Parks and Recreation Commission - March 25, 2025

Commission reviews Arastradero repair options due in May

The Parks and Recreation Commission took no formal action after receiving an update on a permanent repair for erosion that exposed an 8-inch high-pressure natural-gas pipeline in Arastradero Preserve and threatened adjacent water and sewer lines. A consultant is expected to deliver an alternatives evaluation in May, including whether to relocate water and wastewater lines to a trail corridor and place the gas pipeline deeper beneath the creek, or retain the crossings and undertake broader stabilization extending toward Arastradero Lake.

The gas pipeline was reported exposed on March 28, 2023, about 1,200 feet upstream of the lake. The crossing also includes an 18-inch potable-water line and a 10-inch sanitary-sewer line. Staff said the gas and water lines are the only feeds serving Foothill residents. Temporary stabilization completed by the end of 2023 has held through two storms with little reported deterioration.

Staff said total project costs could exceed $5 million, although no estimate was yet available. Permitting and California Environmental Quality Act review are anticipated to be completed by May 2026, followed by a construction bidding period planned from March through September 2026 and in-stream work currently scheduled for December 2026 through January 2027.

Commissioners called for a transparent environmental review with public comment and raised concerns about construction staging and trail access. Staff said the required environmental document has not been determined and could include a full environmental impact report. Geotechnical work and utility potholing were scheduled for April 2 and April 9, respectively, with related trail closures.

Bike plan feedback remains open through April 30

The commission took no action on draft recommendations for an update to Palo Alto's Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, leaving public and commissioner feedback open through April 30. Staff identified 121 potential projects, including 25 bicycle boulevards, 11 bike lanes, nine buffered bike lanes, 26 protected bike lanes, 13 shared-use paths, two advisory bike-lane pilots, 28 crossings and seven studies or special projects.

The planning effort has a total project cost of $333,945, including a 10% contingency. The city has requested or is eligible for reimbursement of up to $334,852 through Transportation Development Act Article 3 funding. Staff planned an April 2 community workshop, presentation of the recommendations to the City Council before its summer recess, release of a public-review draft in the fall and possible council adoption by the end of 2025.

Commissioners generally supported safer and more accessible bicycle facilities but asked staff to integrate shade, trees and green infrastructure more explicitly. They also raised concerns about the East Meadow Circle and Ross Road configuration, bicycle access near Alma Plaza and whether the plan should address e-bike policy and enforcement in parks and open space.

Anne Cribbs sought clarification on a draft recommendation to deprioritize enforcement of minor walking and bicycling infractions. She also emphasized education-first bicycle safety outreach, including multilingual programming for young people and families.

Staff proposes budget review for Pardee Park restroom

The commission made no decision on a proposed permanent restroom at Eleanor Pardee Park, and no funding or project approval was granted. Staff proposed submitting the project for consideration in the fiscal year 2026 budget process, with City Council budget adoption anticipated in June 2025.

A non-scientific online survey conducted from January 13 through February 13 received 1,171 responses, according to staff. Eighty-two percent supported a restroom and 18% opposed one, while 75% of respondents identified as living within walking distance supported the proposal. Commenters and commissioners questioned how walking distance was defined and whether responses were unique. Staff said responses included IP addresses but had not been checked for uniqueness, meaning duplicate responses were possible but not established.

Supporters cited the needs of children, older adults, community gardeners and people seeking to spend more time at the park. Opponents raised concerns about traffic, parking, trash, vandalism, safety and the survey methodology. Several speakers and commissioners asked staff to consider temporary restrooms while permanent planning proceeds. Cribbs supported a permanent facility but sought information about maintenance, monitoring and vandalism safeguards.

If the project receives funding, Public Works Engineering would lead design, permitting and further community engagement, including consideration of the location and standardized restroom design. The commission would later review a Park Improvement Ordinance before final City Council approval.

First Cubberley visioning session draws about 120 people

Approximately 120 people attended the first of three public visioning sessions for the Cubberley Community Center on March 19, according to a council liaison report. The next session is planned for June, and the broader planning process is expected to continue through November 2026.

Staff said it would return to the commission in April with the project schedule, a recap of the first session and plans for the second. Commissioners expressed interest in remaining involved as the renovation and reimagining process continues.

El Camino Park stays paused as Ramos Park nears opening

The El Camino Park replacement remains deferred under City Council direction until an artificial-turf study is complete, staff reported. Commissioners raised concerns about artificial turf and plastic playground surfaces, including potential implications for children's health, and asked whether the city would revisit the choice between natural and artificial turf. The commission took no action on the issue.

At Ramos Park, construction was substantially complete, with swings installed and final work underway. Staff anticipated opening the park within the next few weeks by removing the construction fencing but provided no firm date and said no ribbon cutting was planned. Design work was also underway for the Traffic Garden bicycle-skills facility, with completion anticipated in summer 2025.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet