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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
CITY CLERK
File #295-20
February 2, 2012
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
~~
Joni Pattillo, City Manager ° ~'
SUBJECT: California Park and Recreation Society Award of Excellence -Dublin Heritage
Park and Museums
Prepared by Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Dublin has been selected as a 2011 California Park and Recreation Society Award
of Excellence recipient for the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums. The award is in the category
of Park Planning -Specialty Park. The City will be formally recognized at an awards banquet
on March 23, 2012.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report and determine whether representatives of the City Council will be able to attend
the banquet to accept the award.
;~
Submitted B Reviewed By
Director of Park~and Assistant City Manager
Community Services
DESCRIPTION:
The City of Dublin has been selected as a 2011 California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS)
Award of Excellence recipient for the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums, in the awards
category of Park Planning -Specialty Park. Attachment 1 is a copy of the Award Entry Form
submitted by Staff.
The award will be presented at the annual CPRS Awards Recognition Banquet on the evening
of Friday, March 23, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach. The banquet is the
Page 1 of 2 ITEM NO. 3.4
culmination of the annual California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Training
Conference.
Staff would like to ascertain if any City Councilmember(s) are available to attend the banquet in
order to share in this prestigious honor. Funds are also available for City Councilmembers to
attend the conference educational sessions, if desired, which begins on Wednesday, March 21
and culminates on Friday, March 23.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
None
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Award Entry Form for Heritage Park and Museums
2. Award Letter
Page 2 of 2
Complete this entry form using 1 1 point font and submit it as a Word Document
201 1 Awards Entry Form
Excellence in Design -Park Planning
Section 1 - Entrv Information
Entry Name
Agency /Company /Individual
Agency Administrator
Person to Contact about Entry
Phone Number (925) 556-4500
Dublin Heritage Park and Museums (DHPM)
City of Dublin
Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director
Ann Mottola, Heritage and Cultural Arts Manager
Email ann.mottola@dublin.ca.gov
This individual will be contacted regarding the Best of the Best Networking & Social, CPRS Awards
Banquet coordination, and media questions.
Section 2 -Select Division
^ Neighborhood (less than 10 acres in size, serve immediate neighborhood)
^ Community (less than 50 acres in size, serve a community)
^ Regional (greater than 50 acres in size, serve several communities)
x Specialty (unique, single use park, open space, trail)
Section 3 -Select Classi (Based on Project Cost2)
Construction or rehabilitation of a segment within a park should be first categorized by park type, i.e.,
neighborhood, community, or regional and then by project cost.
2Project costs include total construction costs and site improvements, fixtures/furnishings and equipment.
Do not include personnel related project costs, master planning fees, acquisition of property, construction
management fees, special testing or other non-constructions costs.
^ Class 1 ($0 - $2 million)
x Class 2 ($2 million - $10 million)
^ Class 3 ($10 million and above)
Section 4 -Evaluation Criteria
Instructions: This narrative will be used by the judges to evaluate your entry. Describe your entry
within the allotted word count for each criterion. All criteria must be addressed in the application or the
application will be rejected. Please note each criterion has a specific point value and a maximum word
description.
1. Introduction (Maximum 2~0 words): Describe the compelling community need or the
organizational challenge the entry addressed and the completion date (15 pts)
Completed in July 201 I ,the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums re-establishes Dublin's historic heart. Sited near the
historic crossroads and natural springs along the "Lincoln Highway" that were the reason for the City's existence,
the park helps shape Dublin's identity while serving the everyday needs of residents.
Dublin began as a crossroads and stagecoach stop for routes traveling from Stockton to Oakland and Martinez to
San Jose. With the rise in automobile use, Dublin continued to be a stop along the Lincoln Highway through the
1950's. By the 1960's and with the arrival of Interstate 580, the population exploded. As subdivisions brought new
residents, Dublin's first shopping center was built at the town's original crossroads.
During this time, a small Heritage Center containing several historic structures remained adjacent to the shopping
center. This 3.6 acre park held the historic resources of Old St. Raymond Church, Dublin Pioneer Cemetery and
the Murray Schoolhouse.
In 2008, many years after the shopping center lost its anchor tenant resulting in high vacancy rates and blight, the
City purchased the site to develop the Dublin Heritage Park, and assisted with relocating remaining tenants. The
greatest challenge was the relocation of a number of historic structures from aranch aquarter-mile away that,
although historically in old Dublin Village, had been severed by the construction of Interstate 580, becoming part of
the Pleasanton city limits. The recreational application of these structures and the park site is an innovative mixture
of both historic and modern use.
2. Creativity and Innovation (Maximum 400 words): Extent to which the entry demonstrated use
of unique architectural elements or responded to challenging environmental, cultural or site
constraints or integrated "green" construction materials, systems, management or maintenance
practices (20 pts)
The intention of this park was not to re-create history but to re-establish the landscape typologies of historic Dublin
(crossroads, ranch, and orchard) creating a learning experience for visitors.
During the planning process the City had the opportunity to acquire several historic buildings from the Kolb Ranch,
located aquarter-mile from the park site, but physically separated by Interstate 580. The Kolb family was one of
Dublin's early settlers, founding Dublin's first library, phone company and general store. The City recognized the
historical significance of the offer and updated the Park Master Plan to relocate several structures to the park.
The Kolb's Main House now serves as a period museum; the barn which served as Dublin's first Sunday school, is a
"black box" theatre and meeting venue; the family's original house is an art studio and houses the park restrooms;
and the Hay Barn serves as a shade structure for camps, school tours and event activities. As buildings were moved
they were positioned relative to each other, as they would have been sited on the existing ranch, to accurately
depict the original ranch and educate visitors on the significance of the layout to ranching operations of the period.
In addition to preserving Dublin's heritage and culture, the project promotes environmental stewardship and
protects natural resources. Landscape elements were thoughtfully incorporated into the site. The planting includes
native species to the ranch: black locust trees, big leaf maples and other native vegetation. Demolition of the
shopping center was in accordance with the City's Green Building Ordinance and most of the building and paving
were recycled. Reductions in paving reduce the heat island effect and the additional plantings enhance air quality,
provide shade and treat stormwater.
The park provides much-needed outdoor recreation space in the western part of the community and contributed to
the City meeting its goal to provide five-acres of park land for every I ,000 residents. Related streetscape
improvements enhanced accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists, reducing vehicular trips. Picnic areas allow
community members to assemble with their families and friends. An amphitheater has been incorporated into the
site to accommodate larger events to bring residents together to celebrate community.
This creative vision allowed Dublin to preserve a historically significant landscape type that is disappearing from the
American consciousness. The manner in which these landscapes were incorporated into the park provides an
innovative learning environment and restored the community heart.
3. Results (Maximum 400 words): Extent to which the entry met an identified community need or
created new or increased value for the community, partners or stakeholders; or significantly advanced
the provision of park and recreation services in the community (20 pts)
The value added to this rapidly growing community is that the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums has created a
bridge between old and new. The history of the community has been preserved for generations to come to enjoy in
an active or passive experience.
In the years following the decline of the shopping center, the landowner wanted to demolish the center and
construct office buildings and housing on the 4.3 acre site adjacent to the Heritage Center containing the remnants
of Dublin Village. However, residents wanted to preserve this parcel and its historical significance and expand the
Heritage Center into a historic park. The City also recognized that acquisition of the parcel and its transformation
into park space would support increasing the City's park acreage in that area of the community that was at a deficit
since the City incorporated in 1982.
Without a willing seller or a redevelopment agency in Dublin, the City embarked on a multiyear planning process to
acquire the property and develop the Heritage Park. The City created a Specific Plan and Design Guidelines for the
Dublin Village Historic Area to turn it into a cohesive district to better highlight Dublin's historic resources. The
Council also adopted a Historic Overlay Zoning District that will serve to implement the Dublin Village Historic
Area Design Guidelines. The planning and land acquisition was successfully completed in 2007 when the City was
able to negotiate an agreement with the landowner to purchase the property and avoid the use of eminent domain.
The value of community has been enhanced by preserving its historic roots.
Completion of the Dublin Heritage Park and Museums has created a place that provides a strong sense of history,
identity, and reinforces civic pride. The assembly of structures with respect to the surrounding open space reveals
the unique character of the Dublin community by increasing public awareness of Dublin's historic resources.
The Dublin Heritage Park and Museums provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities for local residents
and visitors. The programs offered at the park expand and strengthen the community of volunteers, teachers,
musicians, gardeners, crafters, tractor drivers, archivists, and class participants that interact on the site. The park
also provides a respite from the urban environment with seven acres of walkways, creek, historic cemetery, lawns
and gardens.
4. Execution (Maximum 400 words): Extent to which the entry included informing, engaging and
communicating with partners, stakeholders or policy makers and used non-traditional fiscal or
community resources i.e., grants, sponsorships, foundations, volunteers (15 pts)
Because the notion of history is intertwined with feelings of civic pride, it was important that the residents of Dublin
be the primary voice in the design of their historic park.
The project began in 2006 with community workshops that brought together stakeholders and policy makers to
identify desired elements within the expanded Dublin Heritage Center. These included classrooms, a theater, art
studio, picnic areas, walkways and preserving related historical resources. The input from workshops was
incorporated into a Historic Park Master Plan and updated in 2007 to include the historic Kolb Ranch buildings.
Many community partners were involved in the park. The Dublin Historical Preservation Association sponsored a
Preview Opening. The Questers donated furniture. The Dublin-San Ramon Women's Club provided groups of
volunteers. The Dublin Lions Club provided volunteers for the grand opening.
Most impressive is the continued engagement of the community in the ongoing operations of the facility. Many of the
stakeholders involved in the planning and visioning processes have continued to support the project by establishing a
"Heritage Guild". This cadre of volunteers holds monthly meetings. They review, schedule and staff monthly events.
The number of volunteers has doubled in the past year and continues to grow. The volunteer program is open and
inclusive. Volunteers range in age from teenagers to octogenarians.
5. Affect (Maximum 400 words): Extent to which the entry provided a substantial community benefit,
improved operational efficiencies or resulted in a noticeable positive change (20 pts)
Dublin Heritage Park plays a unique role in the community by instilling a `pride of place.' This place, rich in
historical resources, provides the community with opportunities to engage in preservation, recreation, to socialize
and to learn.
Operational efficiencies have been created by the volunteer guild. They perform a variety of functions that are
essential to the operation of a new park and museums:
• Upkeep in the gardens and cemetery, and annual cleanup of the creek and
historical Alamilla Springs.
• An "Adopt-A-Room" program was established to provide for the set-up and
ongoing care of the Kolb House and collection.
• Volunteer "work parties" are held to clean and prepare building and artifacts for opening.
• A collections and archives volunteer crew established a data base and tagged each item in collection.
The volunteer staffing level allows for museum operational hours that surpass most local history museums. The
facilities are open six days a week and there are evening hours to accommodate people with traditional work
schedules. Admission during regular hours is free and visitors are given a guided tour by a friendly volunteer. The
facility is staffed 46 hours per week and a live person will answer the phone during business hours. The Dublin
Heritage Park and Museum can also be accessed on the City of Dublin website.
There is also empirical evidence of the positive impact of the immediate neighborhood in the use of the passive park
space. The parcel has undergone a complete transformation from the blighted shopping center that it had become.
On a daily basis, a variety of uses, both active and passive are observed:
• People walking their dogs.
• Working people taking their lunch break, reading on a bench, taking a walk.
• Families and children playing ball on the lawns.
• Families' taking their young children on bike rides around the safe walkways.
• Grandparents pointing out how a piece of farm equipment was used.
• Various groups using the picnic area having parties.
• Volunteers driving the tractor pulling a group in the wagon around the grounds.
• Schoolchildren taking tours through historic buildings.
• Photographers and artists capturing images.
Dublin Heritage Park and Museums has become a modern crossroads for the community to gather.
6. Mission (Maximum 400 words): Extent to which the entry supported the Parks Make Life Better!®
campaign messages of creating spaces and places for access to nature, outdoor space for play and
exercise, self-directed and directed recreation, facilitating social connections, lifelong learning, or the
arts (10 pts)
The Dublin Heritage Park and Museums project was highly successful in supporting the "Parks Make Life Better!"
message:
BUILD LOYALTY FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES: This project built loyalty with community
stakeholders by being responsive to their desire to preserve Dublin's historic heart. This value was fully supported
throughout the planning process by stakeholders and elected officials.
Heighten the Profession's Bargaining Power and Independence: The Parks and Recreation professionals
engaged in this project were the facilitators for this process. Park planners worked with design and architectural
considerations. Recreation program staff facilitated community and stakeholder processes to develop a needs
assessment and translate those needs into unconventional uses of the historic buildings.
Stimulate Growth: The addition of this facility has allowed an increase in programs offered to the community.
The addition of a "black box" theatre and art and ceramics studio will allow an increase in the diversity of programs
offered. The backdrop where these programs are offered will stimulate growth of the next generation of Dubliners
by connecting them to the cultural past of their community through historic preservation.
Attract Talented People to the Profession: Uniquely qualified people with expertise in a variety of professions
were necessary to manage this project and for the ongoing stewardship of this park. The addition of this historic
programming deepens the breadth of knowledge, talent and business models brought to Dublin's Parks and
Community Services Department.
Involve the Public: The process was completely transparent and engaged the public on many levels. The project
began in 2006 with community workshops that brought together stakeholders and policy makers to identify desired
elements within the expanded Dublin Heritage Center. The project was a result of the public seeking preservation
of a historic heart of their community rather than see the parcel developed into commercial and residential.
Gain Greater Resources and Support: The evolution of this park was due to the generous contributions of a
number of community groups. The operation is supported primarily by a volunteer guild. The project continues to
draw resources to the Department. The museum is currently undergoing an evaluation by the Museum Assessment
Program offered by the American Museums Association.
Dublin Heritage Park and Museums demonstrates that "Parks Make Life Better!" by creating a place where a
community can celebrate its historic heart for many generations to come. The success of this project demonstrated
the significance of "place" in preserving and celebrating community.
