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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2010 PRC Agenda Packet  City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission AGENDA   DATE: Tuesday, February 23, 2010  TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall  Administrative Conference Room   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 February 16, 2010.     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.  Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the January 12,  2010 meeting.  Old Business:  1. Arbor Day Planning  Issue:  During the PRC’s meeting with Youth Commission representatives in November 2009, the  two groups indicated an interest in working together to coordinate the City’s 2010 Arbor  Day event. At the January meeting, Youth Commission subcommittee returned to  further develop event plans. The PRC’s Arbor Day subcommittee was authorized to  continue working with the Youth Commission to coordinate activities for Arbor Day  Action: PRC will discuss plans for the 2010 Arbor Day, scheduled to take place on April 22, 2010  at 4:00 p.m. in Azule Park.  2. Update on Park and Trail Capital Projects  Issue:  At the January 2010 meeting, the PRC requested an informational report on park and trail  capital projects including Ravenwood Park playground improvements, Azule Park  petanque court, Joe’s trail, and the Tollgate property.  Action: Informational only, no action necessary.  New Business:  3. Soccer Net Storage  Issue:  At the January 2010 PRC Meeting, Commissioner Johnson requested that the Commission  schedule discussion on storage of soccer nets at parks used by soccer leagues for games  or practice. Commissioner Johnson has reviewed soccer net storage options and will be  presenting his findings at the February meeting.  Action: PRC will discuss current soccer net storage at City parks and make a recommendation to  the Public Works Director if necessary.    4. Update on City Council Retreat  Issue: During the January meeting, the PRC requested an informational report on the City  Council Retreat that was held on January 29, 2010.    Action: Informational only, no action necessary.  5. City Council Joint Meeting Agenda  Issue: The PRC will be holding a joint meeting with the City Council on March 3, 2010 at 6:00  p.m. The Council has asked that Commissions develop an agenda for joint meetings and  seek approval of Commission work plans.   Action: The PRC needs to develop an agenda for the meeting, which must include presentation  and request for Council approval of the Commission’s specific work plan.    Commissioner & Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is  informational only; no actions will be taken.)  Agenda Items for Next Meeting  ‐ May 11, 2010  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 February 16, 2010 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, January 12, 2010  TIME: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall  Warner Hutton House  13777 Fruitvale Avenue  Saratoga, CA 95070    Call to Order – 6:04 p.m.    Roll Call  Present: Bruno, Johnson, Soukup, Wilson   Absent: Goldberg  Youth Commission: Kia Fariba, Natasha Morgan‐Witts, Sammy Rao, Ali Wilson  Staff: Henig, Morrow, Taylor     Report on Posting of the Agenda:  Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was  properly posted on January 6, 2010.      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 oral or written communications    Approval of Draft Minutes: Draft Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes for the November 10,  2009 meeting.  ‐ BRUNO: MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FOR THE NOVEMBER 10, 2009 MEETING.  ‐ JOHNSON: SECOND  ‐ APPROVED: 4‐0    Staff Reports:  (This section is informational only; no actions will be taken.)  ‐ Taylor reported that City staff held their retreat the previous week to prepare for the Council  Retreat. Taylor noted that one of the items scheduled for discussion at the Council Retreat is  health and wellness.   ‐ Morrow added that the Council Retreat will be January 29, 2010.         Old Business:  1. Arbor Day Planning with the Youth Commission  Issue:  During the PRC’s meeting with Youth Commission representatives in November 2009, the  two groups indicated an interest in working together to coordinate the City’s 2010 Arbor  Day event. The Youth Commission subcommittee will be returning to further develop  event plans.  Action: PRC will discuss event plans and work with the Youth Commission Subcommittee to plan  the 2010 Arbor Day event.    ‐ PRC members and representatives from the Youth Commission discussed ways in which the two  Commissions could work together to participate in the City’s annual Arbor Day event.   ‐ Members from the Youth Commission suggested working together to find someone to speak at  the event about the environment. The groups also suggested pooling resources to create prizes  for environmentally related games that could be held at the event.   ‐ Morrow indicated she would work with the Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Public Works Director to  determine a date, time, and location for the Arbor Day event.   ‐ SOUKUP: MOVED TO EMPOWER THE ARBOR DAY SUBCOMMITTEE TO START INITIAL  COORDINATE FOR ARBOR DAY EVENT WITH THE YOUTH COMMISSION.   ‐ JOHNSON: SECOND  ‐ APPROVED: 4‐0    2. Tree Planting Opportunities  Issue:  At the November 2009 PRC Meeting, Commissioners began identifying locations to plant  trees on public property. The Commission agreed to finalize the list of recommended  locations at the January 2010 meeting.   Action: PRC will share potential tree planting locations with staff.    ‐ Johnson indicated that he created a Google map of suggested tree planting locations.   ‐ Morrow informed the Commission that several parks do not have tree planting plans. She said  she would send an email to the Commission with the names of the parks without tree planting  plans.    ‐ Wilson suggested that the Commissioners visit the parks without tree planting plans and identify  good locations to plant trees.   ‐ Johnson indicated it would be helpful to know which medians have irrigation and which don’t.     3. Celebrate Nature Work Items  Issue:  At the November 2009 PRC Meeting, the Commission selected three primary focus areas  for its work plan and titled these focus areas “Celebrate Nature”, “Green City USA”, and  “One Saratoga”. The Commission then agreed to schedule each of these focus areas for  the January 2010 meeting so that work items for each area could be developed.   Action: Identify, schedule, and assign responsibility for work items under “Celebrate Nature”.  ‐ Johnson indicated that he felt the 3 overall goals were not clearly defined.   ‐ Wilson suggested defining the goals.   ‐ The Commission agreed that the purpose of “Celebrate Nature” would be to raise awareness  and involvement in Saratoga’s environment. Suggested activities within this goal included:  ‐ Tree planting location suggestions  ‐ Arbor Day  ‐ Labeling tree species in parks  ‐ Nesting boxes (with support of Audubon Society)  ‐ Nature/Environmental lectures  ‐ Creek cleanup  ‐ Labeling the species of trees in City parks    4. Green City USA Work Items  Issue:  Same as previous item.  Action: Identify, schedule, and assign responsibility for work items under “Green City USA”.  ‐ The Commission agreed to consolidate the “Green City USA” goal category with “Celebrate  Nature” and replace “Green City USA” with “Healthy City”.   ‐ The group then decided the purpose of the “Healthy City” goal would be to encourage a  healthy lifestyle in Saratoga through parks and recreation. Suggested activities within this  goal included:  ‐ “Walk a Marathon” (participants would record their walks until they reach the  length of a marathon)  ‐ Promote exercise  ‐ Support recreational programs  ‐ The Commission requested a report back from the Council Retreat discussion on health and  wellness should the Council have any direction to the Commission on this goal area.     5. One Saratoga Work Items  Issue:  Same as previous item.  Action: Identify, schedule, and assign responsibility for work items under “One Saratoga”.  ‐ The Commission discussed the purpose of “One Saratoga” and decided that it would be to  get Saratogans active in the parks and recreation system. Suggested activities within this  goal area included:  ‐ Arbor Day   ‐ Music in the park events, featuring the music groups from local schools  ‐ Participation in the annual tree lighting ceremony  ‐ Participation in the Mustard Faire    New Business:  6. Audubon Society Presentation  Issue: A representative from the Audubon Society will be providing a presentation on the  Audubon Society and nesting boxes. This item is scheduled to be heard at 7:00 p.m.  Action: Informational only, no action necessary.  ‐ Michael Azevedo from the Santa Clara County Chapter of the Audubon Society provided a  presentation on nesting boxes, including:  o The birds native to Santa Clara County  o How they help native bird species  o How the Audubon Society uses nesting boxes to track native bird species  o How nesting box design influence which bird species use them  o How nesting boxes are used and monitored  o The different methods for placing nesting boxes  ‐ The Commission agreed to identify locations for 3‐4 nesting boxes in the San Marcos open space  area. The Public Works Director would approve all locations would be approved before  placement of a nesting box. The Commission asked Azevedo if the Audubon Society had  volunteers available to monitor the boxes.  ‐ Azevedo indicated that the Audubon Society did not have volunteers to monitor the new boxes,  but said he would help the Commission recruit volunteers.   ‐ BRUNO: MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE AUDUBON SOCIETY SUBCOMMITTEE, SOUKUP AND  JOHNSON, TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE AUDUBON SOCIETY TO PLACE NESTING BOXES IN  THE SAN MARCOS OPEN SPACE AREA.   ‐ SOUKUP: SECOND  ‐ APPROVED: 4‐0    Commissioner Announcements and Reports (including Park Reports)  ‐ Wilson shared updates from Goldberg on Arbor Day, Kevin Moran Park, and West Valley  College’s interest in constructing a new trail.   ‐ Bruno noted that the women’s bathroom at Kevin Moran Park does not lock.   ‐ Johnson said he submitted photos for his park report to Morrow. He added that Wildwood and  El Quito have some graffiti issues and it appears that the water feature at Wildwood is broken.   ‐ Soukup shared that he has noticed that the water fountain at Ravenwood periodically gets  stuck. Similar problems occur at Azule.   ‐ Wilson indicated that the Heritage Orchard is in good condition and Congress Springs Park is  doing well, but may benefit from additional trees.     Agenda Items for Next Meeting  ‐ Continue coordination for Arbor Day  ‐ Review health and wellness goals from the Council Retreat  ‐ Any capital improvement plan or budget items if necessary  ‐ Update on the play equipment at Ravenswood, Petanque Court at Azule, progress on the  Tollgate property, and Joe’s Trail  ‐ Soccer net storage issues  ‐ Trails committee update    Adjournment – 8:48 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: February 23, 2010  Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting  Subject: Arbor Day Planning       In March 2009, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) held a joint meeting with the Youth  Commission. During the meeting, the two Commissions discussed ways in which they could  work together. Some of the ideas developed during the March 2009 joint meeting included  finding ways to encourage youth to use Saratoga parks, collaboration on the City’s annual Arbor  Day event, and identifying ways in which to incorporate parks in the education of local  students.     Representatives from the Youth Commission attended the November 10, 2009 PRC Meeting to  further discuss partnership opportunities. The two groups indicated an interest in working  together to plan an element of the City’s 2010 Arbor Day event.     During the January 2010 meeting, the two groups met again to discuss plans for Arbor Day.  Members of the Youth Commission suggested that the two groups work together to find a  guest speaker for the event or to hold games related to the environment or sustainability. The  PRC’s Arbor Day subcommittee, which includes Commissioners Goldberg and Wilson, was  authorized to continue coordination with the Youth Commission.     Since the January meeting, staff has worked with the Mayor and Vice Mayor to schedule Arbor  Day on April 22, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in Azule Park. The event will be held along the frontage of  the park, where staff plans to plant an oak tree during the Arbor Day ceremony.    As a Tree City USA, Saratoga is required to hold an Arbor Day celebration each year. Additional  information about Arbor Day can be found on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website at  http://www.arborday.org/arborday/.     City of Saratoga  Memorandum    To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission  From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II  City of Saratoga  Date: February 23, 2010  Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting  Subject: Soccer Net Storage        At the January 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting, Commissioner Johnson  requested that the Commission schedule discussion on current storage of soccer nets at City  parks that are used by soccer leagues for games or practice. Commission Johnson has reviewed  soccer net storage at City parks and researched alternative options, which he will be presenting  during the February meeting. The PRC may choose to make a recommendation to the Public  Works Director regarding storage of soccer nets at game and practice fields in the City.     Attachments:  ‐ Commissioner Johnson’s report on soccer net storage  Sa r a t o g a P a r k s & R e c r e a t i o n Co m m i s s i o n Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 0 Sa r a t o g a S o c c e r N e t S t o r a g e Is s u e & P r o p o s e d S o l u t i o n Ma r k D . J o h n s o n - C o m m i s s i o n e r Cu r r e n t I s s u e • T h e C i t y o f S a r a t o g a c o n t r a c t s w i t h v a r i o u s s o c c e r or g a n i z a t i o n s t o u s e C o n g r e s s S p r i n g s , E l Q u i t o , a n d Ke v i n M o r a n P a r k s f o r p r a c t i c e a n d / o r p l a y o n a n a n n u a l ba s i s . • S o c c e r n e t s a r e a n e c e s s a r y r e q u i r e m e n t f o r s o c c e r cl u b s a n d t e a m s t h a t p r a c t i c e a n d p l a y i n t h e ap p r o v e d / c o n t r a c t e d S a r a t o g a p a r k s . • S o c c e r n e t s t o r a g e w i t h i n t h e t h r e e p a r k s h a s d i f f e r e n t le v e l s o f i m p a c t o n t h e p a r k s , f r o m v i r t u a l l y n o i m p a c t t o a v e r y s i g n i f i c a n t n e g a t i v e i m p a c t o n p a r k a e s t h e t i c s . • A l t e r n a t i v e m e a s u r e s n e e d t o b e c o n s i d e r e d t o b o t h su p p o r t o u r s o c c e r c o n t r a c t s a n d p l a y e r s , y e t m i n i m i z e th e i m p a c t t o t h e p a r k s f r o m t h e s t o r a g e o f t h e s e v e r y la r g e a n d v i s u a l l y u n a p p e a l i n g s t r u c t u r e s . Co n g r e s s S p r i n g s P a r k •A s S a r a t o g a ’ s p r e m i e r s p o r t s p a r k , C o n g r e s s S p r i n g s h a s a m p l e s p a c e t o su p p o r t 6 s o c c e r f i e l d s a s w e l l a s a n e x c e l l e n t s t o r a g e l o c a t i o n f o r a l l a s s o c i a t e d eq u i p m e n t . •A t 1 0 a c r e s , C S P i s b y f a r S a r a t o g a ’ s b e s t p a r k t o s u p p o r t s o c c e r . A d e d i c a t e d fe n c e d a r e a i n t h e e x t r e m e b a c k o f t h e p a r k m a k e s n e t s t o r a g e a c o m p l e t e n o n - is s u e , w i t h n o v i s u a l o r c o m p e t i n g i m p a c t b e t w e e n p a r k u s e a n d n e t s t o r a g e . El Q u i t o P a r k •E l Q u i t o P a r k s u p p o r t s a s i n g l e s o c c e r f i e l d . T h e s i z e a n d s h a p e o f t h e p a r k al l o w s f o r a g o o d p l a y i n g s u r f a c e f o r s o c c e r t e a m s t o p r a c t i c e , w i t h l i t t l e t o n o im p a c t o n o t h e r s i m u l t a n e o u s u s e s o f t h e p a r k . •A t 6 . 3 a c r e s , E Q P i s S a r a t o g a ’ s s m a l l e s t p a r k s u p p o r t i n g s o c c e r . A s a r a t h e r co m p a c t / r e c t a n g l e s i z e d n e i g h b o r h o o d p a r k , t h e c u r r e n t s t r a t e g y f o r s t o r i n g so c c e r n e t s h a s a v e r y s i g n i f i c a n t ( n e g a t i v e ) i m p a c t o n t h e p a r k ’ s a e s t h e t i c s . •E Q P d o e s n o t h a v e a d e d i c a t e d s t o r a g e l o c a t i o n o n s i t e , a n d t h e r e f o r e b o t h t h e ma i n f r o n t a n d r e a r e n t r a n c e t o t h e p a r k ar e c l u t t e r e d w i t h s o c c e r n e t s . A t o n e re c e n t c o u n t , t h e r e w e r e 1 8 n e t s i n t h e p a r k c h a i n e d t o f e n c e s a n d t r e e s . •T h e n e t s i n t h e f r o n t o f t h e p a r k a r e e s p e c i a l l y u n s i g h t l y a s t h e y o c c u p y i n g pr i m e s p a c e u n d e r m a t u r e o a k a n d r e d w o o d t r e e s , a n d a r e o n e o f t h e f i r s t st r u c t u r e s s e e n w h e n e n t e r i n g t h e p a r k . Ke v i n M o r a n P a r k •A t p r e s e n t K M P i s n o t s u p p o r t i n g s o c c e r p l a y d u e t o t h e r e c e n t r e n o v a t i o n o f th e p a r k , a n d t h e n e e d f o r t h e t u r f a r e a s t o m a t u r e b e f o r e t h e y c a n s u p p o r t a c t i v e us e . F i e l d s a r e t e n t a t i v e l y s c h e d u l e d t o be a v a i l a b l e f o r u s e i n t h e s p r i n g o f 2 0 1 0 . •A t o v e r 1 0 a c r e s , K M P i s w e l l s u i t e d t o s u p p o r t s o c c e r . W i t h i t ’ s l a r g e t u r f a r e a s an d u n i q u e s h a p e , i t h a s l o w - t r a f f i c / l o w v i si b i l i t y l o c a t i o n s w h e r e s o c c e r n e t s c a n be s t o r e d o u t o f s i g h t w h e n n o t i n u s e . At p r e s e n t , n e t s t o r a g e p l a n s a r e u n k n o w n . Su n n y v a l e ’ s S o l u t i o n •T h e C i t y o f S u n n y v a l e , f a c e d w i t h t h e s a m e d i l e m m a a n d i s s u e o f pa r k a e s t h e t i c s v e r s u s s o c c e r n e t s t o r a g e , d e v i s e d a v e r y c r e a t i v e an d e f f e c t i v e p l a n t o s o l v e t h e i r i s s u e . T h e i r s o l u t i o n a l l o w s f o r a n or d e r l y s t o r a g e p l a n f o r s o c c e r n e t s t h a t f a c i l i t a t e s s o c c e r p l a y , w h i l e al s o p r o t e c t i n g a n d m a i n t a i n i n g t h e n a t u r a l b e a u t y o f t h e i r p a r k s wh e n t h e n e t s a r e n o t i n u s e . •S u n n y v a l e r e q u i r e s e v e r y c l u b / t e a m t o u s e on l y so c c e r n e t s t h a t c a n b e as s e m b l e d a n d d i s a s s e m b l e d i n t o s t o r a b l e “ n e t c o m p o n e n t s ” ( t h e s e a r e re g u l a t i o n s i z e n e t s ) . •N e t s a r e a s s e m b l e d / d i s a s s e m b l e d b e f o r e a n d a f t e r e a c h u s e , a n d s t o r e d in a C i t y - p r o v i d e d s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r ( t h i s p r o c e s s t a k e s a b o u t 1 0 a d d i t i o n a l mi n u t e s b e f o r e / a f t e r u s e ) . •S u n n y v a l e h a s d e v i s e d a n o n - s i t e s t o r a g e s o l u t i o n f o r s t o r i n g t h e n e t co m p o n e n t s , f l a g s , e t c . a f t e r t h e y h a ve b e e n d i s a s s e m b l e d . T h e s o l u t i o n se c u r e s t h e c o m p o n e n t s , w h i l e m i n i m i z i n g t h e i r o v e r a l l i m p a c t o n t h e p a r k . •T h e s o l u t i o n i s u s e d t h r o u g h o u t a l l p a r k s s u p p o r t i n g s o c c e r w i t h i n t h e C i t y . •C o n t r a c t s w i t h s o c c e r o r g a n i z a t i o n s i n c l u d e a p r o v i s i o n f o r n e t s t o r a g e . Pr o p o s e d A d o p t i o n o f S u n n y v a l e ’ s S o l u t i o n So c c e r N e t S t o r a g e T u b e C o n s t r u c t i o n •A 2 0 ' X 2 4 " ( i n s i d e d i a m e t e r ) , c o r r u g a t e d , s m o o t h i n t e r i o r , p o l y e t h y l e n e , dr a i n a g e p i p e i s p r o c u r e d . •T h e p i p e i s c u t i n t o 2 - 1 0 ’ s e c t i o n s ( m a k i n g 2 s t o r a g e u n i t s / c o n t a i n e r s ) . •2 - 2 4 ” “ c i r c l e s ” a r e f a b r i c a t e d o u t o f p l y w o o d f o r e a c h o f t h e e n d s . *P i c t u r e s a r e o f s t o r a g e u n i t l o c a t e d a t L a k e w o o d P a r k , 8 3 4 L a k e c h i m e , S u n n y v a l e , C A . Sp e c i a l t h a n k s t o S c o t t R u s s e l l , P a rk s S u p e r v i s o r , D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e s – C i t y o f S u n n y v a l e . Pr o p o s e d A d o p t i o n o f S u n n y v a l e ’ s S o l u t i o n So c c e r N e t S t o r a g e T u b e C o n s t r u c t i o n •T h e p l y w o o d c i r c l e s a r e a t t a c h e d w i t h a hi n g e o n o n e s i d e o f t h e p i p e ( s o th e c i r c l e c a n s w i n g o p e n f o r a c c e s s t o t h e i n s i d e o f t h e p i p e ) . •A p a d l o c k m e c h a n i s m i s a t t a c h e d t o t h e ot h e r s i d e o f t h e c i r c l e ( s o t h a t t h e co n t a i n e r c a n b e c l o s e d a n d s e c u r e l y l o c k e d ) . Pr o p o s e d A d o p t i o n o f S u n n y v a l e ’ s S o l u t i o n So c c e r N e t S t o r a g e T u b e C o n s t r u c t i o n •T h e s t o r a g e t u b e s a r e c h a i n e d t o a f e n c e i n a r e m o t e s e c t i o n o f t h e p a r k . •T u b e s c a n b e “ s t a c k e d ” o n a f e n c e t o a c c o m m o d a t e m u l t i p l e t e a m s / n e t s . •A l l s o c c e r t e a m s / c l u b s t h a t u s e t h e p a r k s a r e r e q u i r e d t o a s s e m b l e / di s a s s e m b l e a n d s t o r e t h e i r o w n n e t s b e f o r e / a f t e r e a c h u s e ( s t o r a g e t u b e s a r e la r g e e n o u g h t o a c c o m m o d a t e t h e c o r n e r f l ag s , c h a l k - l i n e m a r k e r s , e t c . ) . E a c h cl u b / t e a m m a i n t a i n s t h e i r o w n l o c k / k e y o r l o c k c o m b i n a t i o n s . Pr o p o s e d C h a n g e s / C o n c l u s i o n •S o c c e r n e t s t o r a g e i s a s i g n i f i c a n t i s s u e i n E l Q u i t o P a r k , a n d m a y d e t r a c t si g n i f i c a n t l y f r o m t h e a e s t h e t i c s o f t he n e w l y r e n o v a t e d K e v i n M o r a n P a r k o n c e so c c e r p l a y b e g i n s / r e s u m e s , i f n e w n e t s t o r a g e s o l u t i o n s a r e n o t a d o p t e d . •C o n g r e s s S p r i n g s P a r k d o e s n o t n e e d a n y c h a n g e s t o i t s c u r r e n t s t o r a g e pr a c t i c e , a s t h e p a r k w a s o r i g i n a l l y d e s i g n e d w i t h a d e q u a t e s t o r a g e f a c i l i t i e s o n si t e . •A l l “ f i x e d ” ( p e r m a n e n t l y a s s e m b l e d ) s o c c e r n e t s m u s t t o b e r e m o v e d f r o m El Q u i t o P a r k ( a n d K e v i n M o r a n , i f a p p l i c a b l e - t h e s t o r a g e s o l u t i o n f o r K e v i n Mo r a n P a r k i s c u r r e n t l y u n k n o w n ) . •O n l y c o l l a p s i b l e n e t s i n C i t y - p r o v i d e d s t o r a g e t u b e s w i l l b e a l l o w e d i n E l Q u i t o an d K e v i n M o r a n P a r k s . A l l o t h e r s n e t s a r e b a n n e d f r o m t h e s e p a r k s . •A n y n e t s n o t m e e t i n g t h e n e w s t o r a g e c r i t e r i a m u s t b e r e m o v e d i m m e d i a t e l y or t h e y w i l l b e d i s p o s e d o f b y t h e C i t y . •S a r a t o g a D e p a r t m e n t o f R e c r e a t i o n n e t s mu s t b e c o n v e r t e d t o c o l l a p s i b l e n e t s in s t o r a g e t u b e s . •P r o v i s i o n s t o b e a d d e d t o n e w / r e n e w e d s o c c e r c o n t r a c t s t o m e e t n e w st o r a g e r e q u i r e m e n t s .   City of Saratoga  Memorandum    To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission  From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II  City of Saratoga  Date: February 23, 2010  Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting  Subject: Update on Council Retreat        At the January 2010 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting, the Commission  requested an informational report on the City Council Retreat that was held on January 29,  2010. Each year, the Council holds a retreat to reflect on past achievements and identify  priorities for the upcoming year.     In particular, the PRC asked staff to report on the direction and outcome related to discussion  on health and wellness – one of the Council Retreat agenda items. The staff report on this item  is attached.     Attachment:  ‐ Staff report on health and wellness programs from 2010 Council Retreat    1 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MEETING DATE: January 29, 2010 AGENDA ITEM: DEPARTMENT: Recreation & Facilities CITY MANAGER: Dave Anderson PREPARED BY: Michael Taylor, Recreation & Facilities Director DIRECTOR: Michael Taylor SUBJECT: Options for City-wide Health and Wellness Programs. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review report and provide direction for City-wide Health and Wellness programs. REPORT SUMMARY: The values of good health and wellness have been extolled to the American public for years. The paths to good health include exercising, good nutrition and reducing stress levels. Despite all the encouragement for Americans to become more active and eat well, the statistics show that people are not acting on that information. It is estimated that 250,000 people die in our country every year because of inactivity, and the evidence is continually more convincing. Inactivity is second only to smoking, which causes 400,000 preventable deaths in the United States annually—more than auto accidents, breast cancer, colon cancer, and alcohol combined (The Health Gazette). Providing activity through recreation experiences is what most agencies do best. As our communities become more concerned with their activity levels and health, recreation programs must be the first thing to pop into resident’s minds as the thing to fulfill their health and wellness needs. Park and recreation agencies have a multitude of facilities, trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and pools that can promote healthy alternatives to television viewing, computer games and reading. Local park and recreation agencies are well-positioned to take the lead in facilitating programs and facilities to address this national health priority as front line providers. The amount of statistics verifying the need for Californians to eat healthier and become more active is staggering. There is no doubt that much work is needed to help individuals and families fight obesity and lead healthier lives. What is in question is how park and recreation agencies fit into the equation. 2 DISCUSSION: The Saratoga Recreation Department offers ongoing Health and Wellness programs for all ages. In the winter session, such activities included: • LOSE to WIN!!! (NEW) from 7:00-8:00 am. Just like “The Biggest Loser” this comprehensive program is designed and intended to generate RESULTS from workouts & provide nutrition information, • Jacki’s Strong Step from 5:00-6:00 pm on Mondays, • Jazzercise (NEW time) from 6:00-7:00 pm on Mondays & Wednesdays (ongoing out at the Saratoga Prospect Center), • Gymnastics classes on Wednesdays, • Just 4 Kicks soccer on Thursdays, • Junior Rock Climbing on Thursdays and/or Fridays, • Karate classes Mondays through Thursdays, • Lunch hour 4EverFit, • Dance classes, • Ice Skating on Thursdays, • Basketball, • Integrated Whole Body Workout from 6:30-7:30 pm Mondays and/or Wednesdays • Lunchtime Yoga (Now on MONDAYS) with new teacher Catherine Killion. • Advanced Beginning Yoga Thursdays or Beginning Yoga on Tuesdays at the Saratoga Prospect Center. • Mat Pilates Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 7:45-8:45 am. • Tennis or Golf on Saturdays! The California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) began gathering information on park and recreation agencies that were promoting health and wellness in their communities. Many agencies reviewed the food options that were offered in snack bars, vending machines, and were provided to participants during programs. A majority of agencies began to offer more nutritious alternatives. Some agencies eliminated all unhealthy offerings. Park and recreation personnel were also encouraged to bring healthier foods to work to provide better role modeling. Another common model among agencies was a new policy to require mandatory physical activity time at all programs. San Leandro requires a minimum of 45 minutes of active physical activity for each 1/2 day program and a minimum of 75 minutes for full day programs. San Carlos incorporated “Dance Breaks” at the Youth Center where participants and staff stop what they are doing and dances. Many other agencies require a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Agencies have also changed their activity and program guides to include covers showing actively engaged participants, letters from directors about the importance of healthy activity and how parks and recreation is a major component of a healthy lifestyle, symbols (often hearts) to indicate classes that offer a fitness component and health and wellness messages incorporated throughout the guides. Lastly many agencies partnered with local hospitals to provide educational classes on nutrition and healthy alternatives for staff, program participants, and parents. Many other partnerships were formed with school districts, chamber of commerce’s, health and wellness groups, 3 coalitions, and collaboratives. The following is a very small sampling of what some agencies have accomplished: San Leandro Recreation and Human Services: Produced a four-hour training of the trainers on an 8 week nutrition, exercise and body image curriculum that will be given by the summer camp leaders at the sites. Also provided a two hour ACTIVE games training. Each playground site serves water & plenty will be made available. Each child has a water bottle with their name on it that they can keep at the site and use all day and extras are available in case they are lost. City of Tulare Adopted City of Tulare Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail Master Plan which increases multi-use trail systems from 13 to 110 miles. Completed 5-mile Tulare Santa Fe Trail which incorporates an equestrian trail. City of San Carlos San Carlos’ mission message: Health and wellness and combating obesity is a community issue. We can provide resources, including speakers, a vending machine list of healthy snacks and beverages as well as fitness, nutrition and wellness fact sheets. We have trails, bike paths, fields, gyms, playgrounds, community buildings, programs, and services that encourage everyone to be active. Contact us to be your Health and Wellness partner. Hosted a booth in the “Look Good, Feel Good” Wellness Business Showcase sponsored by the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce; purchased and distributed give-away items, including: • Wellness Bookmarks; • “51 Ways to exercise” display cards; • “101 Family Fitness Activities” Bookmarks; • Hacky sacks; • Guide to Healthier fast foods; • Healthy Snacking for Busy People; • Calorie & Fat Counter; • Eating Right for Busy People; • Fast Food Nutrition Guide; • Nutrition Tips for Teens; • 80 Healthy Snacks; • Parents Guide to Childhood Obesity • Summer camp giveaways (Frisbees, pedometer, beach balls, etc.) Created and distributed a series of twenty media releases, one distributed each week (ie “take action for a healthier San Carlos,” “Battling boredom in your workout,” “Gym class has a whole new look,” “Address obesity at an early age”), highlighting local and national health statistics, wellness opportunities in San Carlos (including programs, services and facilities) and exercise benefits. Each media release positioned San Carlos Parks and Recreation as the health and wellness leader in the community. Developed “Health & Wellness through Basketball” as a new drop-in style fitness program for high school youth and designed to help teens develop lifelong fitness habits. The program includes strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and basketball. 4 Fresh fruit is solicited, via donation, throughout the community. When the fruit is available it is provided to the Youth Center participants at no cost. A fun and educational healthy snack cookbook has been created by program participants, titled “This is How We’re Cookin’ in the YC!” Chapters include, What do these numbers mean?, Keepin’ it Safe in the Kitchen, Cookin’ Terms, Blender Blasts, Fabulous Fruits, Snack Attack, Micro Magic and more! Cookbooks are $12.00 each and are available at the Youth Center or on the City’s website. City of Downey The ASPIRE after school program developed a Health and Fitness curriculum in September 2004. The curriculum introduces a new fitness component each month through fun and unique games and challenges, such as a “Walk Across America”, where students track their collective walking distances and learn about different cities across the United States. The curriculum also teaches the children about healthy eating and introduces them to how to read food labels and make healthy food choices. The program provides evening events for the entire family where health and wellness activities such as family exercise, healthy cooking, and more are introduced. City of Tracy Created “My Own Marathon” which encourages folks to get out and walk/run a marathon, one ¼ mile at a time. Participants have 4 months to complete it and are encouraged to do it together with family and friends. Developed a calendar in which each day lists something to do, or a place to go, for citizens to develop “Healthy Habits” (coincided with July is Parks and Recreation Month). Local doctors write “prescriptions” for folks to participate in “My Own Marathon.” City of Sacramento Program staff is trained on how to write program descriptions capturing basic health and wellness statistics and the benefits of how participation in a particular program or activity can help fight obesity. The “Get Fit” campaign was launched in the Summer Publications and continues into the Fall and Spring. “Get Fit” states “our society is experiencing an obesity crisis at all age levels. The Department of Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of opportunities to help you manage your weight and keep fit. Look for this symbol (heart) as your guide to individual and family wellness.” Partnered with FEED to provide a farmer’s market in Del Paso Heights using local growers. LA’s Best BEST Fit initiative brings together many partners including: the Healthy Children, Healthy Futures program; the Preventive Medicine Institute Strang Cancer Prevention Center; Cancer Prevention Nutrition Section (CPNS) – Nutrition Network; 5-A-Day Power Play; Western The BEST Fit initiative embodies the commitment of LA’s BEST to the physical health of children in Los Angeles elementary schools. This initiative is a comprehensive after school strategy to promote children’s health and fitness. The core of BEST Fit is the Healthy Children Healthy Futures (HCHF) program for children and parents. Each focuses on promoting children’s health through the development of the “8 Habits of Healthy Kids.” The Habits address snack food choices, drinking water, fast food, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, television viewing, and portion size. 5 Grower’s Association; National Academy of Sports and Physical Education; American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; KidTribe programs; Dairy Council of California; KABC 7 Healthy Steps program; LA Collaborative for Healthy Active Children; and Project LEAN. Strang Cancer Prevention Center and Cancer Prevention Nutrition Section (CPNS) – Nutrition Network City of Coronado Hosts after school activities at the local elementary and middle schools that promote physical activities. They also have a partnership with the local middle school so that daily active games, sports, and contests are held during the student’s lunch time recess. City of Escondido Incorporating articles on healthy living and recreation in city Newsletters and other media pieces. City of Lakewood The after-school and school vacation programs have an emphasis on physical activity through outdoor games and sports leagues. Cooking programs are offered and teach children how to make healthy snacks on their own at home. In addition to these programs, a family fitness series is offered three times a year. The program objective is to teach parents and their children how they can work together to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. City of San Ramon In July, to celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month, they launched Step It Up. With sponsorship money from San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Club Sport they purchased and distributed 350 pedometers to people who live and work in San Ramon. In exchange for this free gift people were asked to track their steps for the entire month of July. They also distributed information on walking 10,000 steps for good health and additional health tips to inform and motivate them. Prizes were given at the second September City Council meeting for individuals who walked the most for the month in their age category, the most improved and the family that walked the most for the month. In total participants walked 16,739,849 steps or approximately 8,369 miles. The City of San Ramon Parks & Community Services Department launched a two-part campaign this spring to raise the awareness of obesity and health issues, and to promote living a healthy lifestyle. The campaign was called “Get Active! in San Ramon”. In the spring quarter a photo scavenger hunt challenged residents and families to discover the many different (and some new) parks that are available to them. Participating families visited 5 different parks and submitted photos of themselves being active. Prizes were awarded and all the participants were honored at the Parks & Community Services Commission meeting Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCC) SASCC sponsors a city-wide health fair each year that includes blood pressure checks, hearing and vision screening, information booths, flu shots, etc. Anti-Smoking Campaign The City of Saratoga Municipal Code Article 7-35 (Regulation of smoking in certain places) prohibits smoking in interior restaurant spaces, elevators, health care facilities, public meeting rooms, public lobbies and hallways, theaters and auditoriums, museums, libraries and galleries, 6 hotel and motel lobbies, public restrooms, business establishments, and designated non- smoking areas. According to State AB 846, public buildings should be posted with signs (within 5 feet of the main entrance) stating “No Smoking within 20 Feet of Building.” Staff is currently installing such signs in all City buildings and the Library. As legislated in California Health and Safety Code Section 104495, no smoking is allowed within 25 feet of a playground, tot lot or sand box in California. There is a fine of $250 per violation. RECOMMENDATION: Consider adopting more stringent non-smoking ordinance and promote healthy lifestyles for Saratoga residents. FISCAL IMPACTS: Depend upon the actions approved by Council. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS: • Alternate A: Sponsor City-wide Health & Wellness programs. • Alternate B: Adopt stricter non-smoking ordinances. FOLLOW UP ACTION: Give direction to staff for policy and fees. Publish any changes to the policy and fees on the City website and make it available to the public. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: City Council meeting noticed on January 27, 2010. ATTACHMENTS: None.   City of Saratoga  Memorandum    To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission  From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II  City of Saratoga  Date: February 23, 2010  Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting  Subject: City Council Joint Meeting Agenda        The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is scheduled to hold a joint meeting with the City  Council on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room in  the City Manager’s Office. The Council has asked that all Commissions develop an agenda for  joint meetings and seek approval of work plans during the joint meeting.     During the January 2010 PRC meeting, the Commission defined three goals for the Commission  work plan and activities that would help the Commission achieve these three goals (listed  below).      Goal  Definition Proposed Activities  One Saratoga To get Saratogans active in the  parks and recreation system.  ‐ Arbor Day   ‐ Music in the park events  ‐ Participation in the tree lighting  ‐ Participation in the Mustard Faire  Celebrate Nature To raise awareness and  involvement in Saratoga’s  environment.  ‐ Tree planting location suggestions  ‐ Arbor Day  ‐ Labeling tree species in parks  ‐ Nesting boxes (with support of  Audubon Society)  ‐ Nature/Environmental lectures  Healthy City To encourage a healthy lifestyle in  Saratoga through parks and  recreation.  ‐ To be determined