Parks and Recreation Commission - September 22, 2026

Commission advances scaled-back Foothills safety plan

The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended that the City Council adopt a park improvement ordinance for Foothills Nature Preserve, adding a requirement that construction occur during the September-to-January bird non-nesting season. The recommendation is not final; staff plans to bring the ordinance to the council in November.

The scaled-back plan would reduce proposed crosswalks from eight to one and speed humps from seven to five while adding three- to four-foot quarry-fines pedestrian paths connecting the entrance, Boronda Lake and Vista Hill. It also includes accessible parking at lower Vista Hill, removal of excess asphalt and no tree removal. Staff said nine gravel spaces at the entrance would be removed, the project's only parking reduction.

A commenter requested additional pedestrian connections around Veranda Lake and from the dam area to Orchard Glen Picnic Area. Staff did not recommend expanding the current project because of costs, prior council direction and the additional design, engineering and environmental review that would be required, but said the connections could be considered in a later capital project. Final design and bid documents are planned for spring 2027, with construction expected in fall 2027.

Synthetic-turf framework will return with stronger criteria

Staff will revise a proposed framework for deciding whether synthetic turf should be used in playground projects after commissioners raised concerns that the draft lacked clear health, heat, accessibility and environmental criteria. The commission took no action, and staff and an ad hoc group are expected to return with a revised approach.

The staff proposal called for reviewing each project based on site conditions, intended use, alternatives, maintenance, lifecycle costs, design and community input instead of adopting a categorical citywide ban. Staff said the framework did not evaluate the health effects of individual materials or establish temperature thresholds. Palo Alto has 28 playgrounds and play areas, with synthetic turf used at Mitchell, Boulware and Rinconada parks.

Commissioners remained divided over the eventual policy. Some favored an enforceable prohibition with narrowly defined exceptions, while others supported a flexible, project-specific approach that could account for accessibility and inclusive play. Public commenters urged stronger restrictions, explicit consideration of PFAS and other pollutants, and broader stakeholder engagement. Staff also cited maintenance lessons from Magical Bridge, where some synthetic-turf seams failed and were replaced with poured-in-place surfacing.

Primary sources

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