Parks and Recreation Commission - June 23, 2026

Commission recommends full Measure E park dedication on 3-2 vote

The Parks and Recreation Commission voted 3-2 to recommend that City Council dedicate all 10 acres of the Measure E site at Byxbee Park as parkland. Chair Nellis Freeman’s motion specified that the approximately 2.4-acre portion next to the Regional Water Quality Control Plant should be enhanced with native plants and trees for habitat and passive recreation. Shani Kleinhaus and Roger Smith joined Freeman in support, while Vadim Axelrod and Yudy Deng opposed the motion.

The recommendation went beyond staff’s proposal to dedicate 7.7 acres while retaining approximately 2.4 acres for possible future biosolids-processing infrastructure. Staff said off-hauling remains the current recommendation but argued that the city should preserve flexibility as regulations, costs, technology and plant capacity change. A staff model projects a 20% to 25% increase in biosolids production when the secondary-treatment project is completed in 2029, and staff characterized the chance of needing the land within 10 to 20 years as at least even.

Staff’s wildlife-corridor evaluation found that the site already supports habitat, wildlife movement and a hydrologic connection. It concluded that targeted upland and wetland habitat improvements could provide greater ecological benefit with less disruption than building a new corridor; one open-air corridor option would require an estimated 810,000 cubic feet of soil excavation.

Kleinhaus emphasized habitat connectivity and the decline of functional Baylands habitat. Axelrod questioned the probability and financial rationale for a future biosolids use, while Deng asked about plant capacity and coordination with regional partners. Public comments were also divided: two speakers supported staff’s 7.7-acre proposal, while another sought dedication of the entire site.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory. Staff said it intends to bring both the biosolids facility plan and a park-dedication ordinance to City Council by fall 2026.

Baylands driving-range proposal remains preliminary amid cost and impact questions

The commission made no formal decision on a proposed second-level expansion of the Baylands Golf Links driving range, instead giving staff feedback on the need for more financial, environmental and site analysis. The preliminary concept would increase the range from 27 to 68 hitting stations and add ball-tracking technology.

Preliminary base construction costs range from $8.444 million to $9.081 million, excluding soft costs such as design, with another $688,000 to $1.029 million in optional features. The financial model projects gross revenue of $1.7 million in the first year and $2.4 million in the 10th year, compared with approximately $772,000 in fiscal 2025. Projected incremental net revenue is $515,000 in the first year and $710,000 in the fifth year.

Commissioners questioned whether those returns would justify the cost and whether the concept fits the Baylands. Roger Smith opposed pursuing a second deck at that location because of its likely visual impact. Kleinhaus requested analysis of compatibility with the Baylands master plan, along with conceptual visuals and environmental review. Axelrod sought a clearer separation between expansion costs and netting replacement that staff said would be required regardless, as well as outreach to current users. Deng requested payback scenarios and comparisons with other recreation projects competing for limited capital funds.

The current netting is approximately 80 feet high, while a trajectory study considered netting of about 170 feet, subject to later design, Federal Aviation Administration and site review. Commissioners also raised questions about lighting, parking and other environmental effects. One public commenter opposed further work because of visual, funding and environmental concerns, while a First Tee Silicon Valley representative said taller netting could improve safety for nearby youth programs and expressed interest in discussing a public-private partnership.

Staff identified parking, FAA approval, funding, environmental review, phasing and design as areas requiring more study. Commissioners also called for visual mockups and broader public outreach before any future recommendation on whether the project should proceed.

Four-acre Arastradero burn scar stays closed through June 30

A roughly four-acre burn area in Arastradero Preserve will remain closed to the public through June 30 following a June 22 wildfire, staff reported. The fire began at approximately 4:45 p.m. near Gate B on the Portola Valley side and was contained at 5:17 p.m., with no injuries or structural damage.

Trails and fire roads remained open. Fire and ranger crews will continue monitoring the area for flare-ups and hot spots, while the cause remains under investigation. Staff also agreed to follow up on a commissioner’s question about possible effects on coyotes near the burn area.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet