Parks and Recreation Commission - January 28, 2025

Commission gives feedback on 23 preliminary fiscal 2026 projects

The Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission provided feedback but took no formal action on a preliminary fiscal 2026–2030 capital-improvement plan. Staff presented 23 projects for fiscal 2026—nine open-space projects and 14 parks, golf and recreation projects—plus about 36 additional projects listed through fiscal 2030. Staff said fiscal 2026 is the budget year subject to approval, while later years are for planning.

Commissioners asked staff to distinguish more clearly between funding for the coming year, five-year totals and money already spent. Staff said proposed capital projects generally must cost at least $50,000 and that prioritization also considers health and safety, regulatory requirements, City Council priorities, community input and staff capacity.

The preliminary list includes work on Mitchell Park’s splash zone, playgrounds and related amenities, as well as footbridge, creek, parking, fencing and pathway projects at Foothills Nature Preserve. It also proposes replacing the existing synthetic turf at El Camino Field, although the replacement material remains undecided. Commissioners asked staff to consider Santa Clara County research and local field-use data before a future recommendation goes to the City Council.

A possible restroom at Eleanor Pardee Park had not been approved or placed on an adopted priority list. A community survey was open through Feb. 13, 2025, and two commenters urged the commission to prioritize the project for fiscal 2026. Staff said favorable community feedback would lead to additional meetings and could result in a fiscal 2026 budget recommendation, with possible design and installation in fiscal 2027. An already-funded Mitchell Park restroom project is proceeding to design.

In a separate general-comment segment, a resident cited traffic, safety, maintenance, loitering and fire-risk concerns about a proposed neighborhood park restroom. The available record does not tie that comment to a specific park.

Staff was scheduled to incorporate the commission’s feedback before Office of Management and Budget review in February and March 2025. City Manager proposal development was expected in April, followed by anticipated City Council budget adoption in June.

Emergency communications proposal will return for further review

The commission made no decision on a proposed backup emergency data network at Fire Station 8 in Foothills Nature Preserve. Staff said it would conduct additional research, incorporate commissioners’ feedback and return with an action item.

The Office of Emergency Services said the mobile Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network platform would provide redundant data communications if normal systems failed during an earthquake, wildfire or other major emergency. An existing node at the station would not provide enough data capacity for such an event, according to staff.

The proposed equipment includes a repurposed ambulance containing servers, a mobile tower trailer, underground wiring and a 110-volt, 20-amp power connection. Staff said the system would operate at 5.8 GHz, would be no taller than the existing communications tower and would have lower power output than equipment already at the site. The equipment owner would donate and maintain the system, with remaining costs covered by the existing budget.

Commissioners generally supported the need for communications redundancy but requested renderings or photographs, bird-safety measures and more information about wildlife and environmental effects. Staff said the design would not use guy wires, but commissioners still sought details about tower visibility and lighting. Whether the project requires a park-improvement ordinance or eventual City Council approval remained unresolved.

Commission seeks follow-up on two-week Foothills library passes

Commissioners questioned a change that is moving Foothills Nature Preserve library vehicle passes from paper one-day permits to physical passes checked out for two weeks. Staff reported that 75 passes are available across five libraries, while prior City Council direction allowed 10 library passes to be used per day.

Commissioners asked whether the change should have gone before the commission or a preserve stakeholder group and whether it is consistent with the earlier council direction. No action was taken. Staff agreed to provide follow-up information and could address the program at a future Foothills Nature Preserve stakeholder meeting.

Mitchell dog park reopens as tree and playground work continues

Staff reported that the renovated and expanded Mitchell dog park was complete and reopened Jan. 28, 2025. The project included drainage work, decomposed-granite surfacing, fencing, amenities, a small-dog area and 13 native trees.

The Ramos Park playground renovation began Jan. 6 and was expected to finish by the end of February or early March 2025. The project involves replacing play structures and related amenities.

At Esther Clark Park, staff said replanting after eucalyptus removals would likely occur in phases over several years, with a broader plan tentatively expected by late summer or fall 2025. Some trees had already been planted and caged, and Grassroots Ecology was assisting with locally sourced native trees, including oaks. Staff said replacement costs would be absorbed in the operating budget.

Public commenters requested a public plan for replacing the eucalyptus trees with native, fire-resilient species. Commissioners sought continued updates and raised concerns that budgets for projects involving substantial tree removal should include replacement and mitigation costs. Staff agreed to follow up with a commenter and provide updates in future department reports.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet