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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.1 Jordan Rch Park Play Area Designor 19 82 /ii � 111 DATE: May 6, 2014 STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers CITY CLERK File #600 -35 FROM: Christopher L. Foss, City Manager " SUBJECT: Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park Play Area Design Prepared by Douglas Rooney, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In January 2014, the City Council unanimously approved the conceptual site plan for Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park. The City Council requested Staff to return with additional information and detailed design options for the playground areas. Staff is seeking City Council approval of the preferred play area option for this park. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Both of the Play Area Options can be constructed within the current improvement budget. Increasing the size or adding equipment to the options would necessitate deleting other park amenities to stay within budget. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation from Staff and approve Option Two as the preferred playground for the park. � r Submitted By l Reviewed By Parks and Community Services Director Assistant City Manager DESCRIPTION: On January 21, 2014, the conceptual designs for Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park were presented to the City Council. The City Council inquired about the square footage and features of the play area and how it compared to other parks in Dublin. The City Council asked Staff to report back at a future meeting with more detailed design alternatives for the playground, and to determine how additional play equipment could be added in exchange for other amenities in the park if the City Council desired. The City Council expressed a desire to explore how the play areas could be unique, memorable and different from other playgrounds in the area. The City Council unanimously voted to approve Conceptual Site Plan 2 and to proceed with construction documents. Page 1 of 3 ITEM NO. 7.1 Staff worked with the Landscape Architect to develop two play area designs that feature play equipment from two manufacturers commonly used in Dublin Parks. The use of familiar manufacturers assures a quality product while allowing the designer to choose unique and different play equipment. In addition, both designs incorporate a three - dimensional play surface that runs the rubber surface over mounds to add additional play value to what is usually a flat safety surface. Either of these designs will provide a play area at Jordan Ranch Park that is unique, different, and can be constructed within the current budget. Parks and Community Services Commission Recommendation The two play area options below were presented at the Parks and Community Services Commission Meeting on April 21, 2014. Participants from the past design workshops were sent notices of the Commission meeting. After receiving public comment, the Parks and Community Services Commission recommended approval of Option 1 (Attachment 1) to the City Council. Further, the Commission recommended not exchanging any of the other park amenities to expand the playground. Attachments 2 and 3 are the minutes from the Commission meetings when the park has been discussed. Play Area — Option 1 Option 1 (Attachment 4) has play equipment with a futuristic, space -age feel. The color scheme is blue, grey and green, with bright accents. Visually all the play areas are uniform. The play areas include the following features: • Tot Area for Ages Two to Five: o "Weevos" 3802 o "Cozy Dome" play house o "Bobble Rider'- double o "Bobble Rider'- single • Youth Area for Ages Five to 12: o "Evos" 2988 o "Mobius" climbing ribbon • Swing Area for all Ages: o Two belt swings • Two bucket swings Play Area — Option 2 Option 2 features play equipment with a more diverse aesthetic. The area for older children has an industrial feel that is expressed in the structure, while the area for younger children is more whimsical and constructed of flat panels that appear to be a house, a bridge or a fire truck from different angles. The color scheme for Option 2 is also largely blue, grey and green; however it includes areas of tan and accent colors of red and yellow. Though they are complementary, visually the play areas are distinct and unique. The play areas include the following features: Tot Area for Ages Two to Five: o "Home Rescue" Multi Tower o "Stinger" o "Racer" o "Spinner Bowl" Page 2 of 3 • Youth Area for Ages Five to 12: • "Epic" ELE500015 • "Supernova" spinner • Swing Area for all Ages: o Two belt swings • Two bucket swings Park Play Area Comparison: Staff compared the design options to the playgrounds in recently developed parks. The analysis revealed the size and features of both the play area options for Jordan Ranch compare favorably with recently completed play areas in Dublin Parks as follows: Park Square Ft #swings #slides #spinners #riders Jordan Ranch 5,372 4 2 2 3 Option 1 Jordan Ranch 5,098 4 4 3 2 Option 2 Passatempo 2 single Park 4,507 4 2double 0 1 1 triple Schaefer 3 single Ranch 5,931 4 3 double 0 2 Park Positano Hills Park — 5,495 4 2 1 1 Revised Positano Hills 47397 2 1 1 1 Park — Original Amenity Exchange Values: In addition to the analysis, Staff created a graphic representation of the amount of additional play area equipment that could be added to the current designs in exchange for eliminating other park amenities (Attachment 5). NOTICING REQUIREMENTS /PUBLIC OUTREACH: Notifications were emailed to residents who participated in the public workshops during conceptual design. In addition a copy of the Staff Report was sent to the Landscape Architect and the Parks and Community Services Commission. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Play Area Option 2 2. Play Area Option 1 3. Parks and Community Services Commission Minutes from December 16, 2013 4. Parks and Community Services Commission Minutes from April 21, 2014 5. Amenity Exchange Values Page 3 of 3 Planting Area — Turf Area r , Concrete Pathway, typ.} y� • ` •�'. a" mW4x IOK VWW FROPO EkMATKW VM W Accent Tree, iyp. Shade Sail ;., Tot Play Area (Ages 2 -5) Play Structures Home /Rescue Multi Tower Structure rr 'rr Shade Tree, Typ. Stinger Rocker ,Y �J © Racer Rocker Swing Area (2 Boys - 1 Bay with Spinner Bawl Bucket Swings and T Bay with Belt E❑ Epic Structure B � Swings( \ - FF Supernova Shade SaIT with Benches beneath 2 Bay Swings Planting ���•__����_---- --_���� r Area Y f '- FF] 1 ' 32' .Youth PICZY Area (Ages 5-121 CITX OF Concrete Pathway, r yp. GRAPHIC SCALE IN FEET DUBLIN yy'�_1��„ PLAY AREA - OPT[ON TWO JORDAN RANCH PARK landscape MARCH 10, 2014 DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA ATTACHMENT 2 ITT • _ Y vi y ♦ �' ".0 ' t' . i s l r ,A OPTION TWO - VIEW TWO wl LJ i t X� � 4 6q-.- �- ��4 PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN December 16, 2013 The December 16, 2013 Regular Meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission was called to order at 7:04 PM at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California, by Chair Totaro. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Totaro led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners (Cm.) Present: Ballesteros, Boboc, Mack, Totaro, Sung Commissioner Absent: Elias ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 3.1 Brief Informational Only Reports from Senior Center and Youth Advisory Committees Senior Center Advisory Committee Member Ms. Diane Bonetti reported that the Advisory Committee is evaluating the Senior Center Lunch program, provided by Spectrum, for improvement and expansion opportunities. She reported the Advisory Committee continues to look into marquee sign options and costs. She reported on the Hometown Heroes event held on November 2, 2013 and the Holiday Craft Boutique held on November 16, 2013. Both were successful events. She reported the Bingo program is doing well and making a profit for the Dublin Senior Foundation. Cm. Sung reported on the October and December Youth Advisory Committee meetings. The Advisory Committee reviewed the Youth Mini Grant Program requirements and applications. The Advisory Committee also received a presentation from a Dublin Librarian for the '90s Nostalgia Night' scheduled for January 11, 2014. She reported on the Tree Lighting Ceremony event which took place on December 5, 2013. 3.2 PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.1 October 21, 2013 On a motion by Cm. Boboc, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 5 -0 -0 with Commissioner Elias absent, the Commission voted to approve the minutes of October 21, 2013, as presented. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS — None PUBLIC HEARING — None UNFINISHED BUSINESS — None NEW BUSINESS 8.1 Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park Conceptual Design Alternatives Mr. Douglas Rooney, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. P &CSC Minutes — December 16, 2013 — Page 2 of 5 Chair Totaro asked if the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park will be the last park built in eastern Dublin. Mr. McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director, stated there will be additional parks in eastern Dublin at Positano, Jordan Ranch, Wallis Ranch, Moeller Ranch and at the Dublin Crossing development. Mr. Bart Ito, Project Manager from GSM Landscape Architects, presented the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park Conceptual Design options. Chair Totaro asked about the size of the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park. Mr. McCreary and Mr. Rooney mentioned comparable parks to use as a size reference. Cm. Boboc asked if there would be a parking lot for the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park. Mr. Ito stated there would not be a parking lot; however, there is existing street parking along Jordan Ranch Drive. Chair Totaro asked about the horseshoe pits. Mr. Ito stated that the pits are provided at the parks, but the public will need to bring their own equipment. Ms. Gretchen McCann, Principal Landscape Architect from GSM Landscape Architects, presented the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park Preferred Conceptual Designs 1 and 2. Cm. Ballesteros commended Mr. Rooney and GSM Landscape Architects on the variety of tools used to reach out to the community for input. She asked if the parking availability could be increased. Mr. Rooney stated there is a cul -de -sac on the east and west sides of the park and both sides of Jordan Ranch Drive with parking available. Cm. Ballesteros stated that she likes Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 2 better because of the space for the volleyball and basketball courts and the sails above the playground area. She asked if a picnic area on Site Plan 2 was removed. Mr. Rooney stated the picnic area is more compressed instead of two separate picnic areas as on Site Plan 1, but both plans have about the same seating capacity, which is for 50 to 60 people. Cm. Ballesteros asked if there would be BBQ pits in the picnic areas, and Mr. Rooney said yes. Cm. Ballesteros restated that she likes Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 2, since the picnic seating capacity is the same. Cm. Boboc asked if the residents had a preference in having the play area closer to the houses. Mr. Rooney stated the play area in Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 1 is closer to existing houses; however, there will be houses built on the other side of the park and the play area will have a greater impact on the new homes once they are built. Cm. Mack stated she prefers Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 2 because of the sidewalk that cuts through the park and she likes the play equipment better. Cm. Sung stated she liked Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 2 because of the modern aspect. She asked if there is going to be shade over the park benches throughout the park. Mr. Rooney stated the park's details have not been worked out yet, but Staff could consider incorporating shade trees over the benches. P &CSC Minutes — December 16, 2013 — Page 3 of 5 Cm. Sung asked how wide the open turf area is by the basketball courts on Site Plan 2. Mr. Ito stated the narrowest area is about 20 feet wide. Chair Totaro stated he liked Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 1 because the rectangular shape of the open turf area was more conducive for a pick up soccer game. He also stated having the path around the park was a nice feature. He asked if Site Plan 1 could incorporate the shade sails over the play areas as in Site Plan 2. Mr. Rooney stated because Site Plan 2 has economic advantages due to having less concrete, plants and shrubbery, it could accommodate the added costs of the shade sails. Chair Totaro asked if there is an opportunity to extend the walkway around the turf area in Site Plan 2. Mr. Rooney stated there is already an open space trail and public sidewalk on the north and south sides of the existing turf area. The trail would not be much different than the public sidewalk and would take away from the turf area and be more costly. On a motion by Cm. Ballesteros, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a vote of 5 -0 -0, with Cm. Elias absent, the Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed Preferred Conceptual Design, Site Plan 2 for the Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park as presented to the City Council. 8.2 Fallon Sports Park Phase II Ms. Rosemary Alex, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Totaro asked about the timeline for the project. Ms. Alex stated that upon City Council approval, the preparation of the construction documents will begin. The project will go out to bid in late 2014, with construction starting in early 2015, and an anticipated opening date of summer 2016. Mr. Bill Fee, Carducci and Associates Consultant, presented Phase II improvements based on the input received from local sports user groups. Cm. Boboc asked about the wind direction at Fallon Sports Park. Mr. Fee stated the wind normally blows from the west. Chair Totaro asked about the size of the restrooms. Mr. Fee stated there is a new code beginning in January 2014 which requires more restroom stalls for women than men. Using this code and computing the number of persons that will be using the fields will determine the size of the restrooms. Chair Totaro commented that having adequate restrooms will make Fallon Sports Park a premier facility. Mr. Paul McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director, stated Staff will look into the cost benefits of having the restrooms for regular weekday and weekend use versus renting additional units when needed for tournaments. The addition of a multipurpose room could also affect and increase the size of the restrooms. Mr. McCreary stated that due to the Impact Fee Program having better receipts last year and this year, Staff is proposing to finish the lower terrace landscape during Phase II as part of the Capital Improvement Program. Chair Totaro asked if there is anything that can be done to finish the upper terrace, such as the netting on the upper soccer fields. Mr. McCreary stated those improvements have not yet been discussed, but Staff has extensive notes from the local sports groups regarding the balls going over the fields. Any P &CSC Minutes — December 16, 2013 — Page 4 of 5 improvements to the existing fields and amenities could not be funded by Public Facility Fees and would require another funding source. Cm. Boboc asked if the sun analysis for the baseball field was also for the softball fields. Mr. Fee stated the sun analysis is for hardball as it is a 90 -foot baseball field. Chair Totaro asked about the levels of seating on the soccer fields. Mr. Fee stated there will be three tiers of seating on the soccer field. Cm. Ballesteros asked if the modular building for preschool would have restroom facilities, and Mr. Fee said yes. Cm. Ballesteros asked how the north side of the park will transition to the lower portion. Mr. Fee stated there would be a 10 to 15 foot embankment between the sections. There will be nets on the upper field to keep the soccer balls from going down to the lower fields. Other alternatives to contain the balls could also be considered. Cm. Mack commented she was concerned about the restrooms because there seems to be a lot of soccer fields forjust one bathroom. Mr. Fee stated the restrooms would accommodate the facility. Chair Totaro asked if soccer groups were going to assist with the cost of the meeting room at Fallon Sports Park. Mr. McCreary stated the multipurpose room would be a City Facility that would be owned and operated by the City. The soccer groups and others may be able to rent the room when not in use for City programs, but the room would not be a space dedicated only for soccer groups. Mr. McCreary stated that in addition to the amenities the soccer groups requested, the cost for another synthetic turf field and lighting would cost around $2 million. The City is working on other funding sources so as not to completely burden the soccer groups with the costs. Chair Totaro asked if the baseball field will be lighted, and Mr. McCreary said yes. Chair Totaro stated Phase II is a great plan. He stated it would be a great premier facility and can accommodate high school or college games to enhance sports in the City. Mr. McCreary asked the Commission if there was anything they would like to suggest or have changed before Staff takes the plan to City Council. Aside from ensuring adequate restrooms, which is being looked into, the Commission liked the Fallon Sports Park Phase II Plan. OTHER BUSINESS 9.1 BRIEF INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS FROM PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONERS AND /OR STAFF Cm. Ballesteros attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Breakfast with Santa events. Cm. Boboc took his son to the Dublin Sports Grounds baseball fields. He asked if that was allowed since the fields are closed. Mr. McCreary stated the City is not allowing organized use on the fields. Cm. Boboc asked if the coyote decoys were working to control the geese on the fields. Mr. McCreary stated the coyote decoys are working well, though they need to be moved from time to time. P &CSC Minutes — December 16, 2013 — Page 5 of 5 Cm. Mack asked if the City will match Youth Fee Assistance Program (YFAP) donations and how long can donations be made for this fiscal year. Mr. McCreary stated the City will match what is donated to the YFAP for up to $5,000 and donations will be accepted through June 30, 2013 for this fiscal year. Cm. Mack attended the Schaefer Ranch Park Grand Opening and Hometown Heroes events. Cm. Mack asked if the parks can be included in the branding. Mr. McCreary stated if the consultants determine our parks are part of what makes the City unique and different and is a reason people and companies want to come to Dublin it may be included in the City's branding and marketing plan. Cm. Sung attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony. She asked why the outdoor tree was replaced for this year's event. Mr. McCreary stated the irrigation changed to recycled water which has a higher salt content. The previous redwood tree was removed because the salt in the soil is not good for the redwoods. It was replaced with an evergreen tree which fairs better under those circumstances. Cm. Sung informed the Commission that Dublin Elementary had a Holiday Boutique event. Chair Totaro attended the Schaefer Ranch Park Grand Opening, Hometown Heroes event, and the Heritage Park Holiday Concert. Chair Totaro asked about the recent changes at the Dublin Sports Grounds fields. Mr. McCreary stated Dublin Little League requested to reconfigure one of the softball fields to a new 50/70 field for their intermediate division. The softball field is being converted and the construction costs are being donated by MCE. The field will be facing southeast. The fields will be closed until March 1, 2013 to be ready for the upcoming seasons. Mr. McCreary provided program and project updates. ADJOURNMENT Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Kranksy Senior Office Assistant APPROVED: Chairperson PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Draft Minutes CITY OF DUBLIN April 21, 2014 8.1 Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park Play Area Design Alternatives Mr. Doug Rooney, Parks and Facilities Development Coordinator, presented the specifics of the item as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Totaro asked about the size of the Park. Mr. Rooney stated the park would be approximately 4.5 acres. Chair Totaro asked for clarification regarding the shade structures. Mr. Rooney explained the discussions from the workshops were listed as amenities and community surveys were listed as priorities. Cm. Elias asked about the differences in the density of the play equipment between Option One and Option Two. Mr. Rooney stated Option One has a larger play area due to the type of play equipment requiring a larger fall zone and surface area. Cm. Ballesteros commented on Option One having less walkable area and landings on the play structure as compared to Option Two's play structure. Mr. Rooney stated Option One has a greater emphasis on climbing whereas Option Two has more "occupy- able" space on the play structure. Mr. Balagi, Dublin resident, asked about maintenance for the shade structures. Mr. Rooney stated he did not have the exact information on the life of the shade structure material; however, they would need to be replaced in the future. In addition to the shade structures, trees would be planted around the play area and over time would provide more shade as they matured. Mr. Balagi asked if the walkway by the creek area has any future design plans. Mr. Rooney stated the walkway is in an open space area and will remain in its natural form. Cm. Ballesteros asked if the shade structures would be shaped like an umbrella. Mr. Rooney stated that during the conceptual design phase, the shade structures were originally triangular in shape. However, due to expenses, an alternative structure called the "Tornado" has been selected. Cm. Ballesteros commented on the play equipment features she liked in Option Two compared to Option One. Cm. Ballesteros stated she likes Option One but felt that Option Two was more usable. Cm. Ballesteros expressed her safety concerns with Option One's climbing wall structure. Mr. Rooney stated Staff could work with the designer to alter the relationship of the mound to the climbing structure to mitigate the concern of injuries if this option is selected by City Council. Cm. Elias asked about the height of the mound located near the climbing structure. Mr. Rooney stated the mound is approximately 30 inches high. Cm. Ballesteros commented that she liked the alternative option of adding a third play structure rather than a basketball court. Mr. Rooney stated Staff looked at alternative options that would allow for a larger play area in exchange for other amenities. Cm. Boboc stated he likes Option One because of the climbing wall since it is a unique feature as compared to other Dublin parks. Vice Chair Mack stated she likes Option One and that it is crucial to have play areas for children. Cm. Elias stated he likes Option Two. He stated Option One has good aspects but appears empty. Cm. Elias stated Option Two has better spacial elements and more activities for children. Cm. Elias asked if planting a more mature tree for shade would be a more suitable alternative than a shade structure. Mr. McCreary, Parks and Community Services Director, stated a smaller tree would establish and develop better over time rather than a larger, mature tree as they tend to not transplant as well. Mr. McCreary stated Staff will research the life of the canvas, the warranty and the cost for replacement on the proposed shade structures prior to selecting the final element. Mr. McCreary recommended to the Commission that they not sacrifice park amenities in order to create an elaborate play structure area as it could become the expectation for all future Dublin parks and to also consider other amenities for adults and those who have outgrown the play structures. Mr. Rooney stated 17% of the construction budget for Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park would be spent on the play area, whereas the basketball court, volleyball court and shade structures combined only account for 5% of the budget. Cm. Elias stated he is not in favor of replacing any of the amenities with additional play structures. Cm. Elias stated it is important to offer variety as residents have interests in amenities other than play structures. Cm. Sung asked about the purpose of the mounds in the play structure areas. Mr. Rooney stated the mounds are part of the fall zone as it provides a rubber surface and a shorter fall. The mounds also provide some nature play aspects in a familiar environment as well add a unique feature. Cm. Sung stated she likes Option Two because parents may see Option Two as more safe than Option One and the small children area provides a more creative facet. Chair Totaro asked why staff prepared the amenity exchange alternatives for additional play equipment. Mr. McCreary stated the City Council requested the amenity exchange information in order to compare Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park to other recently completed parks. Chair Totaro stated he prefers Option Two as more children can play at the same time on the play structures. Chair Totaro commented that he likes the new shade structures but hopes they are equipped to deal with the sun and the wind. Chair Totaro also stated that he does not think the basketball or volleyball court should be exchanged for additional play structures. On a motion by Cm. Elias, seconded by Cm. Sung and by a vote of 5 -1 -0, with Cm. Boboc voting nay, the Parks and Community Services Commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council of Jordan Ranch Neighborhood Park, Option Two, with no amenity exchanges for additional play equipment. 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