Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.3 ParkRecAwardOfExcellence CITY CLERK File # DITJ[5JQ]-~[Q] AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: January 17, 2006 SUBJECT: California Park and Recreation Society Award of Excellence - Dublin Senior Center Report by Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2. Award Entry Letter of Congratulations RECOMMENDATION:~ Receive report and determine whether representatives of the City KJ.; , Council will attend the banquet to accept the award. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: The City of Dublin has been selected as a 2005 California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Award of Excellence winner in the awards category of Facility Design - Community CentersIFacilities for the Dublin Senior Center in the population category of 20,001 to 50,000. Attachment 1 is a copy of the Award Entry that was prepared and submitted by Staff. The award will be presented at the CPRS Awards and Installation Banquet on Saturday, March 18,2006, in Ontario, California (the same weekend as the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Festival). The banquet is the final event of the 58th Annual California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Training Conference. As an Award of Excellence winner the City is being considered for the "Creating Community Award of Distinction", the highest agency award given by CPRS. The recipient of this award will be kept confidential until the announcement at the banquet. As suggested in the Letter of Congratulations (Attachment 2), elected and/or appointed officials are encouraged to share in this prestigious honor. The City can have up to three representatives on stage to accept the award. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council receive the report and determine whether representatives of the City Council will attend the banquet to accept the award. COPY TO: Page 1 of 1 ITEM NO. 3.?S G:\COUNCILlAgenda Statements\2006\1-17 CPRS Award,doc 11- t!j California Park & Recreation Society 2005 Awards City of Dublin, California Population 20,001 to 50,000 ATTACHMENT 1 3,6 I(1710b 2, of ~ i Design Project Purpose The purpose of the project was to design and build a permanent Senior Center for the residents ofDl1blin. The seniors were using leased space from the School District that did not meet the growing needs of the community. The new 15,200 square foot building, more than doubled the size of the existing Senior Center, and sits on the site of the former Dublin Library. The new Senior Center was designed to be warm and inviting. Many comment on the fact that the facility feels like a home and not a public building. The new Senior Center will allow for expansion of programming for seniors of all ages. The new facility provides flexible classroom space, computer learning and access, social spaces, courtyards and a new banquet hall for a daily lunch program. The building was designed so that the large banquet hall can be used during offhours by the community, provid- ing greater flexibility and maximizing use of limited public resources. Community Involvement The process to build the new Senior Center took approximately six years. The new facility was built on the site of the former Dublin Library that was replaced in 2003. City Staff and the Architects worked with the Senior Center Advisory Committee to design the new facility. At key points such as conceptual and schematic design the entire senior community was invited to participate and comment on the plans. The plans were also presented to the Parks and Com- munity Services Commission and City Council. As part of the early feasibility study for the project the site was tested to determine if senior housing could also be provided on the site. The Parks and Community Services Staff collaborated closely with Planning and Public Works to work through zoning and access issues to allow for 50-units of affordable senior housing to be incorporated into the site design. Eden Housing, a non~profit developer of affordable senior housing, worked in concert with the City's design and construction of the Senior Center. :': o.f..~ Project Site Relationship The infill site is located at the center of the business district. Jtis within walking distance of several major retailers and located on a main bus route. The site is two and half acres and had only one point of access from a busy City arterial. The City worked with the adjacent property owners to create a secondary entrance to the property and situated the Senior Center to allow for senior housing. The location allows for greater public access and visibility. The site plan, although constrained, does not feel as though there is inadequate space onsite. The housing design compliments the Senior Center and the front doors of the buildings face each other to create easy access between the two. Promotes Recreational Experiences The facility will provide numerous programs for seniors and other residents. It is designed for maximum flexibility and each room can function for a variety of programs. On weekdays the new facility will allow the City to triple the numb~ of senior activities, programs and services offered. When it is not being utilized for senior programs, the City will be able to add over 100 classes annually for the general CQmmunity in the areas of fitness, art, recreation, technol- ogy and special interest. AdditionaJly, the facility was designed to allow for private rentals on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. This will provide community organizations and families with a space to coordinate their own recreational and social events, while providing valuable rental income to help offset the facility operating costs. Aesthetics The building was designed to feel like a lodge or large house. The exterior of the building incorporates the use of warm, earth tone colors and natural stone. The interior finishes are durable and rich with the stone and colors from the outside of the building being incorporated on the inside. The layout of the building is designed so that half of the building can literally be closed off. This allows for the rental of the banquet hall completely separate from the rest of the Senior Center limiting security and mainte- nance issues. The banquet hall seats up to 248 for dining and has a commercial catering kitchen. I( t+ V Other spaces include a pre-function area, lounge and library, classrooms, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and courtyards. The classrooms can be used for art, lectures, sewing, video presentations and mat exercise. The rooms can also be divided in half to allow for two functions to occur at the same time. Other spaces can be used for game rooms, computer training, classes, exercise, dances, lectures, small performances, and banquets. Environmental The building was designed to meet a LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certified level. The building is also an infill project in an area that can be easily accessed by transit. Although an existing building was taken down to accommodate the contractor recycled approximately 90% of the material.. Other sustainable measures included the use of high efficiency mechanical and electrical systems, formaldehyde-free insulation, low VOC paints and glues, fluorescent lighting, and renewable materials such as bamboo flooring. The build- ing is designed to allow for solar power to be incorporated at a later date. The site had a perimeter planting of mature pine and redwood trees. Of the existing trees 80% were retained which provides for a mature landscape setting for the new facility, Community Use The new facility provides recreational opportunities for all residents of the community. Because of the facility's flexible design groups of various ages can use the building for a variety of functions. Although senior program hours are currently Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 4:00, the building will be utilized seven-days a week from 8:00 to as late as 10:00. Throughout the design process one of the key objectives that the team focused on was to maximize community use of the building. This included paying attention to details that made the building feel less institutional as most people assume a senior facility will feel. The concept has been successful. Since opening,.the average age of patrons has been decreasing. Staff receives numer- ous compliments that the design is appeal- ing to seniors who thought they would never want to go to a senior facility. ! '5 o~ Y. r\1 Alternative I Unusual Operations and Maintenance Practices The building layout and systems are straightforward and functional allowing for the integration of a large volunteer staff to help operate the facility. There is one point of entry for the public that also allows the staff and volunteers to better monitor who is entering the building. The cost effective and sustainable building design will minimize replacement costs over time. Materials were chosen for durability and longevity or with the idea of limited refinishing needs such as the stone fascia. The building was also designed for energy efficiency and the use of natural light. Indoor lighting is fluorescent and managed by a computerized lighting manage- ment system. Safety and security were a key objective throughout design. The site layout is highly visible, adjacent to senior housing, the Fire Station and the central business district. This minimizes issues of vandalism and break-ins which would occur in more remote areas. Promoting Participation in Recreational Experiences The new building will allow the City to triple the number of senior recreational activities and services offered. It will also allow for the addition of over 100 classes annually for the general community in the areas of fitness, art, recreation, technology and special interest. Strengthening Community Image and Sense of Place The building design strengthens community image by the use of a 'civic architecture'. The City's buildings are designed to have similar materials and colors to provide an identifiable sense of place for residents. The project gives Dublin the image of being a community that cares deeply for its older residents. The design demonstrates the City's commitment to promoting and supporting a high quality oflife for the entire community. Most seniors felt they would be an after-thought and the building would be designed to a basic standard. A letter to the editor in the Valley Times, complimented the "progressive attitude of Dublin leaders to plan and build a shrine to its senior citizens for generations of the present and future". ~rl ~ .... ... Strengthening Safety and Security The facility is in an established area of the City near a mature housing stock where a large number of residents are of senior age. This coupled with the senior housing on the site, and its location on a main bus route, provides safe and easy access to recreational activities. Promoting Health and Wellness The building was designed to accommodate a variety of exercise and fitness classes for seniors and the general public. It is being used for exercise programs including aerobics, Jazzercise, sit and stretch, mewing body, fitness over fifty, tai chi, dance and more. The catering kitchen provides space for the nutrition programs which produces fresh, healthy and affordable meals onsite. The facility also features a private consultation office for health screening services. Fostering Human Development The project fosters human development through programs and outreach to seniors for lifelong learning and recreation. Increasing Cultural Unity The Senior Center increases cultural unity by providing access and learning to a diverse group of residents. The senior housing has attracted residents with a rich diversity of cultural back- grounds. There are monthly programs at the Senior Center to help increase cultural unity. Protecting Environmental Resources The project protects enviromnental resources through the use of sustainable building practices and efficient site planning. Supporting Economic Development One of the City's high priorities is to facilitate and encourage continued investment in the central business district. This project has helped the City to increase interest in the surround- ing properties, attracting new retailers and encouraging others to remain. Several nearby retail properties have since begun renovations, adding to the economic vitality of the area. Facilitating Community Problem-Solving Dublin has a mandate to meet affordable housing needs. There are very few senior residential facilities in Dublin and demand is high in the region. The project has helped the community to further meet the requirement to provide affordable housing, while providing a place for residents to move their aging parents closer to them; a place that not only provides the basic need for shelter but the many other benefits and resources identified in this award entry. CALIFORNIA PARK" RECREATION SOCIETY 7971 Freeport Blvd Sacramento, CA 95832-9701 916/665-2777 FAX 916/665-9149 www.cprs.org 2005-2006 Board of Directors President Sheila Canzian City of San Mateo President-Elect Pamela Yugar City of Bell Gardens Vice President Mike Shellito City of Roseville Secretary-Treasurer Jim Wheeler City of Nevada City Region 1 Andre Pichly City of West Sacramento Region 2 Christopher Beth City of Redwood City Region 3 Jerry Reid City of Chowchilla Region 4 Adrian Reynosa City of West Covina Region 5 Angie Avery City of Downey Council of Sections Representatives Bill Calkins City of Anaheim Chris Chamberlain City of San Ramon '7..,f <:6. tv, CALIFORNIA PARK a RECREATION SOCIETY December 16, 2005 Mr. Paul McCreary City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 Dear Paul; Congratulations! The City of Dublin has been selected as a 2005 California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Award of Excellence winner in the awards category of Facility Design - Community Centers/Facilities for Dublin Senior Center in the population category of 20,001 - 50,000. Your award will be presented at the CPRS Awards & Installation Banquet on Saturday. March 18, 2006, at the Doubletree Hotel, 222 North Vineyard, Ontario, CA, 91764. This Banquet is the final event at the 58thth Annual California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Training Conference in Ontario. It is appropriate to have your elected and/or appointed officials attend the banquet to share in this prestigious honor. In addition, the "Creating Community Award of Distinction," the highest agency award given by CPRS, will be also presented. Only the Award of Excellence recipients are eligible for this award. The recipient(s) will be kept confidential until the announcement at the banquet. The fee to attend the reception and the banquet is $68 per person ($78 if purchased after January 31, 2006). You may purchase your banquet tickets now using the enclosed Conference Registration Form. As an Award of Excellence winner your agency will: . Be highlighted in the Awards DVD shown at the Conference General Session on Thursday, March 16th, 3:30 p.m. at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium on Chaffey High School's campus, 1245 N. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761. This Awards DVD is 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 Network Session" held on Friday, March 17, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center. Each agency will be required to have two agency representatives present at your booth. Colleen Callahan-Litfin, Best of the Best Session Network Chair, will be contacting you in January with more details, i CPRS provides the leadership to advance the positive impact and value of the profession A T-rACl-lMGNf' z" ~ ...- 60frt . Receive a plaque at the CPRS Awards & Installation Banquet. Three agency representatives may come up on stage to receive your award. (Please note: there will be a mandatory banquet rehearsal on Saturday, March 18 just prior to the Banquet reception. Your rehearsal time will be sent to you in February. At least one representative from your agency should attend this rehearsal.) Enclosed is the Award Acceptor's Form that must be completed and mailed to me by January 18, 2006. . Be listed in the Awards and Installation Banquet Program, the CPRS quarterly magazine, and on the CPRS website http://www.cprs.oro/about-awards.htm. . Have up to three (3) agency representatives photographed immediately prior to the banquet reception. You will you will receive the photograph that same evening. I will also e-mail you a digital copy after the banquet to you to publicize your award to your community. . Be given the opportunity to schedule a CPRS representative to attend a public meeting (city council, county board of supervisors, commission, etc. to represent your award. . Be able to use the sample press release to personalize and distribute to your media market(s). Paul, you will receive an information packet in mid-January with more details and in some cases return specific information by a deadline. The Awards Program is a very worthwhile program and could not be possible without the support from our sponsors, RJM Design Group, Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems, and RAINBIRD. Please stop by these sponsors' booths in the Conference Exhibit Hall and thank them for their support. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (714) 961-7162 or via e-mail at sleto@yorba-linda.org. Again, congratulations on your award. I look forward to seeing you at the conference. Sincerely, ,~~11 i?0 (// Susan Leto CPRS Awards Program Chair City of Yorba Linda cc: Jane Adams, CPRS Executive Director Enclosure: Conference Registration Form Sample Press Release Acceptor's Form