Parks and Recreation Commission - September 24, 2024

Baylands review prompts follow-up on visitor data, construction and naturalists

The Parks and Recreation Commission took no formal action after reviewing operations at the Baylands Nature Preserve, but staff agreed to pursue follow-up on visitor counting, construction practices and city naturalist positions. Commissioners asked staff to consider alternatives to concrete for future bike-rack and bench installations, distinguish peripheral bicycle commuters from preserve visitors in future reports, and research the history and current placement of naturalist positions.

Staff estimated about 600,000 visits during 2023–2024 but cautioned that restricted parking affected traffic counters, making the total inexact. About 45% of visitors were estimated to be bicycle commuters traveling between East Palo Alto and Mountain View. Staff said four rangers maintain 2,000 acres of open space.

The city installed 25 signs explaining that e-bikes are permitted on asphalt trails but not gravel trails, and staff reported fewer complaints after the signs went up. Thirteen bike racks were also installed in four areas, although commissioners questioned the visual and environmental fit of their concrete pads.

Capital work is continuing at the preserve. Repairs to damaged pilings at the Baylands Nature Center boardwalk were underway, while automation equipment for the main entrance gate was complete with signage and roadway markings still pending. Staff expected to seek remaining regulatory feedback and, if authorized, hire a contractor to clean the tide gate and attempt to restore its operation before winter.

One public commenter urged the city to protect the preserve from potential airport expansion, citing habitat, air-quality and noise concerns. Another emphasized environmental education and thanked rangers and volunteers for their work. Save The Bay reported that 793 volunteers contributed 2,475 hours, installed 5,700 native plants and removed 8,350 pounds of invasive weeds.

Youth Council plans mental-health guide after survey finds low awareness

The Palo Alto Youth Council plans to update and digitize its mental-health resource guide after 68% of students in its survey said they did not know about local mental-health resources. The council’s mental-health census surveyed 227 students at three high schools; 50% reported struggling with mental health, 27% said they were currently using mental-health resources, and 38% said their struggles began in sixth grade.

The council plans to distribute the revised guide online and in print, seek input from a mental-health expert and hold a community mental-health fair during its second semester. It also intends to expand outreach to middle-school-aged youth.

The Youth Council now has 31 members representing six schools after receiving about 60 applications, up from about 40 previously. Other plans include continuing the Final Study Cram Slam, reviving voter pre-registration outreach, restarting its newsletter through Instagram posts and videos, and holding a meet-and-greet with city officials. Dates for upcoming events had not been finalized. The commission took no formal action on the presentation.

Ramos restrooms open as Mitchell and Cameron projects move ahead

New restrooms at Ramos Park are complete and open after approximately six months of work. Native toyons and other species were planted around the facility. When commissioners asked about screening the restroom from the street, staff said the toyons are moderate-growing and that faster-growing shrubs could be considered.

At Cameron Park, concrete work and playground installation were complete, with a rubberized play surface remaining before the project’s anticipated October 2024 completion. Mitchell Dog Park is closed during renovation and is expected to be completed in January 2025. The existing large-dog area and a new smaller-dog area are expected to reopen together.

The city offered 137 fall special-interest class sessions serving 962 students and had collected approximately $27,000 in revenue. Commissioners asked staff to follow up on the reasons for the increased offerings and possible ways to reduce recreation-program waitlists, potentially through the Recreation Ad Hoc.

Staff also reported that the City Council renewed the golf operations agreement through June 2027. Staff was continuing work on an interagency agreement and long-term partnership term sheet related to First Tee, along with regulatory work on golf-course mitigation.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet