities Citys North Campus site. In order to begin activities
there, we would like your ideas on the scope of activities
and hours for operations. Please join us to share your
thoughts and opinions on this topic.
Light refreshments will be served.
For more information please contact:
City of Saratogayg
Claudia Cauthorn, Interim Recreation Director
868-1250 or ccauthorn@saratoga.ca.us
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 8, 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Joint Meeting Wrap Up
The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) held its joint meeting with the City Council on
September 2, 2009. During the meeting, the PRC presented ideas for the future of the
Commission and received Council response to these proposals. This agenda item has been
created to provide the PRC with the opportunity to review the discussion, explore opportunities
for the Commission, and update the work plan.
The Commission last reviewed its work plan in January 2009. At the time, the work plan only
included items up until July 2009. Items on the work plan created in January included:
‐ Joint Meeting with the Youth Commission (completed March 2009)
‐ Discussion on Recreation Department enrollment (completed July 2009)
‐ Informational report on field use (completed May 2009)
‐ Discussion on Joe’s Trail
‐ Preparation for the joint meeting with the City Council (completed May 2009 and July
2009)
‐ North Campus naming (ongoing)
‐ Observation of Tollgate property developments (ongoing)
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 8, 2009 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Park Adoption Plan
During the July 2009 meeting, the PRC decided to create a park adoption plan for
Commissioners. Each PRC member would be assigned to monitor City parks, record any issues,
and report them to the Public Works Director.
Park Assignments
The City maintains a total of 14 parks/open space areas, which are listed below. The PRC will
need to determine which Commissioners will be responsible for monitoring the parks listed
here.
Park Name Park Location
Azule Park 12777 Goleta Avenue
Beauchamps Park Beauchamps Lane and Bowhill Court
Bellgrove Park Bellgrove Circle
Blaney Plaza/Historical Park 20450 Saratoga‐Los Gatos Road
Brookglen Park 12734 Brookglen Drive
Calabazas Creek Picnic Area Next to 12175 Saratoga Sunnyvale Road
Congress Springs Park 12970 Glen Brae Drive
El Quito Park 12855 Paseo Presada
Foothill Park 20654 Seaton Avenue
Gardiner Park 19085 Portos Drive
Heritage Orchard Saratoga Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue
Kevin Moran Park 12415 Scully Avenue
Ravenwood Park 13830 Ravenwood Drive
Wildwood Park 20764 4th Street
Recording Options
During the discussion on the park adoption plan, it was suggested that each Commissioner use
a park map to indicate problems or issues. Each Commissioner could take the map during
inspections to make record any issues and then give the maps to the Public Works Director.
Schedule
In addition to adopting parks and determining recording options, Commissioners will need to
decide how often parks will be inspected and when results are to be reported to the Public
Works Director.