2026-10-27 - Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

01:59Mhm.

03:54>> Mhm.

05:49>> Mhm.

07:44>> Mhm.

11:34>> Mhm.

12:05>> Welcome to the Palo Alto Parks and

12:08Recreation Commission meeting on Tuesday

12:1110:27 2027.

12:14I'd like to call the meeting to order

12:16and start with a roll call.

12:19>> Okay, uh Commissioner Smith.

12:24Commissioner Axelrod.

12:27>> Present.

12:27>> Vice Chairway.

12:30>> Here.

12:31>> Chair Freeman.

12:32>> Here.

12:33>> Uh Commissioner Brown.

12:35>> Here.

12:36>> Commissioner Ding.

12:38>> Here.

12:38>> And Commissioner Kleinheinz.

12:42We have a quorum.

12:45>> Okay, thank you. Um so now

12:48we'll open it up to public comments on

12:50non-agenda items. If you're

12:53here in person and would like to speak,

12:56please fill fill out a speaker card

12:59and hand it to the clerk. If you are

13:01joining us on Zoom for an item not on

13:04the agenda, raise your hand

13:06and the clerk will call you. Um due to a

13:09recent policy change, we'll hear Zoom

13:12comments at the end of the agenda.

13:15Any speakers?

13:17>> There are currently no speakers in

13:18person and currently nobody on Zoom.

13:21>> Okay, good.

13:22Seeing none, we'll move to our first

13:24agenda item.

13:26Um first of all would be before we get

13:28started, um,

13:30like to

13:32Let's see. Um, now is your opportunity

13:35to make for the commission any

13:37uh, additional changes, additional, uh,

13:40or deletions to to today's agenda.

13:44Anyone?

13:45No?

13:47Okay.

13:50I would now like to, uh,

13:52open up a motion motion motion for

13:55approval of the minutes

13:56uh, from our last from the September

13:5922nd, 2026 meeting.

14:05>> Second.

14:06>> No.

14:07>> You open.

14:09>> Move to approve.

14:11>> Second.

14:12>> Yep. Put your mic on.

14:16>> Second.

14:16>> Thank you.

14:19Okay.

14:21>> Okay.

14:22Uh, so motion to approve the minutes.

14:23Uh, Commissioner Smith?

14:29Commissioner Axelrod?

14:31>> Yes.

14:32>> Vice Chair Way?

14:34>> Abstain.

14:36>> Uh, Chair Freeman?

14:37>> Yes.

14:39>> Commissioner Brown?

14:42>> Yes.

14:44>> Commissioner Dang?

14:45>> Yes.

14:46>> Okay. Motion carries.

14:49Thank you.

14:50>> We'll now move to the, uh, city official

14:52reports. Uh, the council liaison report.

14:55Uh,

14:56Councilmember Julie LaPaine.

14:58>> Thank you, Chair. Um, I want to

15:02once again say what a joy it has been to

15:04be your liaison. I don't know if this is

15:06the last meeting of the year if there's

15:07one in December, but I know that, uh,

15:10since I'm rolling off council that this

15:12is either my last or my second to last

15:13PRC meeting and it's been a real

15:15pleasure to get a chance to, uh, do a

15:18deep dive into the work of the PRC and,

15:21um,

15:22really want to celebrate your work and

15:23your service to the city and our

15:26community.

15:27Um, my update, uh, I feel like it's been

15:29a while since I've been here, so um,

15:32I was about to say in no particular

15:34order, but that's not true. I'm going to

15:35start with Coverly since you all have

15:36worked so hard on that.

15:38As I think we all know,

15:40uh, whether Coverly will be renovated

15:42and modernized is in the hands of the

15:44voters with Measure J on the ballot and

15:47we should know,

15:48hopefully sometime next week whether it

15:50has passed or not. And uh, I think you

15:54all appreciate better than most that

15:57this is an opportunity that will not

15:59come around again anytime soon. The

16:01amount of work that's gone into this on

16:03your part, on the part of um, other

16:05commissions and

16:07council and staff and members of the

16:09community

16:10has been intense and um,

16:13it is all driving toward the ballot

16:14measure that the city put on the ballot

16:16and we'll see what happens. Um,

16:19in addition to

16:21Coverly,

16:22uh, we recently got an update on the

16:24city's El Nino preparation. We know that

16:27we are expecting a great deal of weather

16:30and you would be very proud to know what

16:32public works has been up to, not just

16:34recently, but over the course of many

16:36years and even decades

16:38in response to some of the more scary

16:40weather events we've had in the past

16:42that revealed uh, vulnerabilities in our

16:44um,

16:45infrastructure.

16:47And um, so word is going out about where

16:50people can find sandbags and where

16:51people can take shelter and

16:54um,

16:55you know, ultimately it's on each of us

16:56to be as prepared as we can be be. We

16:59have to take personal responsibility for

17:01that, but we should also have confidence

17:02that the city has done a ton to keep us

17:04safe.

17:05Um, last night we also voted on

17:09an interim urgency ordinance,

17:11uh, which will last for 1 year

17:13preventing any new or enhanced detention

17:15facilities from being built in our city.

17:17This is of course a reference to ICE.

17:20Anything longer than 1 year takes a more

17:21formal process. So,

17:23don't read into the 1 year the fact that

17:25we think everything will be fine in 1

17:26year, but simply as a matter of

17:27procedure, we couldn't do more than a

17:30year

17:31at the present.

17:33A couple weeks ago the city voted to

17:35join an amicus brief against the 80

17:37Willow development, which is probably

17:39the most egregious builder's remedy

17:40project in Northern California in Menlo

17:43Park right on the Palo Alto border

17:45and in joining it, we are lending our

17:48talent um

17:49to the effort to

17:52convince the powers that be that this

17:54project should not go forward as

17:56designed.

17:57We've also recently advanced grade

17:59separation options at Charleston and

18:02East Meadow forward from 15% design to

18:0435%.

18:06And to to the tune of about a billion

18:10dollars if both of those were to come to

18:12fruition. There's a lot of thought that

18:14we might only be able to afford one,

18:16perhaps [clears throat] only Charleston,

18:17which has the worst traffic in in the

18:21immediate time frame in the near time

18:23frame.

18:24We

18:25have been

18:27making progress on a parking garage

18:29owned by the city at 375 Hamilton, which

18:31is currently a surface lot at the corner

18:33of Hamilton and Waverly.

18:35Our intent is to take all the parking

18:38much of the parking that's on surface

18:40lots around the city, turn them into

18:42affordable housing, and we have to

18:43replace that parking or enhance it

18:46elsewhere. And that's what 375 Hamilton

18:48is going to accomplish.

18:50And we also rolled out

18:52plans for a pilot program to accommodate

18:55accommodate oversized vehicle dwellers

18:57who are truly needy and

19:01allow them to park in certain designated

19:03places on a couple of streets, Coyote

19:05Hill Road out in the Stanford Research

19:06Park and Embarcadero east of 101.

19:10Um

19:12and so that will be moving forward we

19:13think in January.

19:14And uh I'm sure there are other things,

19:17but those were the highlights that came

19:18to mind when I thought about being with

19:19you tonight. So, thank you very much for

19:20the opportunity to update you on the

19:21work of the council.

19:24>> And thank you.

19:26Hopefully, this is not

19:27your last meeting with us.

19:30Um and

19:31want to thank you for

19:33what you've done as being the uh council

19:35liaison. It's going to be um

19:38um really big shoes to fill

19:40as far as uh when when uh you move off

19:43of that uh liaison role. So, we really

19:45>> Thank you, Chair.

19:46>> enjoyed your uh having you with us and

19:48also the support that that you've

19:50provided us. So, thank you very much for

19:51that.

19:53Okay, we'll move to on to department

19:56reports.

19:57>> Chair,

19:58Chair, would you like to consider um

20:01>> Yeah, I would.

20:02>> um moving up item number five

20:05>> Yeah.

20:05>> ahead of

20:06um

20:07>> I have no objections.

20:08>> If if the commission agrees.

20:13>> That looks an overall approval. Yes,

20:15let's move to let's do that.

20:17Okay, so we'll move to business item

20:20number five recognition of service of

20:23commissioners

20:24Commissioners Brown and Commissioners

20:25Don.

20:26Um well, first of all, I would I want to

20:29say that um

20:31for both of you, it's uh

20:33thank you for your dedicated service to

20:35the city of Palo Alto.

20:37Um Commissioner Brown, we appreciate

20:39your contribution over your a partial

20:42term and a full three-year term

20:45including your leadership as Chair

20:47um in the past. And then thank you for

20:50the time, guidance, and commitment that

20:52you have brought to that that role. And

20:55I know that you'll you'll be um

20:58listening to our um

21:00the the sessions that we have every year

21:02and providing some input as it is needed

21:04as well. So, we We that. Commissioner

21:06Deng, uh we're equally uh grateful for

21:09the time for the time that that

21:11perspective and dedication that you have

21:14brought during your partial term as

21:16well.

21:17Serving on this commission as you guys

21:19know involves

21:20much more than just attending

21:22monthly meetings. You've got liaison

21:24roles and also

21:27the

21:28on some of the other committees.

21:31It takes preparation, thoughtful

21:33discussion, and commitment to listening

21:36to our community. We've got some pretty

21:37good

21:38challenges of some of those things in

21:40the in the past. So, thank you both for

21:43helping strengthen both the Palo Alto

21:46Parks and Recreation programs.

21:48It's been my pleasure as a member of the

21:51commission serving with you guys both as

21:52a member of the commission and also as

21:54being the chair of the commission and

21:56and vice chair.

21:57So, I congratulate both of you on your

21:59service and

22:01best wishes in all that comes next.

22:04I'll give you guys an opportunity to say

22:07something if you wish.

22:08Or not.

22:13>> I'll start so the party crew can

22:16head out. Um, I'll make my comments

22:19short. I think everyone on the

22:20commission know that I try to

22:22speak as succinctly as possible. So, I

22:24want to start by saying thank you to my

22:26fellow commissioners,

22:28to the council members for choosing me

22:31in this service, and the wonderful staff

22:33that make all of this possible.

22:35Um, I started serving on the commission

22:37virtually,

22:38which is a stark contrast of the

22:41high-touch, high customer service that's

22:43quintessential to not just Parks and

22:45Recreation and its function, but how the

22:47city of Palo Alto operates in all

22:49facets.

22:51And as we're going into a world that's

22:52increasingly intertwined with artificial

22:55intelligence and technology, parks, open

22:58space, and recreation commands more

23:00attention.

23:02We're so lucky for what we have here in

23:04Palo Alto.

23:05And I'm so appreciative of the wonderful

23:07accomplishments that this commission and

23:09department have done.

23:11I think a lot of my work falls into the

23:13bucket of the less glamorous

23:14initiatives. Um sometimes it's reviewing

23:17master plan documents, looking at site

23:19feasibility for dog park,

23:22sidewalk vendor ordinance was another

23:24large lift, um and improving our annual

23:27retreat and work planning process. Well,

23:29it's not all ribbon cutting and parades.

23:32Uh don't worry, those were there, too.

23:34Uh

23:35sometimes I think the work of this

23:36commission is about doing the unseen so

23:38that those other initiatives can shine.

23:42I really only served on this commission

23:43for less than two terms, but we've had

23:45quite a bit of turnover both in

23:46commissioners and in staff. And so I

23:49would just hope that if I can leave any

23:51sort of fingerprints on this commission

23:53and the work that we've done, it's to

23:54treat each other with respect and

23:57respecting the staff, empowering them to

23:59do the work,

24:01resist casting doubt before trusting

24:03expertise, lead with grace, and share

24:07your unique perspective.

24:10We're tasked to serve the community and

24:11make decisions and recommendations based

24:14on our own unique vantage points, and we

24:16are all unique.

24:18Try not to confuse that with politicking

24:20and advocacy as challenging issues come

24:22before us.

24:24I started on this commission as only a

24:26dog mom, and now I'm mom to a 3-year-old

24:30named Buzz,

24:32and a 1-year-old named Beatrix,

24:36plus two dogs.

24:38So, having had the unique perspective of

24:40growing up in Palo Alto parks,

24:43doing my Addison science projects on the

24:45birds in the Baylands, learning how to

24:46ride my bike at Rinconada, attending

24:49Music in the Park at Mitchell Park, AYSO

24:51soccer games at Party Park,

24:53and burning my butt on the Johnson Park

24:55slide,

24:57I can't wait for my kids to have the

24:59opportunity to do all of those things

25:01and more. And I know this team will be

25:03the best stewards of that going forward.

25:06And I myself I'm looking forward to

25:07having more time to devote with my

25:10family to enjoy these wonderful spaces

25:12that you all play a large part in

25:14creating. So, thank you so much.

25:16>> Thank you.

25:20Commissioner DuBois.

25:24>> Thank you so much to share. I really

25:26want to thank all our city council

25:28members who appointed me and entrusted

25:31me with this opportunity to serve our

25:33Parks and Recreation Commission. And

25:35thank you to all my fellow

25:37commissioners.

25:39And all the residents and our city staff

25:42and our community partners who showed

25:44up, spoke up, and shared their ideas and

25:47sometimes very passionately.

25:51Um as a mom, a neighbor, and someone who

25:54truly loves Palo Alto,

25:57I I I I want to echo that um our council

26:01member Julie Lythcott-Haims just

26:02mentioned Cubberley. I joined the

26:04running club the first day that I moved

26:07to Palo Alto at Cubberley. So, that

26:10place is so special to me. Then I took

26:12dance classes, my kids played soccer

26:15there.

26:16And together we fundraised to refurbish

26:19the track and the field at Cubberley.

26:22And personally, I supported our first

26:24ever pet parade, our first ever pride

26:27parade, and the taught mahjong at our

26:30Thursday

26:32live sessions. Those are the best

26:34memories that not only serving on the

26:37commission, but also serving the

26:39community.

26:41It's been and I've earned a lot of

26:43friendships and mentorships on this

26:45commission as well. Thank you all. It

26:48has been such an honor that and a lot of

26:51fun

26:53to serve on this commission and to help

26:55care for our parks open space our

26:59recreation programs and our amenities.

27:02I'm grateful for everything that I've

27:04learned and

27:06I go to you. Yes, we

27:08treat each other with respect. Yep.

27:12And um

27:14Thank you so much.

27:21>> Thank you and with that we have a native

27:26plant gifts that we'd like to honor you

27:28with as well

27:29as well as

27:31a couple of arts and the commission.

27:44>> native

27:53>> Those will guarantee to grow higher at

27:55some point in time.

28:08Hey, thank you.

28:12All right, thank you. We'll move on to

28:14the next

28:16item on the agenda which is the

28:18item number three department

28:20report.

28:22>> I just quickly express my gratitude

28:25before we move on to

28:27having had a

28:28first term so not a lot of time to work

28:30with you but I really appreciate

28:32official Brown how you

28:35Thank you for adding

28:37audience participation in person. It

28:38seems you're not on Zoom anymore. It's

28:40awesome.

28:41It's been fun working with you on

28:43liaisons and

28:46>> I see your kid focus.

28:48I think we have that in common and see

28:50you around town as well. And I really

28:51appreciate how you

28:53have the realism and pragmatism and are

28:56able to see through how to get things

28:58done. It's been great to learn from you

29:01on that. And Commissioner Dang, it's

29:04I haven't had as much opportunity to

29:05work on subcommittees with you, but it

29:07seems like every event that we go to in

29:10town, we bump into each other. So, it's

29:12really lovely to see you everywhere.

29:16And Councilman

29:18member Letourneau

29:19you're the only one I've ever known from

29:21Council to serve with. So, bar is really

29:24high.

29:26It's been a true honor and I hope to see

29:29you either on the other side of Stanford

29:31or here around town as we go. So, thank

29:33you all.

29:34>> Thank you.

29:35>> I want to say something to you.

29:37So, I want to So, it was Councilmember

29:40Julie

29:42Um you are the best. Um I really I

29:45learned so much

29:46um from you and also understanding

29:48what's Council doing and then your

29:50report every time is really helpful.

29:53And um Julie, I'm really glad you you

29:56have done this and and also served with

29:59you at the Neighbors Board and

30:01hope everything um your new venture will

30:03goes well and I and thank um I really

30:06appreciate you brought a lot of joyful

30:08events to this city like the the dog

30:11parade, pets parade, etc. and my job and

30:14it's bring uh

30:16sort of divide um

30:19conquer [clears throat] the divides and

30:20bring people together and I really

30:22appreciate that. And um for um

30:26um

30:26Commissioner Brown, I learned a lot of

30:28from you how you carry yourself, how

30:30manage meeting as a chair, vice chair

30:33and something I learned tremendously and

30:35how to care for the staff and it's

30:37really important element we'll carry

30:39forward with that. Thank you.

30:43>> Mr. Chair.

30:45>> It's been my honor to serve with all

30:47three of you and uh

30:49we hope you're still available for a

30:51phone call that to give advice cuz I'm

30:54still learning a lot and uh and Julie,

30:57thank you for everything you've done and

30:59uh you're everywhere. So, thank you to

31:02all three of you.

31:05>> Thank you. Then Sorry, happy over sight

31:07luck. Including you guys in number six.

31:09Thanks for

31:10bringing that to my attention. So, I

31:11appreciate that. Okay, we'll move on to

31:13item number three, department reports.

31:19>> Good evening, Chair, Commissioners. Uh

31:22tonight's departmental report uh will

31:25recap a few community events, an

31:28overview of summer camp participation,

31:31which was requested at your last

31:33meeting, um update on parks and space uh

31:38and open space operations, and um

31:42completing several capital projects. So,

31:45let's get into it.

31:48Next slide. Um we had several successful

31:52community events over the past uh month.

31:55The Moonlight Run brought uh community

31:58community members together for an

32:00evening of recreation and outdoor

32:02activity, which brought close to 2,000

32:05participants. Um this has been steady

32:08and consistent turnout throughout over

32:11the years. We also celebrated a

32:15reopening of the Bryant Teen Center

32:18um

32:19after the closure over the summer, and

32:23this provided an opportunity for the

32:25teens to come back into the space, and

32:28it was very well attended.

32:30Next slide.

32:33On September 21st uh At

32:35we celebrated planting of 10 Western

32:39redbud trees at Lucy Stern Community

32:41Center.

32:43This was a collaborative effort

32:45involving Neighbors Abroad, Canopy, the

32:47Garden Club, as well as city staff, and

32:51our international community partners of

32:54Sister Cities.

32:56Um more than 70 people showed and

32:58including elected officials,

33:00representatives, and our Sister City

33:03community members.

33:05Um on the right of your screen, we also

33:08hosted Pancakes in the Park on October

33:113rd in which was another opportunity for

33:14residents to connect in our throughout

33:17our park system and our community.

33:20We want to recognize all the staff,

33:23volunteers, and community organizations

33:25that made this uh these events possible.

33:29Moving on to some of our upcoming

33:32special events.

33:34Um to the left of your screen, we have a

33:36Jack-O-Jaunt, um our seasonal Halloween

33:40celebration taking place

33:42this Friday, October 30th at Lytton

33:45Plaza.

33:47Um uh

33:48in in

33:50this could be a bit confusing, so I'm

33:52just going to say it's Thursday live on

33:56California Ave, but it will be held this

33:59Saturday. Um and so that's with that

34:03arrow. It's a special event and it's

34:05happening on Halloween from uh 10:00 to

34:081:00 and it is the last of the of kind

34:12of the season, so that's why it's extra

34:14special.

34:16Um and then we also have a a Veterans

34:19Day recognition that's taking place um

34:22on Veterans Day, which is in the middle

34:25of your screen, and then not to forget

34:28um our annual tree lighting celebration,

34:31which will take place um

34:33in December.

34:35So, those are a few upcoming events, and

34:38we'll move on to the next um

34:42slide. So, this was uh requested at as

34:47an overview from uh our last meeting,

34:50and so we wanted to take a moment to

34:52really highlight the summer camp program

34:54and the results um from this year's

34:57season and compare those um to last

35:01year's. So, in 20 uh 25, we offered 325

35:08camps compared to this year's 320.

35:13Enrollment did decrease

35:16um

35:17representing a slight decline of about

35:20uh six per- six percepts

35:23six percent. Sorry about that. Despite

35:26the decrease in enrollments, revenue

35:29increased with approximately 1.8

35:33um

35:331.83 million to 1.87

35:38million. This represents approximately

35:42uh $38,000

35:44$38 um

35:47$38,000 increase or a 2%.

35:51Participation,

35:52um looking at the survey results,

35:55satisfaction

35:57um overall remained really high with an

36:00average rating of 4.6 out of five

36:04compared to 4.7

36:06um last year.

36:08Uh

36:09the likelihood of recommending our

36:11programs remained consistent at seven

36:14point or 4.7, which was out of five

36:18again. These results indicate that

36:21participate participants continue to

36:24report positive experiences with our

36:27summer camp programs. And then I wanted

36:30to dive a little bit deeper into some of

36:33the revenue and enrollment numbers and

36:36trends. While we

36:38um

36:39while the participation declined and

36:41revenues increased, right? That can be a

36:43little confusing. One um contributing

36:47factor is the city has implemented

36:49annual fees,

36:50um which increased over the past few

36:53years. Changes in types of camps that

36:57families select include um enrollment in

37:00higher priced programs. And which may

37:04over which influenced the overall

37:07revenue. And then as for the decrease of

37:10enrollment, there are several potential

37:13factors and these were all

37:15um reviewing and making sure that we're

37:19um

37:21keeping keeping track. So increase, um

37:24one potential factor is the increased uh

37:27program fees. The other is the broader

37:31economic pressures affecting household

37:33spending.

37:35Um and then changes in how the city

37:37distributes and promotes the recreation

37:40activity um guide. So approximately 1

37:44year ago, the city discontinued mailing

37:47um printing recreation catalogs for each

37:51household. And this

37:54um

37:55And we continue to print copies and make

37:57them available at city facilities,

38:00providing access to uh catalog online,

38:04um distributing um and mailing postcards

38:07with QR codes with registration

38:10reminders. Um and during the budget

38:13process, council requested that staff

38:15monitor these impacts for these changes

38:19um and we are doing just that. So while

38:22we can't attribute the enrollment

38:24decline to a single factor, um these

38:27trends are important to monitor as we

38:30evaluate program participation,

38:32affordability, and outreach

38:34effectiveness.

38:36Um overall, we continue to see strong

38:38revenue uh performance and positive part

38:43um participant feedback.

38:46So, next slide.

38:48Um so, now we have some updates. Um this

38:52is uh

38:54I think

38:55uh

38:56towards the bottom of the slide you uh

38:58Council Member Julie Lefkowitz Haines

39:00kind of touched on. So,

39:02um but we'll start up up front. The um

39:06two operational impact operational

39:08updates to share is uh one first

39:11regarding the Palo Alto Flood Basin.

39:14Valley Water has completed their

39:15upgrades to the Palo Alto Flood Basin

39:18tide gate structure. Um we wanted to

39:20report that the trail is now fully

39:23reopened. Um it and then city staff also

39:27coordinated the cleaning of the sluice

39:29gate, um restoring the ability to

39:32operate it manually. Um that's the first

39:36photo on top. Um and staff are

39:39continuing to evaluate repairs um

39:42needed to motorize the oper- operating

39:46the mechanisms.

39:48Um so, there's that. And then for the El

39:51Niño kind of winter preparedness,

39:54um with the rainy

39:56rainy season approaching, Public Works,

39:59Parks, and Open Space teams have been

40:01preparing for our facilities and

40:04infrastructure for the winter

40:05conditions.

40:07We've been um busy cleaning culverts,

40:10drains, sediment basins, pruning

40:13hazardous limbs over roadways as well as

40:16trails, um inspecting pumps and

40:19generators, and making sure we're

40:22stocked with emergency reply supplies.

40:26Per um we're also prepared with

40:28additional ranger coverage and any uh

40:31trail or preserve closures for high tide

40:34events. Earlier this week on the

40:37right-hand side of your screen, that is

40:40during a high tide. You can see sandbags

40:43have already been placed. Um and we just

40:47want to recognize our staff for their

40:49proactive work and

40:52um maintaining a safe access and prepare

40:55our open space and parks and city for

40:59the winter conditions.

41:01Next slide.

41:06Another update is we are hosting a

41:08virtual community meeting tomorrow,

41:11October 28th, at 6:00 p.m. This is an

41:15online virtual meeting, and the

41:17commission was sent a uh email

41:20invitation to attend. The meeting will

41:23provide an opportunity for residents to

41:26share feedback on proposed restroom

41:28location as well as design.

41:31We encourage um interested community

41:33members to also participate.

41:37Um

41:38the another request from last um last

41:42month's meeting was an update on park

41:44signage. And um the current status it is

41:50that staff has completed installations

41:52of the new newly park design at four

41:56locations: Fred Ierley Tower Well Park,

42:00Bull Ware Park, Greer Park, and Heritage

42:03Park.

42:04Additional signage replacements have

42:06been paused

42:08pending further discussion with the

42:11Parks and Rec Commission.

42:13Staff will bring this topic back to the

42:15commission for further discussion.

42:21Next Next slide.

42:24We want to also um put a spotlight on

42:27some of our volunteer partners.

42:30Um

42:31staff we just really want to highlight

42:34some of their excellent work they're

42:35doing. Kiwanis on the left of your

42:37screen

42:39um free uh

42:41did quite a bit of work with painting

42:44our uh

42:46play structure playground structure at

42:49Berones. This includes on the top photo

42:53priming um and on the bottom you can see

42:58uh the final paint. Um in addition to

43:02uh

43:03repairing some of the split rail uh

43:06fencing.

43:08And then on the right of your screen we

43:10really want to um thank Hands on Bay

43:13Area volunteer work day at the our

43:16community garden. This particular event

43:19was held um

43:21I believe at uh

43:23um Eleanor Party Park. And this is a way

43:27to really help enhance our community

43:30gardens. And these partnerships are so

43:33valuable and assist our staff with

43:36creating opportunities for the community

43:38members to contribute directly to our

43:41open spaces and we appreciate the

43:44commitment and our um

43:47volunteers through the organizations.

43:51Next Next slide.

43:53Some of the um upcoming work we have a

43:57date scheduled for the Adobe Loop Trail

44:00repaving. Um it's currently set this is

44:04it is set but things change so just

44:07flagging that November 17th and 18th.

44:11You can see the trail that's being

44:14repaved

44:15in red highlighted there.

44:19And we've been

44:21coordinating also with Pets in Need,

44:24too. So, they're aware of

44:28any impacts.

44:30Also,

44:31just wanted to provide an update. We the

44:35tennis court improvement projects for

44:37Hopkins as well as Hoover tennis courts

44:40have been postponed until spring. Staff

44:43will continue to coordinate the schedule

44:46and provide updates on this on this

44:49work.

44:51Next slide.

44:54And then

44:56we'll kind of wrap with some additional

44:59work that has been completed. The

45:01Mitchell Park restroom, which is a

45:03four-stall restroom, has been completed

45:07and is open to the public. In the middle

45:10of your screen, um

45:12the El Camino Park turf replacement was

45:15completed ahead of schedule.

45:18The field reopened for play Saturday,

45:21October 17th, which was

45:24earlier than originally anticipated,

45:27which was November opening date.

45:30And then staff

45:32has been coordinating with our

45:33recreation team and users have already

45:37been

45:38using the newly updated field.

45:42And

45:43just to also round out some of the

45:47information for that field is

45:51the turf study. We also implemented the

45:53mitigation

45:56measures that not only this commission

46:00as well as council recommended and we've

46:03put those in place. And then on the

46:05right of your screen,

46:07the safety improvements at Lytton Plaza

46:09have also been completed. The city

46:12completed this last week and the project

46:16included a custom grade over the

46:18fountain trough, removing the loose

46:20rocks while retaining the mortared rocks

46:23set in place.

46:24These improvements were initiated in a

46:27response to safety concerns and

46:30incidents involving loose rocks being

46:33damaged to nearby residents or

46:36businesses, excuse me, as recent as last

46:39month.

46:41So in closing, this concludes the

46:43departmental report. I want to thank our

46:46staff, community partners and

46:50who continue to support the effort

46:53in our parks, recreation programs and

46:55open spaces. We're happy to answer any

46:59questions.

47:00>> As always, thank you very much for a

47:02very in-depth and thorough report and

47:05on behalf of myself and I'm sure the

47:07commission,

47:08please pass on to staff and the

47:11community services department for a

47:13very job well done for the months.

47:15There's a lot of a lot of things

47:17happening, so

47:18good work on that, especially

47:20with the opening of the Mitchell Park

47:23restroom. I

47:25was over there last week and

47:27it really looks on the outside it looks

47:29>> [laughter]

47:30>> very well done and

47:32seeing the progress

47:34from a weekly basis was also um good and

47:37encouraging news. Also, thank you for

47:39the report on the summer camps

47:43by the numbers.

47:44Um

47:45and also explaining the difference

47:47between

47:49the enrollment that's going from 4054 to

47:533796. Along with that though, um

47:57um, you know what the numbers were for

47:59the wait list for, let's say, 2025

48:02versus

48:042026? And

48:06would that, uh

48:09I guess the the thing is whether or not

48:11the people who are on the wait list, are

48:13they pretty much the same

48:15um, programs from year to year? And what

48:19are we doing to try and

48:21I guess

48:22minimize the number of people that have

48:24to wait. And when we're looking at sort

48:26of a

48:27a decrease in numbers of of enrollment,

48:29although the revenue is increasing. And

48:32as you said, because of cost going up,

48:35but there's some areas there it's look

48:38to be some challenges to

48:40find get those moving the right

48:42direction, I guess.

48:44>> Yeah, Chair, I don't have the wait list

48:46numbers in front of me, but that is

48:48something I'm happy to follow up with it

48:51during the next departmental report.

48:53Um, if that's if that's

48:56uh or if you'd want if everyone's

48:58interested in that, I we can look at

49:00that.

49:00>> Okay. Yeah, because that's uh

49:03yeah, that's it's been that's been

49:04something that we've we've had for a

49:06while, so we would be nice to be able to

49:09peel back the un- the onion skin and see

49:11exactly

49:13what we're doing to address that and to

49:16reduce that number as much as we can

49:18based on

49:19um, you know, capacity and the types of

49:22programs that are that are affected.

49:25Um, and thank you for the uh

49:28uh bringing it up about this park sign

49:30replacement, because that in several

49:33I know of the

49:35city council forums, that's come up as a

49:38as a question and concern, as it has to

49:40the parks and recs, so look forward to

49:43that coming back to the commission

49:45having that open for further uh further

49:47discussion, as well.

49:50And that's if Okay, Commissioner Brown,

49:54I apologize.

49:55>> I just wanted to mention the Mitchell

49:56Park bathroom. We rushed that through

49:58the city. It only took 10 years. And so

50:02that the real key is when we got Magical

50:05Bridge on the

50:07everybody was patting themselves on the

50:08back, Joe Simitian and all. None of us

50:10said, "Wait a minute, we're going to

50:12bring in 400 little kids. Maybe we ought

50:15to do something." Then what, 5 years

50:17later we brought in a couple hundred

50:19pickleballers. So anyway, that's a real

50:22nice addition and very proud that that

50:25got done.

50:28>> Vice Chair.

50:29>> Um, thanks, Chair. Yeah, great report

50:32and really um

50:34enjoyed uh to see all the progress and

50:38congratulations for increased revenue

50:41for summer camps despite enrollment

50:43decreases. So similar question in a way

50:46was a chair,

50:48do we have Palatine residents versus

50:50non-residents

50:52um data we can see? I'm wondering the

50:56advertising without the printed um

50:59it's impacting most to our Palatine

51:02residents or non-residents cuz the

51:04residents also turn around quite high uh

51:07with people moving in and out.

51:10So if you have a data, that'd be great.

51:12>> Sure, we can bring that back as well.

51:14>> not urgent. And um the other quick

51:17thought is um I'm looking forward to the

51:20Jack-o'-Lantern and tree lighting on

51:22Lytton Plaza every which like every

51:25year. Um, since the new

51:28opening of the Youth Center in downtown

51:32on Lytton, I'm wondering is there any

51:34thought to move

51:36the event maybe next year over there

51:39because across the street is the Avenida

51:42so you can engaged uh senior closer.

51:45Just a thought. Um, um,

51:48just popped into my mind while looking

51:50through that.

51:51And the other couple questions regarding

51:53the tiger, maybe I save after the

51:56questions. Thank you. Great report.

51:58Thanks for the great work, too.

52:04>> Commissioner Albright.

52:06>> A lot of amazing stuff going on, so

52:08thank you as always. Uh,

52:10thanks for preserving the mortar rocks

52:12at Litton. I think that and my kids

52:14tested, you know, cuz it's important to

52:16do QA, so they seem to be okay with that

52:18without the movable rocks, so

52:20you know, still something to climb

52:22through. Uh, I did have a couple of

52:24questions. The easy one on the Adobe

52:26Loop Trail, I was just wondering what's

52:28the frequency of the repaving? Like, why

52:30do we need it to do it right now?

52:32If staff knows, I don't know if you know

52:34that off the top of your head, but

52:36>> Um, the the repaving, I'm not sure when

52:40it has last been done, but I know it was

52:43assessed not only by our open space

52:45rangers, um, but also through our public

52:49works engineering and there's a standard

52:52that it's due for uh,

52:56repaving.

52:58>> So, I just walked in with Commissioner

53:00Kleinhouse a little bit for open space.

53:02Seemed to be okay, so we can deep dive

53:04separately uh, around that. You know,

53:07anytime you do paving around people,

53:08it's like, "Oh, do we need to do more of

53:10that?"

53:11>> Oh, and just for clarity, it's they

53:14these are paved places already.

53:17>> Yes.

53:17>> Okay.

53:18>> But there's rocks and nature over them

53:20as well, so I just wanted

53:22to get sense of use.

53:24Uh, and uh, to the the joys of

53:26bathrooms, it's lovely to have them at

53:28Mitchell. We did uh,

53:30QA the insides of them as well, so they

53:32work. Thank you. Excited that it's

53:34happening Elnor Party, and

53:35um, curious if Johnson's on the hit list

53:39cuz I see a lot of kids out there,

53:42playing and you know, using nature.

53:46>> Um yes, the answer is um

53:50the master plan plan does also call out

53:54Johnson as an option. It meets that

53:57criteria

53:59um

53:59and will be considered for a potential

54:03restroom in addition to uh Robles and we

54:08are looking at

54:10um both of those locations because

54:14we also have upcoming CIP projects that

54:17will be coupled with and we think in

54:20terms of timing, it would make sense to

54:22do one project at one time, so less

54:25disturbance to rather than coming back a

54:29second time. So, we're working right now

54:31with our public works partners and

54:34seeing if that's possible and we'll

54:36bring that forward

54:37um through our capital planning. As

54:40you'll be receiving a report typically

54:43either in December or January.

54:46>> Uh so, is it a a possibility for

54:49work plan for 27 or are we thinking

54:52beyond that cuz that one said

54:56>> Um I I'd have to check.

54:59>> Okay.

55:00>> Yeah.

55:00>> Excuse me. Thank you.

55:04Commissioner Smith.

55:06>> Uh

55:07as [clears throat] we look Excuse me. As

55:08we look at the parks, I would uh

55:11recommend that we also think about a

55:12public private partnership because uh

55:16we've done that in a couple parks and uh

55:19there's a fair amount of money in town

55:21and if that could hurry it along, uh

55:24I think that would be something to look

55:25at. Thank you.

55:30>> Mr. Brooke.

55:31>> Thank you, Chair. Quick question. I'm

55:32not sure if I missed it. If people can't

55:35make the Party Park restroom meeting, Is

55:37there another way to to send feedback?

55:40Um is there is it just the email

55:42address? Is that the best way?

55:45>> Yes, the uh

55:47great to point that out if you're unable

55:49to make

55:50um

55:51there [snorts] is you can either send it

55:53to me if that's easiest uh Sarah

55:56Robicelli at paloalto.gov.

56:00We also have um

56:02a generic

56:04uh public works uh

56:07let's see if you pull up on the slide um

56:10Eric, I believe there's a public works

56:13um email address that's on on the

56:18which I believe it's pw

56:23right [email protected]

56:28or you you are welcome to also

56:31um call that number and I'm sure we'd be

56:33happy to take your feedback.

56:36>> Great, thank you. And then I just uh

56:38thank you for the wonderful update and

56:39then the last slide could probably be an

56:41entire presentation in itself with the

56:43bathrooms in the field and the fountain.

56:46So, appreciate how much you were able to

56:48capture on one slide and the amount of

56:50work. So, thank you to staff.

56:53>> Thank you. And just uh on on the Eleanor

56:55Party Park, thanks for that.

56:58The notification went out to the how

57:01many folks in that area?

57:03And then and what was the method of

57:05notification?

57:06>> So, there So, there was a mailer that

57:08went out to within a certain amount of

57:12uh feet for all the residences. We also

57:16sent um

57:17an email to the uh

57:21Eleanor Party Park gardeners. Um we also

57:25have worked with on next door to post um

57:30and it's on our website. this evening.

57:34We're talking about it and we've we've

57:36sent you an invitation as well.

57:38>> Okay, thank you. Appreciate that, Kim.

57:41I would have been very interested in

57:42seeing

57:43that. Thank you. Commissioner Dunn, also

57:45just to add that Ben Hasty, our

57:46assistant director, there'll there'll be

57:48a a follow-up survey sent out.

57:50Uh so folks that can't attend the actual

57:53meeting will be able to watch a recorded

57:54version and submit feedback through the

57:57survey as well.

57:58Um so no pressure if you can't make if

58:01you can't make the actual meeting,

58:03there's opportunity to um

58:05engage afterwards.

58:06>> Okay, thank you.

58:07>> My pleasure, thank you.

58:09>> Thank you, Sarah, for wonderful report.

58:12Yeah, my question is also related to

58:13Elno Party Park uh Zoom meeting.

58:17Well, actually received the Doornik

58:19parent email to promote this uh Zoom

58:21meeting.

58:23Yeah, and I personally shared it in some

58:25of the Chinese immigrants WeChat groups.

58:27So hopefully that's helpful.

58:29>> Yeah.

58:30>> Yeah, appreciate it. Thank you.

58:32>> Um so I'm curious about the format of

58:35this Zoom meeting. Do we have a agenda

58:37that will be published ahead of time?

58:40>> There's not an agenda. There will be a

58:43staff presentation from our um

58:46project managers who um will present

58:50basically an overview of background. It

58:54will also include site information,

58:58site constraints.

59:00Um so how staff is evaluating location

59:04um as well as present uh two different

59:08options for

59:10uh design. And um then soliciting

59:14feedback. So there will be time also to

59:18um

59:19to provide that during the meeting.

59:22>> So is that a very similar to the one

59:25that we did with the cubby restrooms.

59:28So, we're collecting feedbacks and see

59:30which option gets the most preference.

59:34>> Um correct. I think

59:36they're they will be presenting a

59:40um

59:41preferred option and but also

59:44weighing what the community wants and

59:47what their preference is. So, we'll

59:50balance that and just also this is in

59:53preparation for it will come back to

59:57parks and rec, right? There will be a

59:59discussion item. There will be a park

1:00:02improvement ordinance. So, this is one

1:00:05step in the lengthy process for this

1:00:09restroom location.

1:00:12>> Thank you. Do you have a estimated

1:00:13timeline

1:00:15from this first step to

1:00:18>> I believe they will be going over some

1:00:20of that um during the meeting and I and

1:00:24when they present, I know as a next step

1:00:27they once they've gathered feedback um

1:00:32then they will be coming to parks and

1:00:33rec commission. There will be

1:00:35discussion, then a PIO um will be

1:00:39needed. So, that's two meetings for the

1:00:41park improvement ordinance

1:00:44um and then ultimately will go to

1:00:46council

1:00:47for approval.

1:00:49>> Thank you. My next question is about the

1:00:52summer camp. Yeah, so I appreciate that

1:00:55we have the uh session numbers in Roman

1:00:57numbers in revenue. Do we have a

1:00:59breakdown for the expenses as well?

1:01:03>> I don't have that with me, but I'm you

1:01:06know, I'm

1:01:07sure if you'd like to see

1:01:10staff costs.

1:01:11>> Yeah, yeah, like staff costs or if we

1:01:13have any material cost.

1:01:16>> Okay.

1:01:19I think it would be good comparable if

1:01:22we look at revenue and expenses. Yeah.

1:01:25>> Okay.

1:01:28>> Thank you.

1:01:30>> Okay. Thank you.

1:01:31Uh

1:01:33and so thanks thanks again for the very

1:01:35in-depth department report.

1:01:37Uh let's move on to item

1:01:39>> Sorry, I have a quick question about the

1:01:41>> Okay. I see.

1:01:42>> the gate, the the tide gate. Um

1:01:46It's probably uh more of my ignorance.

1:01:48So, um congratulations for leave the

1:01:50trail open now. So,

1:01:52if the tide gate's now manually

1:01:54operational, but not motorized yet, um

1:01:57how confident are we in our winter

1:01:59preparedness for major storm combined a

1:02:02high tide event?

1:02:04Um what is our contingency plan if the

1:02:06gates need to be operated really

1:02:08quickly, and what is the timeline for

1:02:10determining whether the motorized system

1:02:13should be repaired

1:02:14or replaced?

1:02:16>> Yes, a great question. I'll I'll field

1:02:18that one. It's First of all, just

1:02:20cleaning the sluice gate to restore the

1:02:22manual operability

1:02:25um is a huge win uh for the city because

1:02:28that's been

1:02:29um inoperable for the last uh 6 years.

1:02:32And so,

1:02:34doing so in advance of the upcoming

1:02:36storm season

1:02:37uh is an added benefit, and and and you

1:02:40could arguably critical if we get

1:02:43flooding um

1:02:45to the extent possible that uh it's it's

1:02:50you know, anticipated given the El Niño

1:02:52super El Niño event. Um

1:02:56the sluice gate is designed to let water

1:02:59into the flood basin um to enhance tidal

1:03:02marsh habitat, um and improve

1:03:05circulation, and and mitigate against

1:03:08kind of stagnation and issues that can

1:03:10come with that. Uh with mosquito

1:03:12breeding and and and so forth. Uh but in

1:03:15the event that the flood basin fills up

1:03:17and the um uh

1:03:20there's perhaps upstream

1:03:22flooding that occurs

1:03:25opening the sluice gate can help exit

1:03:27the water faster from the flood basin.

1:03:29>> Okay.

1:03:30>> However, there are

1:03:31several other gates that are designed to

1:03:34do that. So the sluice gate

1:03:36on top of that will just allow for more

1:03:39expeditious exiting of the water in the

1:03:41event it's needed. Um and

1:03:43>> Excellent.

1:03:45>> The

1:03:46the manual operability is is really um

1:03:49for kind of emergencies like that that

1:03:52we have to open it to

1:03:55restore the ability to operate it on a

1:03:57ongoing basis.

1:03:59We need to

1:04:00repair the motorized function and so

1:04:02that's the next step.

1:04:04>> So the motorized function is not

1:04:06critical in the event of emergency.

1:04:09>> Correct. Correct. And so we can there's

1:04:10a hand crank that we can go out there

1:04:12and open the gate.

1:04:14>> Oh, excellent.

1:04:14>> in the event of an emergency.

1:04:16>> So also given the, you know, the current

1:04:19climate flood risks,

1:04:21are we looking beyond this winter as a

1:04:23long-term resilience for the

1:04:26Bear Baylands infrastructure as a whole

1:04:29or addressing the system where repair

1:04:32time and do you have a timeline etc. for

1:04:35all the winter preparedness activities?

1:04:39>> In regards to just overall winter

1:04:40preparedness, what's what's occurring is

1:04:43what staff typically do every year.

1:04:45>> Okay.

1:04:45>> with an kind of ex

1:04:48enhanced vigilance because we're we're

1:04:50expecting, you know, more severe

1:04:52flooding.

1:04:53So the sandbagging that's occurring is

1:04:54typical each year. We are

1:04:58we have a couple other projects that are

1:05:00in permitting related to

1:05:02providing longer-term solutions. In

1:05:04particular, a stretch

1:05:07of SF Creek Trail between Embarcadero

1:05:10Road and the Lucy Evans Center. Um

1:05:14we're looking at raising that 12 in to

1:05:17uh

1:05:18uh provide, you know, access during king

1:05:21tide events that uh currently we depend

1:05:24on sandbags to prevent flooding. So,

1:05:27that'll be a like kind of a more

1:05:29um

1:05:29longer-term fix, but even beyond that,

1:05:34the there's a CIP for the

1:05:38it's called Baylands Levee Repair.

1:05:40And

1:05:41the idea is that we want to

1:05:44uh raise the

1:05:46the the the levee from

1:05:48uh Lucy Evans to the airport. There's a

1:05:51stretch uh about a quarter mile stretch

1:05:53of levee there.

1:05:54>> Fantastic.

1:05:55>> That that needs to be raised and

1:05:57elevated to account for sea level rise.

1:05:59So, that's a much longer-term project

1:06:01that's that's that's in the plan um for

1:06:05um design and permitting. So, that's one

1:06:07example, and then I mean there's there's

1:06:10um

1:06:10you know,

1:06:12generally there's there's a need for

1:06:15kind of kind of looking at uh making

1:06:17sure our our our our bridges are not

1:06:20being undermined through erosion, and um

1:06:24we're working with permitting agencies

1:06:26for, you know, and working with Valley

1:06:28Water to develop like a routine

1:06:29maintenance agreement is is what it's is

1:06:31the permitting vehicle um that will

1:06:34enable us to do

1:06:36uh kind of more

1:06:37more proactive and um

1:06:40you know, take more proactive measures

1:06:42and and

1:06:44it will

1:06:45enhance resiliency in the event that we

1:06:47need to quickly go out and do a repair

1:06:50project or um work work on the on on the

1:06:54levees and the trails.

1:06:55>> Great. Thank you. Great to have all the

1:06:57answers.

1:06:58Very comforting. Thank you.

1:07:00>> Yeah.

1:07:01Okay. No other questions, let's move on

1:07:04to

1:07:05item number four, ad hoc

1:07:07and liaison updates. Any updates from

1:07:10any

1:07:11um

1:07:12committees and liaisons?

1:07:18>> I'm here.

1:07:20Um I'll go then.

1:07:21>> Thanks, chair.

1:07:22>> Thanks, chair. So, I just visited

1:07:24actually this afternoon uh evening the

1:07:27uh youth council and that's very very to

1:07:29see them to working on really

1:07:31interesting stuff. They are doing a

1:07:33policy competition among the high

1:07:35schoolers and also they are looking to

1:07:38e-bike um as a proposing uh what they

1:07:41can do. So, um I sort of said we should

1:07:45look into their study session early next

1:07:47year and to come to propose what they

1:07:50have. They also work on the youth mental

1:07:52health event which will be taking place

1:07:54November 15th. Um I sort of want to make

1:07:57announcement here if everybody is able.

1:08:00It'll be great to support them. And this

1:08:01time they're going to bring both parents

1:08:04as well as teens together.

1:08:07Yeah, that's my update.

1:08:09>> Thank you.

1:08:11Um the only update I have is uh for the

1:08:15uh

1:08:16community gardens updates which yeah we

1:08:18are hoping to

1:08:21um bring that to the parks and rec as uh

1:08:24as I sort of said. Hopefully in

1:08:26September, not December, I'm sorry.

1:08:28At the next meeting, so

1:08:30that'll be a revision of the existing um

1:08:34uh garden

1:08:36policy which I which hasn't been revised

1:08:38in probably what 10 years, so.

1:08:41>> About what year what year is it? Uh

1:08:44since 2021.

1:08:45>> 2021, okay. All right. Thank you for

1:08:47that.

1:08:48Any other commissioners or liaisons?

1:08:51>> have a question. Were the community

1:08:52garden reached out to for the party park

1:08:54restrooms? I'm not sure they know about

1:08:57it. I just wanted to see if they were

1:08:58specifically reached out.

1:09:00>> Yes.

1:09:00>> Perfect.

1:09:02>> Um just that uh

1:09:04on the turf and playground uh we have

1:09:07met to just discuss next steps following

1:09:10last month's meeting and I'll leave it

1:09:12in Commissioner Axelrod's very capable

1:09:14hands moving forward. So, he will return

1:09:17at a future date with staff.

1:09:20>> And with whoever else pops in there with

1:09:22him. Yes.

1:09:24All right, thank you.

1:09:25Okay, let's move on to item number

1:09:30six, which is feedback

1:09:32on concept design for Foothills Nature

1:09:35Preserve Interpretive Center exhibits

1:09:38and funding partner opportunities. This

1:09:41is information only. There's no action

1:09:44from the committee or commission other

1:09:46than providing feedback

1:09:48on what

1:09:49is the point of this. So, thank you.

1:09:52>> Excellent. Um, good evening, Chair

1:09:55Freeman, Commissioners. Uh

1:09:58Sarah Robastelli, Division Manager um

1:10:01for Community Services. Tonight, staff

1:10:04will be is very pleased to present a

1:10:07preliminary concept of enhancements

1:10:10to Foothills Nature Preserve

1:10:12Interpretive Center exhibits.

1:10:15Uh this project is a collaborative

1:10:17effort between the city and um the

1:10:20Friends of Palo Alto Parks, who have

1:10:23generously funded the concept design and

1:10:26have expressed

1:10:28um

1:10:29an interest in fundraising to support

1:10:31future the the future of implementation.

1:10:35We have uh we appreciate the Friends

1:10:38partnership and their continued

1:10:40investment in enhancing our parks and

1:10:42open spaces. The goal of this project is

1:10:45to refresh the existing exhibits,

1:10:48enhance environmental

1:10:51uh education, and create a more engaging

1:10:54experience for visitors of all ages

1:10:57while preserving the character of the

1:10:59interpretive center.

1:11:02Tonight,

1:11:04we're seeking commission feedback on the

1:11:06preliminary concepts and potential

1:11:09funding opportunities.

1:11:11Um board president Jenny Smith from the

1:11:15Friends of Palo Alto Parks is also here

1:11:17this evening and we'll invite Jenny to

1:11:20share a few remarks

1:11:21um concluding the presentation.

1:11:25Um next slide.

1:11:27On March 26, staff and the Friends of

1:11:30Palo Alto Parks

1:11:32um held an initial stakeholder meeting

1:11:35with the project designer

1:11:38uh to review early concepts of the

1:11:40interpretive center.

1:11:42Participants included the Friends, city

1:11:46open space uh staff, Junior Museum and

1:11:50Zoo exhibit staff, Commissioner Axelrod

1:11:54um representing the Parks and Rec open

1:11:57space liaisons,

1:11:59uh

1:11:59environmental volunteers, Grassroots

1:12:02Ecology, and Hidden Villa.

1:12:05The discussion focused on the

1:12:06opportunities to enhance the exhibits,

1:12:09improve the educational experience, and

1:12:12better connect visitors with their

1:12:14surrounding natural environment.

1:12:17This slide provides an overview of the

1:12:19existing

1:12:21uh layout. The diagram on the lower

1:12:24right-hand

1:12:25side of this slide um

1:12:28was

1:12:29brought by the designer to the meeting

1:12:32to help facilitate discussion and

1:12:34feedback. The initial input um helped

1:12:38inform the draft concepts that we're

1:12:40sharing this evening. During the

1:12:42presentation, I will start with wall

1:12:44one, which is basically noon, 12:00 on

1:12:48your screen, and work my way around uh

1:12:52clockwise.

1:12:54So, just so you can orient yourself. Um

1:12:58all right. So, next slide, starting with

1:13:01wall one.

1:13:03Uh the photo to the right of your screen

1:13:05is the existing condition and we'll

1:13:07continue showcasing the existing

1:13:09conditions throughout the remaining

1:13:11slides.

1:13:13We're proposing to reorganize the

1:13:15existing wildlife displays and relocate

1:13:18the waterfowl specimens to the baylands,

1:13:22where they would be more closely

1:13:24connected with that environment. This

1:13:26creates the opportunity to introduce a

1:13:29new chaparral and scrub ecosystem

1:13:32diorama, highlighting the plants and

1:13:35wildlife found within the preserve.

1:13:38We're also looking at updating the book

1:13:41collection and improving how educational

1:13:44resources are displayed.

1:13:46Next slide.

1:13:48Wall two.

1:13:50Wall two would focus on

1:13:52um

1:13:53geological geology of the preserve and

1:13:57the seasonal changes changes visitors

1:14:00experience throughout the year. The

1:14:02concepts include

1:14:05um

1:14:06informing on local geology and fault

1:14:09lines um

1:14:11along the seasonal features, which are

1:14:14wild fla- wildflowers,

1:14:17fungi, and berries. We also would

1:14:21explore uh hands-on educational

1:14:23elements, including animal tracks, furs,

1:14:27wildlife models to create a more

1:14:29interactive learning experience.

1:14:33Next slide.

1:14:35Wall three. Um would introduce an oak

1:14:38woodland and forest diorama, um

1:14:41complementing the chaparral and scrub

1:14:44exhibit um

1:14:45which is a cro- essentially would be

1:14:48across the way on wall one.

1:14:51Um, together these exhibits would help

1:14:54visitors better understand the different

1:14:56ecosystems found throughout the

1:14:58preserve. We're also exploring a

1:15:01nature-inspired enhancement to the

1:15:04existing structural columns to create a

1:15:07more immersive experience.

1:15:11Um, next slide.

1:15:14Um, wall four. One of the opportunities

1:15:16identified is improving how visitors

1:15:19orient themselves within the preserve.

1:15:22For wall four, we're proposing a

1:15:25dedicated map and wayfinding area that

1:15:28would bring together the existing park

1:15:30map, um, hiking loop information, and

1:15:34potential, um, an ecosystem map.

1:15:38The goal is to help visitors better

1:15:40understand the preserve and connect what

1:15:43they learn indoors with how they

1:15:46experience the outdoors.

1:15:49Next slide.

1:15:52So, uh, this area provides an

1:15:55opportunity to share more of the history

1:15:57of the Foothills Nature Preserve. We're

1:16:00proposing interpretive panels on the

1:16:02existing columns that would highlight

1:16:05the preserve's history. We would also

1:16:07refresh the existing artifact display to

1:16:10better showcase the historical items and

1:16:13their significance.

1:16:15Next slide.

1:16:18The existing three-dimensional,

1:16:20uh,

1:16:21topographical map is featured with like

1:16:25to preserve. Rather than replacing it,

1:16:27we're proposing minor improvements that

1:16:30retain the original character while

1:16:32making it more useful for visitors. This

1:16:35includes aligning the map's north

1:16:37orientation with the actual, uh,

1:16:39geography of the preserve and

1:16:42incorporating additional landmarks to

1:16:44help visitors orient themselves.

1:16:49Uh next slide.

1:16:51Wall five would become a primary

1:16:54location for the existing taxidermy

1:16:56location.

1:16:58Um by consolidating the specimen into uh

1:17:01one large or two smaller display cases,

1:17:05we can create more of a cohesive

1:17:07wildlife um exhibit and improve the

1:17:11overall organization of the space.

1:17:13This would allow for us to relocate the

1:17:16existing ranger information to another

1:17:19area in the center.

1:17:22Um next slide. Wall six would provide a

1:17:25dedicated area for ranger information

1:17:28and visitor uh resources. With the

1:17:31existing park map relocated to wall

1:17:34four, this space would be used for

1:17:37ranger updates, information about the

1:17:40preserve, and resources for visitors.

1:17:43An important consideration is

1:17:46maintaining flexibility um

1:17:49so the information can be updated over

1:17:51time.

1:17:53Next slide.

1:17:55So for uh walls seven and eight, and

1:17:59they're labeled within the picture, uh

1:18:02we're

1:18:03we're proposing to um a combination of

1:18:07ranger education and community

1:18:09engagement. For wall seven, we would

1:18:11highlight the roles and responsibilities

1:18:14of our park rangers and include minor

1:18:17improvements to Slinky's existing

1:18:20habitat displays. Slinky

1:18:23Slinky is our snake.

1:18:26Um and wall eight would provide a

1:18:29bulletin board uh for Grassroots Ecology

1:18:32and Foothills Nature Preserve um

1:18:35information including ongoing projects

1:18:38and volunteer opportunities. This

1:18:41creates an opportunity to connect the

1:18:43visitors with the people and

1:18:45organizations involved who are caring

1:18:47for the preserve.

1:18:50And next, um,

1:18:52for the existing seating area, we're not

1:18:55proposing significant changes. The goal

1:18:57is really to maintain a welcoming

1:18:59character of the space while exploring,

1:19:02um, modest improvements for visitor

1:19:04comfort. These would include updating

1:19:07the couches,

1:19:09um, considering an

1:19:11electric fireplace, and adding

1:19:14low-profile bookcases and nature-themed

1:19:17reading materials. We want to, um,

1:19:20preserve the feel and,

1:19:22um,

1:19:23of this area while making it a little

1:19:25more inviting.

1:19:28And, um, next slide. So,

1:19:31one opportunity we're particularly

1:19:35interested in is creating more of an

1:19:36intentional children's learning area.

1:19:40Um, the concept would retain the

1:19:42existing touch table, slinky exhibit,

1:19:45and bench while reintroducing some

1:19:48child-friendly

1:19:50seating and nature-themed picture books.

1:19:53We're also exploring an interactive tree

1:19:55feature,

1:19:57um, around an existing column that, um,

1:20:01would encourage children to engage with

1:20:03that space. The goal is to create an

1:20:06area where children can explore, learn,

1:20:08connect, and develop, um, and connect

1:20:11with nature.

1:20:13So, next slide.

1:20:15Um, so, as we move forward, we're

1:20:18looking for the commission's feedback on

1:20:20the proposed concepts,

1:20:23uh, particularly the educational themes,

1:20:25interactive elements, and overall visit

1:20:28visitor experience. Um, staff and the

1:20:31friends, um, anticipate a broader a

1:20:34community engagement effort beginning in

1:20:37November

1:20:38and continue into the new year.

1:20:42Including

1:20:44three dimensional renderings to help

1:20:47visualize

1:20:49the proposals

1:20:52and improvements.

1:20:54Um, as part of our outreach, staff will

1:20:57also plan to notify the Foothills Nature

1:21:01seasonal pass holders of the opportunity

1:21:04to participate in these upcoming

1:21:06meetings.

1:21:08Um, the friends have generously

1:21:12funded the concept design and are

1:21:14exploring funding opportunities to

1:21:17support implementation.

1:21:20And before

1:21:23before opening the item to the

1:21:25commission discussion, I will invite

1:21:27Jenny Smith, the president of the board

1:21:30of Friends of Palo Alto to share a few

1:21:33remarks about their involvement and

1:21:35support of this project.

1:21:41>> Well, thank you, Sarah, for that

1:21:43excellent presentation.

1:21:45Good evening, commissioners. My name is

1:21:47Jenny Smith. I'm here on behalf of

1:21:49Friends of the Palo Alto Parks.

1:21:52My first memories of Foothills are of

1:21:55camping and hiking as a little kid

1:21:57there. And I just love Foothills. It's

1:21:59such a special place. And the

1:22:01interpretive center really hasn't had

1:22:03much of a refresh in,

1:22:05you know, 50 years. So, who are we?

1:22:08Friends of the Palo Alto Parks, we're

1:22:09dedicated to fostering greater public

1:22:11awareness and appreciation of our local

1:22:13parks. We're all volunteer-run

1:22:15nonprofit, and our mission obviously is

1:22:17to work with the city of Palo Alto,

1:22:19private groups and individuals, and

1:22:21citizen organizations to preserve,

1:22:23enhance, and beautify our parks. So,

1:22:26we're really excited to be working on

1:22:27the Foothills Preserve Nature

1:22:29Interpretive Center project. Foothills

1:22:32is a special place that deserves an

1:22:33interpretive center that can actively

1:22:36encourage people to get out on the

1:22:37trails, learn about the fauna and flora

1:22:40of our area, and most importantly, get

1:22:42off their screens and into nature.

1:22:45So, our rangers are doing wonderful work

1:22:48caring for the trails and the grounds in

1:22:50the preserve, but their time is

1:22:52stretched. So, they are trying to cover

1:22:54a lot of ground. The interpretive center

1:22:56gives the visitors an opportunity, a

1:22:59welcoming place to learn about the

1:23:01preserve, and helps extend the care that

1:23:03the rangers are already providing. So,

1:23:06we thank you for any of your feedback,

1:23:08and we look forward to working together

1:23:10on this project.

1:23:23>> Okay, thank you. I'll take you through

1:23:25our presentation. Um I first want to say

1:23:28thank you both for uh and everyone for

1:23:30putting this together

1:23:32uh and giving the commission an

1:23:33opportunity to review it while it's uh

1:23:36still taking shape.

1:23:37Um we appreciate the thought and effort

1:23:39that's gone into making the interpretive

1:23:41center more engaging

1:23:43and welcoming. So,

1:23:45uh

1:23:45before we jump into I guess questions

1:23:49would be whether or not the

1:23:51I think Commissioner Axelrod, you uh

1:23:54you're the lead on the phone on that. Do

1:23:55you have any other comments to add to

1:23:57this?

1:23:58>> Um just wanted to circle on the thanks,

1:24:01Jenny. That um it's been amazing to see

1:24:04it all come together. You got a great

1:24:06bunch of folks coming into it with a lot

1:24:08of ideation there. Uh it's moved forward

1:24:11quite a bit. Um I have a couple of

1:24:13questions on how it's shaping up, but um

1:24:16I don't know if any of you had a chance,

1:24:18there's actually a little 3D model that

1:24:21you can look through to see what it

1:24:22looks like.

1:24:24There are various panels you can talk

1:24:26through the details. So, I think

1:24:29you guys really gone above and beyond to

1:24:31draw our attention to what it could be

1:24:33and I'm really excited to get it built

1:24:35up.

1:24:38Okay, thank you.

1:24:39Um, before we go to to public comments,

1:24:42um,

1:24:43I'll open it up for any to the

1:24:44commission for any clarifying questions.

1:24:49Anyone? No?

1:24:50>> So, I have

1:24:53Commissioner Councilman

1:24:54>> Okay, um

1:24:56If you don't mind, I think one of the

1:24:57ideas we were talking about is uh for

1:25:01the model display to try to incorporate

1:25:04it into the greater room with either

1:25:07markings or paintings or Did anything

1:25:09come to fruition there to make it span

1:25:12more of the room than just the model?

1:25:15>> Um,

1:25:17for the 3D model or for the for the

1:25:19overall and

1:25:20>> Uh, no, the

1:25:21the the model that's in the middle of

1:25:24the space

1:25:25>> topographical

1:25:26>> Yeah, the topo map, yeah.

1:25:28>> Uh

1:25:29>> I remember there was some mention about

1:25:30maybe using more of it.

1:25:32>> I think we're going to try and implement

1:25:34some reader rails around the edges and

1:25:36potentially lower it so that children

1:25:39can see it in an easier fashion or

1:25:41people who are maybe in a wheelchair or

1:25:43whatnot. So,

1:25:45um

1:25:46>> [clears throat]

1:25:46>> there's opportunity there to add some

1:25:49more information about the map for sure.

1:25:52>> Sweet. Yeah, maybe incorporating the

1:25:55context of where you're in would be

1:25:56awesome to see.

1:25:57>> you are here.

1:25:59>> So, this is the this is the foothills

1:26:01like where this is park is. And I had an

1:26:03opportunity to catch up with the

1:26:05Commissioner Kleinhaus to discuss

1:26:07what might be interesting and as much as

1:26:10I love the screen free zone, there is

1:26:14probably a few teenagers that we also

1:26:16want to engage. So, one of the ideas was

1:26:19can we either have some QR codes or even

1:26:22a screen to get things like iNaturalist

1:26:25and eBird. I think Sarah, you she's

1:26:28shared some of the resources there, but

1:26:30to get people that love the streets

1:26:31like, "Oh, I I just saw a bird or plant.

1:26:34What is that? Or what have we seen

1:26:36around?" Like, "Oh, the ducks are out

1:26:38right now. Let's go to the pond." Right?

1:26:39So, just get some digital engagement to

1:26:41enhance their experience might be fun.

1:26:43>> Absolutely, and we definitely want to

1:26:45encourage people to use iNaturalist and

1:26:47to we will have the opportunity to have

1:26:49a QR code so people could pull up a map

1:26:52on their phone. We all know that

1:26:53Foothills doesn't have the best cell

1:26:55service, which is actually great to do

1:26:57the digital unleashing that we all kind

1:26:59of crave. Um

1:27:01>> [clears throat]

1:27:01>> the rangers have requested or have

1:27:03advised us too that it's difficult when

1:27:05you have some sort of screen to maintain

1:27:08that. Somebody has to be a technology

1:27:09person to maintain it, but I like your

1:27:11idea of somehow getting, you know, teens

1:27:14or youth or people that are, you know,

1:27:16looking to get further information for

1:27:18sure.

1:27:21>> Awesome. Thanks, Jenny.

1:27:22>> Any other clarifying question for the

1:27:24issue of the day?

1:27:25>> Thank you, Sarah and Jenny. Boy, amazing

1:27:27presentation.

1:27:29Um I have a clarifying question. Do we

1:27:31have a preliminary budget or range of

1:27:34cost that um

1:27:36and who is expected to provide the

1:27:38funding, the city or our friends or

1:27:41private partners or a combination? Do we

1:27:44have that idea?

1:27:45>> Yes, anyone is welcome to donate. You

1:27:48can go on to our website at

1:27:49friendsofpaparks.org.

1:27:52Um we are not looking to ask the city

1:27:55for any money for this. We will be um

1:27:57privately fundraising. We do have some

1:27:59funds already in our account with the

1:28:00friends.

1:28:02Um and then as this concept is um

1:28:05developing further, once it's really

1:28:07developed out, we can get, you know,

1:28:09more of an exact budget going. So, we

1:28:12don't we have rough idea

1:28:15numbers, but really it'll be determined

1:28:17by

1:28:18how much of these items we include.

1:28:21We've also looked into could we do a

1:28:23phase one and phase two. So, doing some

1:28:25of the easier

1:28:27to implement [clears throat] items

1:28:28first.

1:28:29And get people excited about the

1:28:31project. So, yeah, we're still in sort

1:28:33of the schematic conceptual phase and

1:28:35next will come more of the design

1:28:37development.

1:28:39>> Thank you. And how much should we spend

1:28:40for the concept design?

1:28:43>> That's

1:28:45I should I have to get back to you on

1:28:46that number. Yeah.

1:28:48>> Thank [clears throat] you.

1:28:51>> But that we have the city of Alto is not

1:28:54spent any money on that. That's from the

1:28:55friends of Pal Alto Parks.

1:28:57>> Clarifying question.

1:28:59Like

1:28:59>> Yeah, I actually

1:29:01join

1:29:02similar looking to teens teens mental

1:29:05house and this is also my favorite park

1:29:08taking family most. In the last

1:29:1220 odd years I've been living here.

1:29:14I'm wondering you know for teens

1:29:17whether there is opportunity while you

1:29:20are developing the concept to engage

1:29:22them whether through youth leadership

1:29:25concept to see you know the exhibits how

1:29:28they could do interactive more

1:29:30interactive actions in there and I love

1:29:33the kids corner and also love the

1:29:34concept of connecting you connecting you

1:29:37know what they learn indoors and how to

1:29:39experience outdoors. That's

1:29:41really big takeaway. I love that. Um

1:29:44just wondering whether how we could

1:29:46bring teens concept so they can be part

1:29:49of that especially the local Pal Alto

1:29:51teens and they will be more engaged to

1:29:54see how their concept be realized to get

1:29:56there more often. And I also the diverse

1:29:59multilingual community we have some I

1:30:02don't know the budget some of the museum

1:30:05you probably see they put a headphone

1:30:06on. There's different language talking

1:30:08what's going on, whether there's a

1:30:10possibility. Just just thinking of that,

1:30:13bring things and

1:30:15and seniors, too. And to use their audio

1:30:19for them to to understand what they see

1:30:21in front of them, and how to touch in

1:30:24front of them, and then overall vision

1:30:26to think about what visitors going to

1:30:28take away and uh

1:30:31how we strengthen the nature, local

1:30:33history, biodiversity, use education,

1:30:36student

1:30:37for climate change together. And but

1:30:39it's so far it's excellent. It's really

1:30:41exciting

1:30:42to see how we move forward for that.

1:30:44Thank you. Well, thank you for that idea

1:30:47of the headphones, especially with

1:30:48different languages. That's not

1:30:50something we had explored or looked at

1:30:51quite yet, but

1:30:53I think the next outreach that we will

1:30:55do to the community, we do hope that

1:30:57teens and families come and seniors,

1:31:00everyone's welcome to come and give

1:31:01feedback. I think that's really

1:31:02important cuz everybody experiences the

1:31:05the center in their own way. And really

1:31:08we want to encourage people, especially

1:31:09who maybe haven't ever been hiking or

1:31:12don't know about the nature that's so

1:31:14close by, to really get them to come out

1:31:16and be a part of it. So,

1:31:20yeah.

1:31:20>> So,

1:31:21before we go to public comment, so one

1:31:24point to clarify question. I know that

1:31:26in your that we did not involve the

1:31:29public arts commission or the public

1:31:32arts staff, I guess. So, with the

1:31:34proposed I guess tree features, wildlife

1:31:37displays, and historical

1:31:39historical exhibits, do you think you

1:31:42could offer that they would be able to

1:31:44offer some

1:31:45good design ideas coming out of it? I

1:31:48mean, because of their technical

1:31:50expertise and so forth.

1:31:53>> Um chair, we we have engaged our public

1:31:57art staff with this project

1:32:00during preliminary internal meetings.

1:32:04Um, and

1:32:07right now in concept, none of it it um,

1:32:10is deemed as art work. It's really just

1:32:14in exhibits and learning features. So,

1:32:19um, with with that, there's no

1:32:21correlation, but we've included them in

1:32:23the process and then also just I wanted

1:32:26to speak to uh, Vice Chair Waze's

1:32:29comment that we Thank you for that.

1:32:31We'll make sure to invite our teens and

1:32:34some of the youth groups to our

1:32:36upcoming, once we have a date finalized,

1:32:39um, for engaging

1:32:42engaging, um, for our next public

1:32:46public outreach.

1:32:47>> Okay. Thank you.

1:32:49Uh,

1:32:49do we have Chair Clerk, do we have any

1:32:53>> Yeah, so we have no comments in person,

1:32:55but we do have one, uh, virtual comment

1:32:57via Zoom.

1:32:58>> Okay. Go ahead.

1:33:04>> Okay. Our first comment via Zoom is Lisa

1:33:07L.

1:33:10>> Hello. Good evening. Um,

1:33:11I just want to say I've actually,

1:33:13uh, just a community member that I've

1:33:15been volunteering with Jenny, um, on

1:33:17this project. Um, I've been hiking at

1:33:19Foothills for 20 years and

1:33:22like Jenny, the

1:33:23visitor center really hasn't seen any,

1:33:25um, updating or changes and it could be

1:33:28a really great resources. I started

1:33:29taking my kids there when they were

1:33:31infants, um,

1:33:33and now they are older teens and older,

1:33:36so

1:33:38I guess just want to say that this would

1:33:39be a really great project to add this

1:33:41resource for the community.

1:33:48>> Thank you and thank you, uh, for the

1:33:49speaker for your your questions as well.

1:33:51Thank you.

1:33:52I will now open it up to the commission

1:33:55for general

1:33:56questions.

1:33:58We'll start

1:33:59with Commissioner

1:34:01Smith. Do you have any?

1:34:03Commissioner Axelrod.

1:34:06>> Can I just understand what our timeline

1:34:08and checkpoints are here cuz you guys

1:34:10have a great presentation. I know you've

1:34:12put together a great plan, but

1:34:14are you going to gather public comment

1:34:17over some time? Then we're going to

1:34:18maybe prototype some of these exhibits.

1:34:21I just kind of want to get a scope of

1:34:23what we're going to be doing from here

1:34:26till it gets built.

1:34:29>> I think process also depends on

1:34:33um

1:34:34timeline of funding and budget. So, I

1:34:38think it's hard to

1:34:40predict when when the funding and

1:34:44design will be ready, but we are happy

1:34:48to continue to engage this commission

1:34:51with updates. Um especially I think

1:34:54right now we're working with the open

1:34:56space liaisons. So,

1:34:58um

1:34:59and perhaps

1:35:01um

1:35:02this could be a consideration and maybe

1:35:05made more of an ad hoc potentially

1:35:09um for your upcoming work plan if if

1:35:13this project moves forward um

1:35:16with with success. I think the other

1:35:19option is right. So, in November we're

1:35:22planning um for a meeting. We don't have

1:35:25a solid date yet. We're happy to um send

1:35:28an update once once that's available.

1:35:31Um and then I think it it also depends

1:35:34on the amount of feedback and um

1:35:38support.

1:35:45>> Okay. Uh that's true.

1:35:48>> Um

1:35:49I kind of asked um all the questions.

1:35:51So, I love the approach Jenny just

1:35:54mentioned about phase one, phase two.

1:35:56So, if we have phase one

1:35:59designed up to taking all the community

1:36:02feedback, maybe we can also look into

1:36:05how the commissioner can bring, you

1:36:08know, funding partners, etc.

1:36:11So, that gradually we can start doing

1:36:14the work.

1:36:16>> Yeah, and I just wanted to say one other

1:36:18thing. It will rely

1:36:20on the on the rangers too and their

1:36:22schedule because obviously we can't do

1:36:24any construction during summer camp

1:36:26time. So, really you're looking at when

1:36:28are the down times and so winter is

1:36:30going to be talking about when could

1:36:32this possibly happen? We're probably

1:36:34looking a year from now for, you know,

1:36:37something like this because,

1:36:39you know, we can't do it during summer

1:36:41and everything takes time and winter is

1:36:43a little bit of a more of a down time

1:36:45for them.

1:36:46So, yeah.

1:36:47>> Yeah, good point. Yeah.

1:36:50>> Thanks, great work. So far, it's really

1:36:52exciting.

1:36:57>> Oh.

1:36:58>> Okay, I really like the direction

1:37:01especially the focus on our local

1:37:03ecosystem and the interactive learning.

1:37:06My major

1:37:08suggestion is to create a clear

1:37:11educational journey

1:37:13not just you know, a collection of

1:37:15display walls but make them

1:37:18interconnected and

1:37:20because it can be from like ecology to

1:37:22wildlife habitat um

1:37:25from climate resilience to fire ecology

1:37:29and the environmental stewardship.

1:37:32And

1:37:33I would also like to see that we

1:37:35incorporate the long-term maintenance at

1:37:38the very beginning of the design stage.

1:37:41>> That's an excellent idea and I agree

1:37:44with you to have it sort of like a

1:37:45storytelling you walk through and it

1:37:47takes you on a journey. That's a great

1:37:49idea. And absolutely to to build in the

1:37:52maintenance. And one of the things we're

1:37:54really looking at is how do we create

1:37:56exhibits that are going to be easy to

1:37:58maintain? So, anytime you have like a

1:38:00push button and some,

1:38:02you know, noise of a bird or something,

1:38:04just that push button can get broken,

1:38:06right? And there's Unfortunately, we

1:38:08don't have the staff that we

1:38:11um

1:38:11at the current time that um is needed.

1:38:13And so, there can't be someone on a

1:38:15site. The best thing is if there would

1:38:16be a ranger there every weekend

1:38:18interacting with the um

1:38:20with the visitors, bringing Slinky out

1:38:22of his, you know, their cage. Um but

1:38:25barring that, we want to keep it a

1:38:27little more low-tech. Reader rails or

1:38:29things that pop up and down, but things

1:38:31that can't get broken as easily. So,

1:38:33absolutely maintenance is a priority.

1:38:36Yeah.

1:38:36>> Thanks, Jenny. I I was also inspired by

1:38:39uh Comm- Vice Chair Ways' comment about

1:38:43engaging youth.

1:38:44>> Mhm.

1:38:45>> I know, it's quite a bike ride for our

1:38:47high schoolers

1:38:49to go to Fuller Hill. Yeah.

1:38:52But I heard years ago teenagers always

1:38:55bike to Fuller Hill.

1:38:57>> Mhm.

1:38:57>> So, and also it mean

1:39:00it's harder for parents to drive them

1:39:02during I mean, after school, right? So,

1:39:04but if we do want to engage them more,

1:39:06maybe we think about how to get them

1:39:09there easier.

1:39:11>> Yeah, and one of the other things we

1:39:12really talked about is like the junior

1:39:14rangers program potentially, and how do

1:39:16you um create make you know, create that

1:39:19corner where they can learn about what

1:39:21does it mean to be a ranger, right? And

1:39:23how how cool is that? And so, um

1:39:26you know, encouraging the next

1:39:27generation of um

1:39:30of park rangers and land stewards in

1:39:31general, right?

1:39:33>> My daughter would have loved that

1:39:34opportunity.

1:39:35>> Okay. Thank you.

1:39:39>> Bishop.

1:39:40>> Thank you. Thank you, staff, and um for

1:39:42the presentation.

1:39:44I'll just make a couple suggestions, but

1:39:46take them with a grain of salt. I don't

1:39:48pretend to be an expert in this area. Um

1:39:51I I love what you guys have presented,

1:39:53and it seems like a lot of thought has

1:39:54gone through in how to reach different

1:39:56groups, and that's all about what this

1:39:57center is. Um I love the like

1:40:00technology-free

1:40:02uh aspect of it, but and maybe if you

1:40:04could have some sort of

1:40:06photo with either Slinky or the mountain

1:40:09lion or some thing, because even though

1:40:10their cell phones don't work, those

1:40:12teenagers will post that picture later

1:40:14on to their story. So, um something

1:40:17interactive in that way that they can

1:40:19help promote um coming to the center

1:40:21after the fact. Um

1:40:24and if if you're not including it in any

1:40:26of the exhibits, just speaking for my

1:40:28three-year-old bugs of the nature

1:40:31preserve, there's in foothills that kids

1:40:33love bugs.

1:40:34>> Yes.

1:40:34>> Don't forget about them when you're

1:40:35talking about the critters. Um and then

1:40:38the last thing is just sort of like some

1:40:40marketing ideas, and I know that there's

1:40:41a rental space up there. Uh I just went

1:40:44on a a tour with San Mateo County, and

1:40:46they were we were taken to a space that

1:40:48they were renovating. They weren't

1:40:50asking for donations, but they did have

1:40:51poster boards of renderings of what the

1:40:53space could look like, and I could see

1:40:54doing something like that with QR codes

1:40:57of how to donate or how to reach out,

1:40:58and um and then maybe working with the

1:41:00friends to say, "Did you know that you

1:41:02could rent this space for this corporate

1:41:04group?" Or even other groups in town,

1:41:07some stakeholders, chamber events, or

1:41:09something doing a a big push of "Come

1:41:11rent this space at the interpretive

1:41:13center," and as you're walking through,

1:41:14here are some renderings of what it

1:41:16could be. Um that might be a really good

1:41:18way to just reach a lot of people. You

1:41:20do that for, I don't know, 6 months and

1:41:22see what transpires. I think you'd get a

1:41:23lot of people that would be interested

1:41:25in making those pictures come to life,

1:41:27and I know I'm inspired, and I haven't

1:41:29even seen what those are yet. So, I'm

1:41:31I'm looking forward to um visiting.

1:41:35>> Excellent. And uh I could imagine

1:41:37hashtag smile with slinky or something

1:41:39of that sort. One of the things we

1:41:41talked about um because the rangers have

1:41:44also visited many other interpretive

1:41:45centers, but like a drawer where you

1:41:47pull out and you can see the different

1:41:48kinds of bugs. Again, a drawer you pull

1:41:50it out. Pushing it back in could cause

1:41:53some maintenance, but I like your ideas

1:41:54of marketing absolutely.

1:41:58>> But could you walk us through how a

1:42:01family or school group would experience

1:42:03the space? I'd be interested in how the

1:42:05children's area display

1:42:08and seating would work together when the

1:42:10center is busy. And also looking at um

1:42:13kind of thing I'd like the children's

1:42:15museum, right? Where a lot of displays

1:42:18are pretty much at the little people's

1:42:20uh

1:42:21reach where they don't have to pick and

1:42:22see something, but um I'm wondering if

1:42:25we're looking at trying to put little

1:42:27exhibits where which are in front of

1:42:30their eye range be over 5 or 7 year old

1:42:33at a certain height.

1:42:34>> One of the most popular features is the

1:42:36activity table and so that's something

1:42:38that you know the rangers bring out um

1:42:41various items that the kids can play

1:42:43with and you know even like nests or

1:42:45little you know different types of bark.

1:42:48One of the things about the dioramas um

1:42:50it will be or the idea is that you can

1:42:53see sort of the whole like down below

1:42:56and sort of a mural behind. Um

1:42:59but I do like that idea of how do you

1:43:00engage especially if there's multiple

1:43:02groups in there because they do get

1:43:04quite a few or a lot of summer summer

1:43:06camp um attendees. So we'll be actively

1:43:10working with the rangers to figure out

1:43:12what works best for them um to keep the

1:43:15flow going. We want to make sure that

1:43:16there's obviously ADA accessibility.

1:43:19Um you know one of the things that we

1:43:21talked about was the column you know

1:43:23some one of the tree columns could have

1:43:26like a little you could walk through it

1:43:28as a little one. Probably not for my

1:43:29size, but um

1:43:31yeah so thinking about um,

1:43:34yeah, all ages

1:43:36and abilities.

1:43:37>> And then for the uh historical displays,

1:43:40who will develop the story?

1:43:43I mean, will you have

1:43:45indigenous people representatives or

1:43:47other people other uh people people who

1:43:49are familiar with the uh preserve's

1:43:51history and having an opportunity to

1:43:53contribute?

1:43:54>> Yeah, and I don't think that we haven't

1:43:55really identified that person, but

1:43:57absolutely want to talk about um

1:44:00not only through the geology, how this

1:44:02land was created, but the peoples that

1:44:04have inhabited it over the years and the

1:44:05history of it,

1:44:07for sure.

1:44:08>> Thank you.

1:44:10Vice Chair.

1:44:11>> Yeah, supplementary question. Actually,

1:44:12uh inspired by um Commissioner Yudit Tan

1:44:15about transportation versus

1:44:17accessibility. So, I did the flow the

1:44:20idea with the Leadership Council use

1:44:21Leadership Council couple times cuz we

1:44:24had a community bus. If we did have a

1:44:25bus, take them to Foothill Park, even

1:44:28for their once-a-year retreat. They were

1:44:30excited about that. So, I'm wondering if

1:44:32this probably out of scope from the

1:44:34Friends of Park. When you're budgeting,

1:44:36would there be a possibility budget the

1:44:39transportation which will benefit both

1:44:41our youth and seniors? Whether bike,

1:44:43e-bike is not safest way to go

1:44:46in those wiggly roads. And for seniors

1:44:49who don't want to drive anymore, and

1:44:51whether there's a possibility maybe even

1:44:53working with Stanford

1:44:55who has buses, uh who some they don't

1:44:58run over the weekends where they I have

1:45:00actually contact which is their local

1:45:02government VP for community outreach. I

1:45:06can give it to you to see if you can uh

1:45:08have a conversation with her. She's also

1:45:10local mom.

1:45:11I met her in the One Festival. And the

1:45:14other thought is corporate social

1:45:15responsibility which my uh professional

1:45:17background, we have a lot of car

1:45:19providers in this city through chamber.

1:45:22You can, you know, reach Tesla or uh

1:45:26Rivian who all has bands. It's part of

1:45:29their community service. We have

1:45:30community service of other parties

1:45:33coming to us. And these are conversation

1:45:36we might be able to help you connecting

1:45:38the dots, but I don't want to actually

1:45:40do all

1:45:41of that for you. So, just just a thought

1:45:43about transportation for youth and

1:45:45seniors.

1:45:46>> Yeah, that's an excellent idea. For our

1:45:49project, we haven't looked at anything

1:45:51outside of the interpretive center.

1:45:53We're really focusing on just the

1:45:54inside, but I like this idea of how do

1:45:56you get more people to the preserve?

1:45:58>> Yeah.

1:45:59>> And obviously you can park outside.

1:46:01Yeah. Right.

1:46:02>> Park outside the interpretive center

1:46:04with a dedicated like community bus or

1:46:06something.

1:46:07>> Yeah, it's absolutely something we could

1:46:08look into.

1:46:09>> Thank you. Thanks.

1:46:11Too many ideas for you to know what to

1:46:13do with.

1:46:14>> all the ideas. This is the idea phase.

1:46:17>> Thanks so much. Thank you.

1:46:20>> I don't know if everyone knows the real

1:46:22history

1:46:23of

1:46:24the

1:46:25park, but my understanding Russell Lee,

1:46:28who was the founder of the Palo Alto

1:46:30clinic and Channing House, he went home

1:46:33and said Helen, I've decided I'm going

1:46:36to sell the property to a developer.

1:46:40And she said, that's fine, Russell, but

1:46:43you can sell your half of the property,

1:46:45but not my half. He said, Helen, what is

1:46:49your half? She said, every other inch.

1:46:54And that's how it started and the it did

1:46:57not get sold to the thing and

1:47:00and they went I obviously most people

1:47:02know this. We went to all the various

1:47:04cities saying, you want to participate.

1:47:07And it's sort of like with the little

1:47:08red hen or something. They all said, not

1:47:10me, not me. And that's why it was

1:47:12closed. And but anyway, that's that's a

1:47:16true story I've heard from the son of

1:47:18Russell Lee. Thanks.

1:47:20>> And just to touch on the funding, we

1:47:22will be also reaching out to the other

1:47:24communities and people who utilize the

1:47:26park, people who live in Los Altos, Los

1:47:28Altos Hills, the greater community cuz

1:47:30it's not just Palo Alto residents that

1:47:31come to this preserve. Um it's open for

1:47:34everybody. So,

1:47:36um yeah.

1:47:38>> Okay. Thank you for the presentation.

1:47:40We'd ask though

1:47:41um once we gather, I guess, community

1:47:43feedback, how will it

1:47:45that shape the next version and will the

1:47:47commission have another opportunity to

1:47:50review the concept before it's

1:47:51finalized?

1:47:53>> Oh, yeah. I think there's intent to keep

1:47:56the commission well apprised of uh its

1:47:59progress and

1:48:01um again, I think uh potential

1:48:03consideration for your work plan in as

1:48:07as we um

1:48:09make updates.

1:48:11>> Great. Excellent. Thanks for

1:48:13presentation. Thank you for the work you

1:48:14do. Thanks.

1:48:19Let's move on to the next item on the

1:48:23agenda,

1:48:25which is the commissioner's question,

1:48:26comments, and

1:48:28announcements of future meetings and

1:48:30agendas. Any commissioners with any

1:48:35thing you want to make the commission

1:48:36aware of?

1:48:38That would be a no. Okay. There you want

1:48:40to talk about future agendas?

1:48:43>> Um

1:48:45yes. So,

1:48:48I will be sending uh

1:48:51just to confirm that um [snorts]

1:48:54November 24th is a regular meeting um

1:49:00that we are anticipating. However, it is

1:49:03a um

1:49:05the week of Thanksgiving.

1:49:07So, I think uh there'll be an email

1:49:10shortly

1:49:12um asking if you will be available for

1:49:15that meeting. Um at that meeting we're

1:49:18proposing to elect a chair and vice

1:49:21chair,

1:49:22um, appointment of new commissioners to

1:49:26uh, vacant ad hoc committee and liaison

1:49:29positions,

1:49:31um, and potentially an informational

1:49:35item on the community garden guidelines.

1:49:39Um, so we have that and then um,

1:49:44December is is typically a special

1:49:47meeting which um, we would then be

1:49:50canceling

1:49:51um,

1:49:52your your regular meeting for December

1:49:5522nd.

1:49:57And

1:49:58um,

1:50:00updates may include the capital

1:50:03improvement program.

1:50:06And and we'll see what else may be ready

1:50:10during that time.

1:50:15>> Okay, do we have any um,

1:50:18anyone on for public comments?

1:50:20>> There are no additional comments at this

1:50:21time.

1:50:23>> Okay.

1:50:24With that being said, I guess we have to

1:50:27adjourn.

1:50:28And um, before we do I just want to

1:50:31again uh, thank uh,

1:50:34Commissioner Brown and Diane for the

1:50:35Commissioner Brown for the work that you

1:50:37got done and look forward to having you

1:50:39on the Zoom call and keeping us uh,

1:50:42honest as we move forward. So, thank you

1:50:44for your work. And same thing with uh,

1:50:46the Councilwoman Leticia Cain, thank you

1:50:49and look forward to the work that you'll

1:50:50be doing for us as well. Thank you.

1:50:53With that the meeting is adjourned.

1:50:54Thank you.

1:51:31>> Mhm.

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