Section 5 - Reauired Additional Submittals
These items must be included in your entry folder before it is uploaded to the FPT site.
x PDF of park master plan
x PDF of site plan. If the entry is a `phase' of the park's development please indicate the area of the
park.
x Maximum 8 high resolution photos [300 dpi]; before and after photos if a rehabilitation project (label
each photo with entry name andbrief descriptor)
x Maximum 2 examples of background information that support one or more of the criteria (PDF
format)
x PDF of Notice of Completion or other documentation that states when the project was completed
x Maximum 100 word description of your entry used for the Best of the Best brochure and other
promotional efforts (submitted as a separate Word document)
x Maximum 25 word description of your entry used to announce your entry (submitted as a separate
Word document)
Section 6 - Signature & Waiver
I hereby give the California Park & Recreation Society the irrevocable right and permission to copyright
and publish any photographs or other digital materials submitted for use in its printed publications,
audiovisual presentations, and/or on line. I also waive the right to approve the final product in which my
entry maybe used. I also understand that this entry could be disqualified if this application is incomplete.
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Agency's Administrator's S gnature Date
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CP'(S
advancIng californIa's
park & recreQllon profession
January 31, 2012
Ann Mottola
City of Dublin
Dear Ann:
Congratulations! The City of Dublin has been selected as a 2011 California Park & Recreation Society
(CPRS) Award of Excellence recipient for the Dublin Heritage Park & Museum in the awards category
of Park Planning - Specialty - Park Class 2. This year's awards program was considerably modified to
recognize outstanding achievement in the areas of facility design, park planning, marketing and
communication and community improvement and programming by demonstrating the CREAM principals
of creativity and innovation, project results, execution, affect, and alignment with the parks and
recreation mission. You should be proud that your project met the highest standards for achieving
excellence.
The presentation of awards will take place at the annual Awards Recognition Banquet scheduled for
Friday, March 23 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Long Beach. We strongly encourage you, your staff and
your elected and/or appointed officials to attend the banquet in order to share in this prestigious honor
and be recognized among your peers. The fee to attend the reception and the banquet is $70 per
person ($80 if purchased after February 10, 2012. The original Januarv 27 deadline has been extended
to Februarv 10 to allow additional time for notifying award winners). You may purchase your banquet
tickets now by using the enclosed Conference Registration Form or visiting the CPRS website at
httos: Ilwww.cprsmembers.oro/corsonline/.
As an Award of Excellence winner your agency will:
. Be recognized at the Conference Opening General Session on Wednesday, March 21, 2012,
9:30 a.m. located in the Terrace Theatre at the Long Beach Convention Center. Reserved
seating will be available for all members of your agency. Pleas\!l ask one of our ushers to direct
you to this area on your arrival. The Awards DVD will be available for purchase.
. Receive up to eight "Award Winner" ribbons for your staff and officials to wear during the
Conference. These will be mailed to you at a later date.
. Have the opportunity to showcase your winning entry with a tabletop display at the "Best of the
Best Awards Networking & Social" held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at. 5:30 p.m. This is an
outstanding opportunity to share your project with other conference delegates in a more
personal setting. Information for participating in this event is attached and Helen Hernandez
"Best of the Best" Chair will be contacting you shortly with more details.
. Receive a plaque at the CPRS Awards Banquet. Three agency representatives may come up
on stage to receive your award. You will be sent information for designating your award
acceptors within the next several weeks. Please note there is a required check-in and banquet
rehearsal on Friday, March 23 at 3:00 p.m. At least one representative from your agency
should attend this rehearsal.
California Park & Recreation SocIety
7971 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento CA 958>>-'701 919.665.2777 Fox 916.665.9149 _.eprs.org
. Be listed in the Awards Banquet Program, the CPRS quarterly magazine and on the CPRS
website htto:/Iwww.cors.org/about-awards.htm.
. Receive an e-version of the Award of Excellence ribbon that your agency can utilize in
publications, on your web site, etc.
o Have up to five (5) agency representatives photographed immediately pnor to the banquet
reception. You will receive the photograph that same evening. I will also e-mail you a digital copy
after the banquet to publicize your award to your community.
o Be given the opportunity to schedule a CPRS representative to attend a public meeting (city
council, county board of supervisors, commission, etc.) to present your award.
. Use of the sample press release to personalize and distribute to your media market( s).
The Awards Program is a very worthwhile program and could not be possible without the support from our
sponsors, RJM Design Group, Little Tikes and Hunter. Please stop by these sponsors' booths in the
Conference Exhibit Hall and thank them for their support.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the contact information listed below.
Again, congratulations on your award. We look fOlWard to seeing you at the conference.
Sincerely,
~J.~
Tara L. Gee
Awards Division Chair
City of Roseville
tgee@roseville.ca.us
916-774-5253
Enclosures: Best of the Best Confirmation Form
Conference & Banquet Registration Form
cc: Sheila Canzian, Awards Program Chair
Jane Adams, CPRS Executive Director