Parks and Recreation Commission - October 22, 2024

Consultant search begins for creek restoration near Arastradero

City staff reported that Palo Alto issued a request for proposals for a consultant to assess a tributary about 1,300 feet upstream from Lake Arastradero and prepare designs and jurisdictional permits for a permanent restoration. The work is intended to protect water, gas and wastewater pipelines after storm-related erosion exposed an 8-inch gas pipe; the consultant's scope also includes a 6-foot headcut.

Staff said it would provide more information about the project process and the timing of future commission review. The Parks and Recreation Commission took no action on the project during the update.

Garden waitlists spur interest in adding plots

Persistent demand for Palo Alto's five community gardens prompted commissioners to ask about adding plots, particularly in south Palo Alto and around Cubberley. Staff reported that the program has more than 400 plots, with waits averaging one to three years and individual site waitlists closing when they reach 25 names.

Staff said it looks for expansion opportunities during park renovations and other projects and may divide larger plots when gardeners relinquish them. Commissioners expressed support for expanding access but did not recommend a specific site or take formal action.

Public commenters praised the program and its volunteers and renewed requests for a restroom at Eleanor Pardee Park. Staff said restrooms were outside the scope of the garden presentation and could be considered during future capital-improvement discussions. The presentation also noted that Master Gardeners contributed more than 1,700 volunteer hours from July 2023 through June 2024 and donated 800 pounds of produce to the downtown food closet.

City Council adds athletics and park-dedication work

Staff reported that the City Council adopted the commission's FY 2025 work plan with added direction on middle school athletics and park-dedication updates. The commission is expected to consider assignments for a middle school athletics ad hoc group at a future meeting.

The existing park-dedication ad hoc group is to bring material back for commission review and work with staff toward a City Council study session. No new ad hoc assignment was made at the October meeting.

Park upgrades advance at Mitchell, Cameron and Boulware

At Mitchell Dog Park, tree pruning and drainage trenching along the south fence were complete, while work in the small and large dog parks and replacement of decomposed-granite base layers continued. Staff estimated completion in January 2025.

At Cameron Park, signage, split-rail fencing and native planting were complete, with concrete pads, furnishings and turf renovation still to come. The project was expected to finish in mid-November 2024. At Boulware Park, artwork footing work was expected in the coming weeks, with construction anticipated to continue through January 2025.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda