HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-2021 Parks & Recreation Commission Packet
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City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
Agenda
DATE: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Via Zoom
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be entirely by teleconference. All Parks & Recreation Commission members, staff, and
public will only participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is
being conducted in compliance with the Governor’s Executi ve Order N‐29‐20 suspending certain
teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act. The purpose of this order was to provide the
safest environment for the public, elected officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of
the government and public participation during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Members of the public can observe and participate in the meeting by:
1. Using the Zoom website at
2. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84091857373
or App Webinar ID: 840 9185 7373
and using the tool to raise their hand in the Zoom platform when directed by the Chair to speak on an
agenda item; OR
3. Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833, entering the Webinar ID: 840 9185 7373
and pressing *9 to raise their hand to speak on an agenda item when directed by the Chair.
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person.
As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Commission prior to the mee ting
by commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/prc prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be
provided to the members of the Commission and will become part of the official record of the meeting.
During the meeting the Chair will explain the process for members of the public to be recognized to offer
public comment.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if you need
assistance to participate in this meeting due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk at
debbieb@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City will
use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible
while also maintaining public safety.
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Call to Order
Roll Call: Chair Renee Paquier, Vice Chair Rick Pearce, Commissioner Anna Huang, Commissioner Ping
Li, Commissioner Michelle Wang
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was
properly posted on March 4, 2021.
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 Parks and Recreation Commission Draft Minutes:
Agenda:
1. Review Final Park Map
Issue: Review Final Park Map
Action: Approve final map
2. Pickleball discussion
Issue: Discuss progress of the addition of pickleball to an existing tennis court
Action: Informational only
3. Update on “Let’s Work”
Issue: Update on “Let’s Work” Program
Action: Informational only
4. Update on Historical Plaque Program
Issue: Update on progress of the Historical Plaque Program
Action: Informational only
5. Update City plans for Summer Programs
Issue: Report on cities plans for summer activities
Action: Informational only
6. Garbage Solutions at Quarry Park
Issue: Discuss trash can and sign options for garbage issues at Quarry Park
Action: Make recommendation
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Commissioner and Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is
informational only; no actions will be taken.)
Commissioner Park
Li Wildwood, Foothill, Quarry
Pearce Bell Grove, Congress Springs, Ravenwood, Gardiner
Paquier Beauchamp, Brookglen, El Quito
Wang Azule, Kevin Moran, Friendship Park
Huang (El Quito, Gardiner) – suggested future park assignment for discussion
Agenda Items for Next Meeting May 11, 2021
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Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a
disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, contact Kristin Borel at
408.868.1296 or kborel@saratoga.ca.us. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one
full business day before the start of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda Note:
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to
the Parks and Recreation Commission by City staff in connection with this agenda are available at the
office of the City Manager at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070. Any materials
distributed by staff after the posting of the agenda are made available for public review at the office of
the City Manager at the time they are distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Certificate of Posting of Agenda:
I, Kristin Borel, Public Works Analyst for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoi ng agenda for the
meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on March 4, 2021
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.
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City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting
Draft Minutes
DATE: Tuesday, January 12, 2021
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Via Zoom
Call to Order: Chair Paquier called the virtual Regular Session to order at 6:35 p.m. via teleconferencing
through Zoom.
Prior to Roll Call, the Chair and Staff Liaison explained that the meeting was conducted pursuant to provisions
of the Brown Act and a recent Executive Order issued by the Governor to facilitate teleconferencing to reduce
the risk of COVID-19 transmission at public meetings. Ordinarily the Brown Act sets strict rules for
teleconferencing. The Governor’s Executive Order has suspended those rules. The Executive Order does
require that public agencies continue to notice meetings in advance and provide members of the public an
opportunity to observe the meeting and offer public comment. The Commission met all of the applicable
notice requirements and the public is welcome to participate in this meeting. Information on how the public
can observe the meeting and provide public comment was also shared. Additionally, the Chair explained that
votes would be taken through roll call.
Roll Call: Chair Renee Paquier, Vice Chair Rick Pearce, Commissioner Ping Li, Commissioner Michelle
Wang. All present. Also in attendance were John Cherbone, Public Works Director, Lauren
Pettipiece, Public Information Officer and Kristin Borel, Staff Liaison. (All appearing via
Teleconference)
Staff Liaison, Kristin Borel confirmed all the Commission members could hear the meeting proceedings
and no doubts were expressed regarding the identities of the individuals representing themselves as
Parks and Recreation Commissioners.
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Kristin Borel reported that the Agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on January 7, 2021.
Oral & Written Communication
None
Approval of Parks and Recreation Commission Draft Minutes.
Commissioner Pearce/Li moved to Approve the Parks and Recreation Minutes for the Regular
Meeting on November 10, 2020. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Li, Paquier, Pearce and
Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
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Agenda:
1. Discuss the addition of pickleball to existing tennis court in a city park.
Commissioners discussed the high level of activity at Kevin Moran Park and recommended staff
keep pursuing other parks and report back at the next meeting.
Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item.
No one requested to speak
2. Review Draft Park Map
Commissioners reviewed draft map presented by Lauren Pettipiece and made corrections. The
Commissioners will each review the map for accuracy and have the final Park Map brought back
at the next meeting.
Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item.
No one requested to speak.
3. Review 2020 Draft ADA Park Study
Commissioners discussed the Draft ADA Study and made no new recommendations.
Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item.
No one requested to speak.
Commissioner Li/Pearce moved to Approved the Draft ADA Parks Assessment Plan. Passed by
a verbal roll call: Ayes: Li, Paquier, Pearce and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent:
None.
4. Mission Statement Review
The Commission reviewed the Draft Mission statement amended by Commissioner Wang and
suggested a change of wording in the last sentence.
Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item.
No one requested to speak.
Commissioner Wang/Pearce moved to Approve the Draft Mission Statement with a change to
the last sentence from “preserve the city’s valued natural and historical assets” to “preserve
the City’s natural and historic resources”. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes: Li, Paquier,
Pearce and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
5. Next Steps and 2021 Workplan
Commissioners revised the 2020 workplan t o reflect the changes that have taken place due to
Covid 19.
Chair Paquier invited any public comments on this item.
No one requested to speak.
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Commissioner Pearce/Li move to Accept the 2021 workplan. Passed by a verbal roll call: Ayes:
Li, Paquier, Pearce and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Commissioner and Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is
informational only; no actions will be taken.)
Commissioner Park
Li Wildwood, Foothill, Quarry
Pearce Bell Grove, Congress Springs, Ravenwood, Gardiner
Paquier Beauchamp, Brookglen, El Quito
Wang Azule, Kevin Moran, Friendship Park
Agenda Items for Next Meeting March 9, 2021
• Report on development of Pickleball court
• Report of status of Let’s Work program
• Review Final Park Map
• Report on progress of Historical Plaque Program
Adjournment
Commissioners Wang/Pearce move to Adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Passed by a verbal
roll call: Ayes: Li, Paquier, Pearce and Wang. Noes: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Parks & Recreation Commission
To: Parks & Recreation Commissioners
From: Kristin Borel, Staff Liaison
Date: March 9, 2021
Subject: Agenda Item: 2
These are written communications from the public that were received after the city posted a
sign at Azule Park asking for comments about the possible addition of pickleball lines to the
existing tennis court.
Email #1
The tennis courts at Kevin Moran and Azule have become very busy especially with the reserved
lessons. We do not need Pickle Ball added to the Azule tennis court. We DO need another tennis
court at Azule. There is space next to the current tennis court. Please consider adding another
court which will help with the over loaded tennis court. Then, you would be able to support both
tennis and Pickle Ball.
Email #2
I object to add the pickle ball to tennis court for following reasons:
1) it’s very hard to get tennis court since it’s already very crowded.
2) Also, many tennis lessons during weekend
3) Very few courts are available. We have only 1 court for each park. It’s not a lot.
So, Adding more users on tennis court , it’s a nightmare.
Note: by the way, I recommend to install a manual clock a tennis court for indicating reservations
time in and out, so that people know the time for waiting
Thanks for consideration
(I asked this resident when he played tennis and what were the conditions like, the response is
below)
1) I usually play in the afternoon during weekend. Often waiting almost 1 hr.
2) On Sunday, it’s worse since there is tennis lessons/camp at both Azule and kevin park
3) During Covid time, Sometimes I went about noontime and sometimes the court was not available
and need to go 3 parks.
I have sympathy for pickleball players too, but if overcrowded then it benefits no one. I suggest we
build more court at the park since we have plenty of room and have only 1 court/park. Also, it
would be great that we have a sport center, like the one in Cupertino iSteven Creek , that can serve
multiple purposes and Saratoga citizens.
Thanks for getting my input.
Email #3
We in Saratoga have very limited access to tennis courts already. We should be building more
tennis courts in our neighborhood. Congress Spring Park used to have 4 tennis courts but was
converted those to soccer fields permanently!
I believe currently in Saratoga, there are a total of 3 tennis courts. Did you know that there are
always a line waiting to use those 3 tennis courts? If you convert those into Pickle Ball courts, then
we will be fighting for the same courts with the Pickle Ball crowd, and this will create more
frustration for both the tennis and pickle ball crowd. Please build more tennis courts in
Saratoga! We need it, as we are struggling to find open tennis courts especially when the sunset at
5PM in the winter.
For example, the city of Cupertino has Memorial Park with 6 courts, with lights, Calabazaz Park has 3
tennis courts with lights, and Murdock has 4 courts with lights. We need more tennis courts in
Saratoga. If we have 13 courts like Cupertino, I can see that it is reasonable to convert some for
dual usage, but we don't, We only have 3 courts in Saratoga. Please build more tennis courts in
Saratoga and even better yet to put in lights on the courts to expand the usage time.
Thank you.
Email #4
I have played pickleball a few times and I know several people that play. Honestly, for tennis
players, the extra lines are annoying. However, pickleball is an extremely popular game and adding
lines to one of the three courts is reasonable. Azule is the right choice for the pickleball lines. If you
want to see what the added lines look like, there is a tennis court on the corner of Wedgewood Ave.
and Granada Way in Los Gatos. I’ll send you a picture.
I think the addition is fine. Players just need to keep to the hour limit. This is why reservations are
helpful. I routinely reserve the tennis courts at each of the three parks. If you want to be
guaranteed a place to play, pay for the reservation. Also, the pickleball nets are portable. All you
really need is a parking lot. If any lot is available in Saratoga, you don’t ne ed to use a tennis court.
There is a park in San Jose where they dedicated a parking lot to pickleball. They even CEMENTED in
the net posts!! There are about 10 courts. If you want some more info, maybe talk to Todd Badger.
He organizes pickleball for Los Gatos Recreation.
Phone Call
I spoke with one resident who played pickleball and support s the idea of adding lines to the existing
court. He lives near Kevin Moran Park and was excited about the idea.
CITY OF SARATOGA
Parks & Recreation Commission
To: Parks & Recreation Commissioners
From: Kristin Borel, Staff Liaison
Date: March 9, 2021
Subject: Agenda Item: 6
Commissioner Ping Li sent the following email to John Cherbone and John recommended that
the Parks & Recreation Commission discuss the possible solutions.
Hi John and Kristin,
I went to the Quarry Park yesterday to check on the areas for restarting Let's Work. Seeing
the park so popular now is great. But the amount of gar bages that I saw around the park
made me sad (please see attached picture).
Since Quarry Park is an open space natural park, I wonder if we can do the same as the
Midpen does to their OSP which no garbage bins are placed in the park. There are wild
animals around the park when people leave so people should carry their own waste with
them to keep the park natural to other life beings. We could place signs at the entrance,
near the picnic areas or trailheads to educate the visitors. We should stop trainin g people to
leave trash inside the park as early as possible. Hopefully this will also save a lot of work for
our city staffs to clean up the garbages.
Here are some suggestions of park signs that we can consider to use. Looking forward to
discussing at our next PRC meeting.
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time
Please pack out what you pack in
Please don't litter - Help keep our park natural
Please don't litter - Help keep our park clean
Please don't litter - Help protect wildlife
Please don't litter - Be considerate of other visitors
Leave No Trace
In addition, we could organize volunteer activities to clean up trash along the trails
periodically if necessary. A new task for Let's Work! Hopefully we don't have to come to that
point with putting up the no litter signs.