City Council - February 18, 2025

Council sends provisional Cubberley vision to community review

The Palo Alto City Council agreed by consensus, without a formal vote, to take a provisional vision for the Cubberley site to the community for feedback. The statement describes Cubberley as “A vibrant and beloved destination with activities, amenities, and offerings that promote joy and well-being, where all cultures and generations belong.” The council is expected to review and edit the wording after the public-engagement process.

The first of three community meetings is scheduled for March 19. The second will consider three concept options, while the third will address program organization, circulation and green space. Cost estimates are to be developed between the second and third meetings as the concepts become more concrete. Outreach will also include pop-up events, surveys and Community Fellows engagement, and staff is to finalize and communicate a comprehensive schedule extending through November 2026.

Council members asked that future concepts and polling address costs, tradeoffs, community needs, access, transportation, green space, arts, athletics and flexibility for long-term use. The discussion reflected a tension between pursuing distinctive facilities and programming and maintaining an affordable, realistic scope that could attract voter support. Staff described the master plan as a roadmap rather than an architectural design, with detailed design to occur later.

Public comments generally supported restarting the planning process while urging the city to preserve community-serving uses such as child care, arts and cultural programs, playing fields and gathering spaces. Residents also suggested flexible collaborative areas, covered outdoor space, gyms, a pool, performance facilities and nature-sensitive design. Staff said housing is not part of the Cubberley plan, while several commenters asked that it remain excluded and raised concerns about traffic, access and recreation needs in South Palo Alto.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet