HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 15201 (Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan)RESOLUTION NO. 15201
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING
THE CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
WHEREAS, as the City of San Rafael has grown and the needs of residents have evolved
over time, there has been a significant growth in the demand for park and recreation
facilities and programs; and
WHEREAS, Parks & Recreation Master Plans are a critical tool for local agencies in
identifying community and infrastructure needs, prioritizing projects and funding
allocation, strategically developing parks and recreational programs, and creating a vision
for the future; and
WHEREAS, the City Council Goals and Objectives and the City of San Rafael’s General
Plan 2040 identified the creation of a Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan (CPRMP)
as a key priority to help the City plan for the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2021, the City issued a Request for Proposals for a qualified
consultant to lead the CPRMP process; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2021, City Council approved the formation of a 15-member Parks
& Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee to provide ongoing feedback on the
planning process and which was made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds to
represent a broad cross-section of the community; and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2021, City Council approved an agreement with RHAA
Landscape Architects (RHAA) to launch a Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Planning
process that would analyze the use of existing parks and facilities, assess their condition,
gather community input, provide recommendations for improvement, and suggest
funding/implementation strategies; and
WHEREAS, in early 2022, RHAA conducted a thorough assessment of the City’s existing
parks, recreation facilities, and previous planning efforts in citywide recreation, which
included a Park Inventory and Assessment, a Facility Inventory and Assessment, a CASp
Report, and Document Review; and
WHEREAS, in Spring of 2022, RHAA and City staff launched an extensive community
engagement campaign to gather input on the recreation amenities, activities, and
programs that are most important to the community, outreach efforts included a
statistically valid survey, a community questionnaire, interviews with stakeholder groups,
and a series of community meetings held at different times and locations throughout the
City, as well as online; and
WHEREAS, through the system assessment and community engagement process, the
City gathered significant amounts of data on the existing park and recreation system and
the needs of the community as compared to the current provision of park and recreation
amenities; and
WHEREAS, the CPRMP incorporates this information throughout the plan and provides
site-by-site recommendations as to the specific needs of each park and facility as well as
opportunities to address systemwide deficiencies; and
WHEREAS, the CPRMP identifies a significant number of recommendations and a critical
output of the CPRMP is a strategic approach for prioritizing recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the CPRMP presents a set of weighted criteria that was used to help prioritize
projects as well as overarching goals, policies, and actions to guide decision-making
processes and provide higher level principles for future project implementation and
prioritization; and
WHEREAS, these criteria, goals, policies, and actions were shared in the second
community engagement meeting as well as reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Master
Plan Steering Committee and Park & Recreation Commission; and
WHEREAS, the CPRMP provides a transparent action plan that identifies priority projects
and policies to guide the City in future parks and recreation planning; and
WHEREAS, the CPRMP’s financial analysis provides a cost estimate for project
implementation, identifies existing funding mechanisms used by the City to fund parks
and recreation projects and maintenance, considers the potential for these funding
sources to help fund the Master Plan costs, and analyzes options for new funding
sources; and
WHEREAS, the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee and Park and
Recreation Commission received regular updates on the Master Plan process and
findings in a series of publicly noticed meetings; and
WHEREAS, at the February 21, 2023 City Council meeting, RHAA and City staff
presented an update on the planning process, system assessments, community
engagement, prioritization criteria, and draft recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the project is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to
section 15062 because the San Rafael Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan is a
policy document to guide the future of the City’s parks, recreation facilities, and recreation
programs and services; the CPRMP is consistent with the General Plan and proposes
recreation projects at a planning level, only.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby adopts the Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan (Exhibit A). This adoption is based on and supported
by the following findings and determinations:
1. The public interest would be served by the adoption of the CPRMP in that it
provides a foundation for the future development and maintenance of parks,
recreation facilities, programs, and amenities. Specifically, it identifies community
and infrastructure needs, prioritizes projects and funding allocation to strategically
develop parks and recreational programs, and creates a vision for the future.
2. As drafted, the CPRMP would be consistent with the General Plan 2040,
specifically the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element, as it provides
citywide recommendations for park management, operations, facility development,
potential acquisition, and recreation service delivery, as well as recommendations
for each City-owned park.
3. The project is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
pursuant to section 15262 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines
because the CPRMP is a policy and planning document which guides possible
future actions which have not been approved, adopted or funded.
I, LINDSAY LARA, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Monday, the 17th day of April 2023, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Bushey, Hill, Kertz, Llorens Gulati & Mayor Kate
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: None
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
Adopted 2023
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SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL
Kate Colin, Mayor
Maika Llorens Gulati, Councilmember
Eli Hill, Councilmember
Maribeth Bushey, Councilmember
Rachel Kertz, Councilmember
SAN RAFAEL PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Kela Cabrales
Cicily Emerson
Ariel Gutierrez
Mark Machado
Robert Sandoval
CITY STAFF
Jim Schutz, City Manager
Susan Andrade-Wax, Former Library & Recreation Director
Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director
Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
April Miller, Director of Public Works
Ryan Montes, Operations & Maintenance Manager
CPRMP STEERING COMMITTEE
Aaron Burnett – Canal Alliance
Kela Cabrales – San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission
Matt Foley – Orcas Swim Team
Paul Jensen – Marin Conservation League
Cheryl Lentini – San Rafael Library Board of Trustees
Joe McCallum – San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
Ian McLorg – Marin County Parks
Phillip Mooney – San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Tyler Nielson – San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Nancy Palacios – San Rafael Pickleweed Advisory Committee
Tim Park – San Rafael ADA Access Advisory Committee
Andrei Pasternak – Orcas Swim Team
Suzie Pollak – Age Friendly San Rafael Task Force
Kate Powers – San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Meg Reilly – Marin Society of Artists
Robert Sandoval – San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission
Elisabeth Setten – Artworks Downtown
Sparkie Spaeth – Age Friendly San Rafael Task Force
Kate Sprague – San Rafael Pickleweed Advisory Committee
Rich Storek – The Canal Arts
Ashley Tomerlin – San Rafael ADA Access Advisory Committee
Alex Vahdat – San Rafael Library Board of Trustees
Andrew Ward – Marin YMCA
Scott Younkin – San Rafael Girls Softball
Dan Zaich – San Rafael City Schools
CONSULTANT TEAM
Royston, Hanamoto, Alley and Abey, Landscape Architects
Barbara Lundburg, Lauren Ivey-Thomas
Mack5, Project, Cost, & Construction Management
David Ross
Ballard*King, Recreation Planning
Ken Ballard
Economic & Planning Systems, Economic Consulting
Teifion Rice-Evans, Rosanna Ren
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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TABLESCHAPTERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................11
1.1 Purpose of the Master Plan
1.2 Scope
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................21
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Planning Process
2.3 Review of Relevant Planning Efforts
EXISTING FRAMEWORK ..........................................................31
3.1 Park System Overview
3.2 Recreation Facilities Overview
3.3 Recreation Department and Programs
3.4 Demographic Profile
NEEDS ASSESSMENT ...............................................................51
4.1 Supply
4.2 Demand
4.3 Gap Identification
PLAN ........................................................................................67
5.1 Goals, Policies, and Actions
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Costs for Planning Purposes
IMPLEMENTATION ...................................................................109
6.1 Prioritization of Recommendations
6.2 Action Plan
6.3 Funding Plan
Table 2. City-Operated Improved Parkland ...............................................12
Table 2. City-Operated Unimproved Open Space ....................................13
Table 3. Recommendation Types ...............................................................15
Table 4. Recommendation Priority ..............................................................15
Table 6. City-Operated Parks by Type and Recreation Provided ...........32
Table 7. City-Operated Unimproved Open Space ....................................33
Table 8. City-Operated Recreation Facilities ..............................................35
Table 9. Typical Recreation Programs Offered Nationally ......................37
Table 10. 2019 Session-Based Class Enrollment .......................................39
Table 11. 2019 Drop-In Program Enrollment ..........................................39
Table 12. Classes Run vs. Classes Cancelled ..............................................40
Table 13. Recreation Program Areas by Provider .....................................40
Table 14. Contract Classes vs. City Staff Led Classes ..............................40
Table 15. City and County Population Growth, 2000-2010 ....................43
Table 16. City Population Density, 2020 ....................................................43
Table 17. Population by Age Group, 2000-2020 .......................................44
Table 18. Racial Composition, 2010-2020 ..................................................44
Table 19. Hispanic/Latino Population, 2000-2010 ...................................45
Table 20. 2020 Race and Ethnicity Groups in San Rafael and Marin
County .............................................................................................................45
Table 21. Household Income by Race and Ethnicity ...............................46
Table 22. Housing Tenure by Race and Ethnicity .....................................46
Table 23. Comparison of 2022 Parkland Standards .................................52
Table 24. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Recreation
Amenities .........................................................................................................53
Table 25. General Plan 2040 Planning Area Recreation Amenities .......54
Table 26. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Picnic
Areas ................................................................................................................54
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FIGURES
Table 27. Regional Comparison of Additional City-Owned and Operated
Recreation Amenities .....................................................................................54
Table 28. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Recreation
Facilities ...........................................................................................................55
Table 29. General Plan 2040 Planning Area Recreation Facilities ..........55
Table 30. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Park
Restrooms........................................................................................................55
Table 31. Regional Comparison of Additional City-Owned/Supported
Recreation Facilities .......................................................................................56
Table 32. Priority Park Improvements ........................................................60
Table 33. Priority Park Amenities and Activities .......................................61
Table 34. Cost Estimate for Planning Purposes ........................................105
Table 35. Cost Estimate by Recommendation Type .................................105
Table 36. Recommendation Type ................................................................112
Table 37. Recommendation Priority ...........................................................112
Table 38. Near-Term Park Recommendations ..........................................113
Table 39. Medium-Term Park Recommendations ....................................114
Table 40. Long-Term Park Recommendations..........................................115
Table 41. Near-Term Policy Recommendations .......................................117
Table 42. Medium-Term Policy Recommendations .................................118
Table 43. Capital Improvement Estimate for Park Improvements ........120
Table 44. Measure A Funded Park Projects, 2013-2022 ..........................121
Table 45. Measure A Project Funding FY 2022-2023 .............................122
Table 46. Park and Recreation Grants Received .......................................123
Table 47. Summary of Potential New Tax Considerations .....................126
Figure 1. San Rafael Park and Recreation Facilities ..................................7
Figure 2. Oleander Park Lawn .....................................................................11
Figure 3. Gerstle Park Picnic Area ..............................................................21
Figure 4. Community Meeting, Albert J. Boro Community Center .......23
Figure 5. Youth Taekwondo at Terra Linda Community Center ...........31
Figure 6. Consultant Team and City Staff on Site Tour, Albert Park ....34
Figure 7. Ceramics at Terra Linda Community Center ............................37
Figure 8. Goldenaires Spring Celebration ..................................................38
Figure 9. Older Adults Water Color Class ..................................................38
Figure 10. San Rafael Community Center ..................................................41
Figure 11. Falkirk Cultural Center ...............................................................51
Figure 12. Tennis Court at Peacock Gap Park ..........................................53
Figure 13. Albert J. Boro Community Center Classroom ........................54
Figure 14. Falkirk Cultural Center Art Gallery ..........................................56
Figure 15. Swim Lesson at Terra Linda Pool .............................................56
Figure 16. Community Meeting, San Rafael Community Center ...........59
Figure 17. Community Meeting, Terra Linda Community Center .........59
Figure 19. Terra Linda Park Playground ....................................................67
Figure 18. Recommendation Types .............................................................70
Figure 21. Prioritization Criteria ..................................................................109
Figure 20. Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park ............................109
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Figure 1. San Rafael Park and Recreation Facilities
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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1.1 PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN
1.2 SCOPE
1.1 PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN
San Rafael’s Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan (CPRMP, or
Master Plan) will shape the future of the City’s parks, recreation facilities,
and programs, creating a framework for services in San Rafael’s recreation
network. The Master Plan assesses the City’s existing conditions,
identifies the community’s recreation desires and needs, prioritizes
recommendations, and generates a plan for the long-term enhancement of
the City’s recreation network. The Master Plan serves as a tool for the City
to identify community and infrastructure needs, prioritize projects and
funding allocation, strategically enhance and develop parks and recreation
services, and create a vision for the future.
The objectives of the Master Plan are to:
• Assess San Rafael’s existing park and recreation system and
previous planning efforts related to the recreation network
• Understand community needs and demand in recreation
• Identify and prioritize projects, policies, and programs to meet
system and community needs
• Determine necessary funding and resources to implement
identified priorities for maintenance and enhancement of San
Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities
1.2 SCOPE
The scope of the CPRMP includes an inventory and assessment of
the City’s existing recreation system, collection of community insights
on recreation amenities and services, exploration of enhancement and
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Figure 2. Oleander Park Lawn
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expansion projects, and priority setting. The Master Plan looks at the
maintenance and rehabilitation needs of San Rafael’s parks and recreation
facilities with the intent to identify necessary upgrades and enhancements
so that the recreation system will be sustainably maintained in the
future. To help prioritize improvements, the Master Plan assesses the
community’s recreational needs.
Park and Recreation System Assessments
The park and recreation system assessment of the Master Plan surveys
the City’s existing park and recreation facilities, reviews previous planning
efforts, and analyzes the community’s demographic and recreational
profile. From this, the inventory and needs assessment identifies where
community demand is not met by the City’s supply of recreation services.
The assessment scope of the CPRMP includes 25 City-operated parks and
5 City-operated recreation facilities. This includes the City’s 3 community
parks, 11 neighborhood parks, 6 pocket parks, 5 special use parks, Albert
J. Boro Community Center, San Rafael Community Center, Albert Park
Field House, Terra Linda Community Center and Pool House, and the
Falkirk Cultural Center. The scope of this Master Plan, limited to City-
operated, improved parkland sites, totals approximately 106.4 acres of
City-operated improved parkland.
It is important to note that the San Rafael General Plan 2040, which
assesses a greater San Rafael Planning Area (inclusive of Marin County-
operated parkland, California State-operated parkland, parkland in
unincorporated areas, and 50% of improved open space on public school
properties), notes that approximately 314 acres of improved parkland is
available to the San Rafael Community. While the CPRMP identifies this
total acreage of improved parkland as critical to the adequacy of the City’s
park system, the recommendations, policies, and strategies identified in
the CPRMP are specifically limited to San Rafael’s City-operated improved
parkland. See Table 1 for a list of City-operated improved parkland.
Table 1. City-Operated Improved Parkland
Park Name Size1 Park Type
Albert Park 13.34 Community Park
Pickleweed Park 17.60 Community Park
Terra Linda Park 2.87 Community Park
Bernard Hoffman Field 3.80 Neighborhood Park
Bret Harte Park2 0.46 Neighborhood Park
Freitas Park 2.69 Neighborhood Park
Gerstle Park 6.00 Neighborhood Park
Loch Lomond Park 3.00 Neighborhood Park
Los Ranchitos Park 3.00 Neighborhood Park
Oleander Park 2.28 Neighborhood Park
Peacock Gap Park 4.14 Neighborhood Park
Santa Margarita Park 5.00 Neighborhood Park
Sun Valley Park 5.00 Neighborhood Park
Victor Jones Park 5.96 Neighborhood Park
Arbor Park 0.30 Pocket Park
Beach Park 0.44 Pocket Park
Hillview Park 0.26 Pocket Park
Munson Park3 1.46 Pocket Park
Oliver Hartzell Park 0.54 Pocket Park
Riviera Park 0.27 Pocket Park
Boyd Memorial Park 1.75 Special Use Park
Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds 3.60 Special Use Park
Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park 21.30 Special Use Park
Canal Community Garden 0.35
Special Use Park – Community
Garden
Terra Linda Community Garden 1.00
Special Use Park – Community
Garden
Total Acreage of City-Operated Improved
Parkland 106.41
The City also operates approximately 935 acres of unimproved open
space, which is not assessed in the scope of the CPRMP.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Table 2. City-Operated Unimproved Open Space
Open Space Size4 Park Type
Bay Way 6.4 Open Space
Boyd Park (upper)16 Open Space
Deer Valley 43 Open Space
Falkirk (upper)7.5 Open Space
Glenwood 56.3 Open Space
Harry Barbier Memorial Park 582 Open Space
Hartzell 18.1 Open Space
Hillside Avenue 8 Open Space
Mont Marin (Joint Operation with Marin County)68 Open Space
Mountain (Joint Operation with Marin County)51.4 Open Space
Jerry Russom Memorial Park5 7 Open Space
Picnic Hill - Bret Harte 13.2 Open Space
Upper Gerstle Park (Joint Operation with Marin County)22.0 Open Space
Upper Toyon/Makin Grade 36 Open Space
Total Acreage of City-Operated Unimproved Open Space 934.9
The park and recreation system assessments for this Master Plan include
the following:
• Park Inventory and Assessment
• Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment
• Recreation Assessment
• Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Report
• Document Review of Previous Planning Reports
The City’s recreation system receives active community use, however aged
amenities, deferred maintenance, and limitations in resources for staffing
and physical expansion orient proposed enhancement toward improving
San Rafael’s existing network while supporting expansion as resources
allow.
Community Engagement
Extensive community outreach was utilized throughout the life of the
Master Plan planning process. Community engagement included the
establishment of a guiding CPRMP Steering Committee, community
surveying, interviews with park and recreation stakeholders, five
community meetings, and three public study sessions with the San Rafael
Park and Recreation Commission.
The following are key themes heard from the community engagement
process:
• There is strong support for prioritizing renovating and maintaining
the City’s existing park amenities over adding new amenities,
with emphasis on modernizing playgrounds and features
such as benches, picnic tables, etc. as well as repairing failing
infrastructure.
• There is a strong desire for improved maintenance and cleanliness
of the City’s parks, particularly restroom maintenance and refuse
pick up.
• Walking is a priority for San Rafael with the community interested
in pedestrian access throughout the City’s recreation network.
• The community is interested in self-directed recreation activities.
• Many community members are unaware of the City’s
programmatic offerings in recreation.
Project Identification
Based on the evaluation process, the Master Plan identifies
162 recommendations for the City’s recreation system. These
recommendations focus on the following areas:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Improvements to existing park sites and amenities
The CPRMP identifies deficiencies and improvement opportunities in
San Rafael’s parks. Common park capital improvement recommendations
include replacing aging playgrounds, resurfacing sports courts, and
repairing pathways. Major opportunities across the system include ADA
access, bench and picnic table improvements, and irrigation upgrades.
ADA Access - Given the age of San Rafael’s park system, access
barriers have emerged over time. The assessment provided by the
CASp Report identifies areas for improvement and barrier removal
throughout the park and recreation system.
Benches and picnic tables - Systemwide, the Park Inventory and
Assessment identified a need to replace the City’s existing park
benches and picnic tables. Replacing benches and picnic tables is
also identified as a high community priority.
Irrigation improvements - As San Rafael’s park system has aged,
so have the irrigation systems installed at their creation. A number
of parks are identified as having significant irrigation issues to be
amended for water use efficiency and sustainability.
Improvements and deferred maintenance needs for recreation
facilities
The CPRMP includes a comprehensive list of recommended
improvements for the Albert J. Boro Community Center, Albert Park
Stadium, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Community Center, and Terra
Linda Community Center and Pool House. These recommendations are
categorized based on the Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment’s
review of their relative priority.
Policy-level recommendations
Policy-level recommendations focus on Citywide and site-specific
actions that will help the City better manage and maintain the park and
recreation system and meet the recreation needs of the community.
Policy recommendations are inclusive of policies oriented directly at
the operation of the City’s Recreation and Childcare Division and park
maintenance and operation practices.
System expansion recommendations
With the City’s limited resources and the community’s strong prioritization
of addressing existing infrastructure over adding new amenities, the
CPRMP his focused on improvements to current sites. However, as
resources allow, the Master Plan provides several recommendations that
propose adding new or expanded amenities, particularly in areas of the
City that are currently deficient in park space or have high density.
Goal and Priority Setting
The Master Plan is guided by the following goals:
Goal A: Support and enhance San Rafael parks
Goal B: Support and enhance San Rafael recreation facilities
Goal C: Support recreation programming
Goal D: Provide equitable access to San Rafael park and recreation system
Within these goals are policies and actions that will provide the structure
for current and future recreation planning throughout the City. In
addition to the established goals, prioritizing criteria were developed
through the input of the Steering Committee, City staff, San Rafael’s Park
and Recreation Commission, and the community. Combined with the
identified prioritizing criteria, the Master Plan’s goals support the selection
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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of priority projects that will serve the City’s existing and future recreation
needs.
Implementation
With the significant number of recommendations identified through
the process, a critical output of the CPRMP is a strategic approach for
prioritizing recommendations. The goal of the prioritization strategy is to
create an implementable action plan for the Master Plan and to provide
the City with a framework for decision-making in the future.
The Master Plan identifies $18,315,216 in park improvements and
$2,962,340 in recreation facility improvements, totaling approximately
$21.3 million (2023 dollars) in recommendations, inclusive of a 30%
contingency for additional costs such as design, administration, and
construction management. These improvements will address existing
deficiencies in the recreation network while providing enhancement and
potential expansion to the City’s park and recreation facilities.
The CPRMP proposes 162 projects, of which 67 are estimated to have
costs of $21.3 million (2023 dollars). 95 projects are not assigned a cost
as they are policy or program recommendations or are not yet sufficiently
defined to estimate their implementation. Additionally, 22 of the un-
costed projects may be addressed through the implementation of larger
projects in accessibility improvements.
Recommendations are categorized by recommendation type as well as
recommendation priority. See Table 3 for recommendation types and
Table 4 for recommendation priority.
Table 3. Recommendation Types
Recommendation
Type
Description Total
Deficiency
Improvement
Recommendation improves existing condition in a
deficient area such as replacing or enhancing amenities
at end of lifecycle, and ADA improvements to remove
accessibility barriers
83
Expansion Recommendation supports new recreation amenities,
expanding San Rafael’s recreation system
36
Policy Recommendation is administrative and supports the
City’s delivery of parks and recreation services
43
Total number of recommendations 162
Table 4. Recommendation Priority
Recommendation Priority Description Total
Near Term
• 14 park improvements (deficiencies
and expansions)
• 20 policies
• 20 recreation facility improvement
recommendations to be incorporated
into the upcoming Facilities Master
Plan
Potentially achievable in 0-5 years 54
Medium-Term
• 15 park improvements
• 14 policies
Potentially achievable in 5-10
years
29
Long-Term
• 21 park improvements
Potentially achievable in 10 +
years
21
Other
Ongoing (10)
As resources allow (26)
To be addressed through larger
projects (22)
58
Total number of recommendations 162
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Recommendations proposed for the City’s recreation facilities, totaling
$3.0 million, include only deficiency improvements that need immediate
attention (near-term). The recreation facility recommendations
identified through the Master Plan process are not included in the
CPRMP’s financial assessment, as they will be folded into the City’s
upcoming Facilities Master Plan process. Funding for recreation facility
recommendations will be assessed in the Facilities Master Plan and
evaluated alongside all City facilities.
To fund the implementation of the CPRMP park improvement
recommendations, the Master Plan explores a variety of funding sources.
Existing and potential funding resources include:
• City Budget and General Fund
• Measure A
• Park Taxes/Fees
• Grant Funding
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Additional Tax-Based Funding Options
o Property Transfer Tax
o Sales and Use Tax
o Parcel Tax
o G.O. Bond/Ad valorem Property Tax
o Benefit Assessment Districts
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
(Footnotes)
1 Park site acreage is provided by the San Rafael General Plan 2040 – Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Element
2 According to the General Plan 2040, Bret Harte Park is classified as a Pocket Park.
Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the CPRMP recommends
reclassifying this site as a Neighborhood Park.
3 According to the General Plan 2040, Munson Park is classified as a Neighborhood Park.
Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the CPRMP recommends
reclassifying this site as a Pocket Park.
4 Open Space site acreage is provided by the San Rafael General Plan 2040 – Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Element
5 According to the General Plan 2040, Jerry Russom Memorial Park is classified as a
Neighborhood Park. Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the
CPRMP recommends reclassifying this site as an Open Space.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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2. INTRODUCTION
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2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 PLANNING PROCESS
2.3 REVIEW OF RELEVANT PLANNING EFFORTS
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The City of San Rafael (City) is located in the east central part of Marin
County, 18 miles north of Downtown San Francisco, 38 miles south
of Santa Rosa, 36 miles southwest of Napa, and 22 miles northwest of
Oakland. The eastern edge of the City is formed by the San Francisco
and San Pablo Bays with the Pacific Ocean approximately 10 miles to the
southwest. The City is in the North Bay region of the nine-county San
Francisco Bay Area, which is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the
United States. San Rafael has been the largest city in Marin County since
its incorporation and the County seat since 1851. Most of the County’s
population resides within 10 miles of San Rafael, contributing to the City’s
role as the center of Marin’s economy.
As the City of San Rafael grows and the needs of residents evolve over
time, there has been a significant growth in the demand for park and
recreation facilities and programs. To help the City plan for the needs
of the community, the City Council Goals and Objectives and the City
of San Rafael’s General Plan 2040 identified the creation of a Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a key priority. Parks and Recreation
Master Plans are a critical tool for local agencies in identifying community
and infrastructure needs, prioritizing projects and funding allocation,
strategically developing parks and recreational programs, and creating a
vision for the future.
The Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan is the City’s first
comprehensive planning document directed at the City’s recreation system.
INTRODUCTION
Figure 3. Gerstle Park Picnic Area
Table 5.
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2.2 PLANNING PROCESS
The San Rafael General Plan 2040 and City Council’s Goal and Objectives
established the creation of a Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan
as an important priority to help the City better plan for the changing
recreational needs of the community. In November 2021, the City of
San Rafael contracted with RHAA Landscape Architects and Planners
(Consultant) to launch a comprehensive parks and recreation planning
process to analyze the use of existing parks, recreation facilities, and
recreation programs and operations. The CPRMP planning process results
from collaboration with City staff, the San Rafael community, and the
Consultant.
In the Spring of 2022, the City launched a community engagement
campaign to gather input on the recreation amenities, activities, and
programs that are most important to them. The community engagement
process included a statistically valid survey, a community questionnaire,
interviews with stakeholder groups, and a series of community meetings
held at different times and locations throughout the City, as well as online.
The below details the community engagement activities undertaken in the
Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
CPRMP Steering Committee
The CPRMP Steering Committee was approved by City Council on June
16, 2021, to provide ongoing feedback on the Master Plan process. The
Steering Committee included individuals from diverse backgrounds to
represent a broad cross-section of the San Rafael community and served
as a guiding body for the development of the Master Plan. The CPRMP
Steering Committee met four times throughout the project life and
included representatives from the following community and stakeholder
groups:
• Age Friendly San Rafael Task Force
• Artworks Downtown
• Canal Alliance
• San Rafael ADA Access Advisory Committee
• San Rafael Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee
• San Rafael Library Board of Trustees
• San Rafael Park & Recreation Commission
• San Rafael Pickleweed Advisory Committee
• The Canal Arts
• Marin Conservation League
• Marin County Parks
• Marin Society of Artists
• Marin YMCA
• Orcas Swim Team
• San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
• San Rafael City Schools
• San Rafael Girls Softball
Stakeholder Interviews
A series of stakeholder interviews were conducted by City staff and the
Consultant team for the Master Plan. The stakeholder groups included
Arts and Culture, City Leadership, Homeowner and Neighborhood
Associations, Older Adults and Special Populations, and Sports and
Leisure. These interviews offered the opportunity for key stakeholder
groups to provide focused input and perspectives on issues related to San
Rafael’s park and recreation system. Groups interviewed included:
• Arts and Culture Organizations – The Canal Arts, Cedars Fine
Arts Studio, DrawBridge, Marin County Cultural Services, Marin
Society of Artists, Youth in Arts
INTRODUCTION
23
• City Leadership – Assistant City Attorney, City Clerk, City
Manager, Community Development Director, Economic
Development Director, Library and Recreation Department
Director and Assistant Director, Police Chief, Sanitation District
Manager
• Homeowner and Neighborhood Associations – Dominican/
Black Canyon Neighborhood Association, Gerstle Park
Neighborhood Association, Loch Lomond Homeowners
Association, Mont Marin/San Rafael Park Neighborhood
Association, Peacock Gap Homeowners Association, Sun
Valley Neighborhood Association, Terra Linda Homeowners
Association, West End Neighborhood Association
• Older Adult and Special Populations Organizations – Age-
Friendly San Rafael, Aging Action Initiative, Cedars, Marin County
Commission on Aging, Marin Ventures, San Rafael Goldenaires,
San Rafael Library and Recreation Department, Vivalon
See Appendix A for a summary of the stakeholder group interviews.
Community Surveying
To assess community needs and interests in San Rafael’s recreation
services, a statistically valid survey was conducted from March 7 through
March 10, 2022, and an online questionnaire was initiated on March 30
and closed on May 3, 2022. The Statistically Valid Survey (SVS) was
conducted by RHAA consultant Godbe Research, specialists in opinion
research. The SVS collected 575 responses from City residents and
registered voters reflecting the City’s demographic profile. The Statistically
Valid Survey was conducted in English (559 respondents) and Spanish
(16 respondents). The Park and Recreation Community Questionnaire
(PRC), conducted by RHAA through Survey Monkey as well as via paper
copies distributed throughout City facilities and partner organizations,
collected 1,131 responses between March 30th and May 31st of 2022. The
questionnaire was provided in English (1,046 respondents), Spanish (84
respondents), and Vietnamese (1 respondent).
See Appendix B for a summary of the community survey results.
Community Meetings
Two community meetings were held for the CPRMP. Community Meeting
#1 was held four times in Spring 2022 – March 30th at the San Rafael
Community Center; April 28th at the Terra Linda Community Center; May
5th online; and May 11th at the Albert J. Boro Community Center. The May
11th meeting was conducted in Spanish with English translation available.
At Community Meeting #1, RHAA presented the CPRMP team, project
goals and scope, and a review of existing park and facility conditions. A
significant portion of Community Workshop #1 was also dedicated to
collecting community input on desires for improvements throughout San
Rafael’s park and recreation system. More than 100 community members
shared their thoughts at these community meetings.
INTRODUCTION
Figure 4. Community Meeting, Albert J. Boro Community Center
24
Community Meeting #2 was held online on September 8, 2022. At
this meeting RHAA presented findings from the community outreach
process (Statistically Valid Survey and Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
survey results), a summary of the park and facility inventory, a summary
of the recreation planning and operations assessment, and the criteria
to be used to prioritize proposed recommendations from the CPRMP.
Community Meeting #2 included breakout sessions to solicit feedback
on the prioritization criteria and approximately 25 community members
participated.
See Appendix C for Community Meeting summaries.
2.3 REVIEW OF RELEVANT PLANNING EFFORTS
Recent and ongoing planning efforts by the City of San Rafael guide the
CPRMP. A review of the City’s relevant planning efforts was completed
as a component of the Master Plan to ensure that the CPRMP’s goals and
recommendations build upon and support previous work. The following
master planning documents guide the Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
See Appendix D for the detailed Document Review completed.
San Rafael General Plan 2040, 2021
The San Rafael General Plan 2040, or General Plan 2040, was adopted by
the San Rafael City Council in August 2021 and addresses the planning
elements of land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation,
safety, noise, and environmental justice. The General Plan 2040 provides
a shared vision for the City’s future and a guiding framework to make that
vision a reality as it looks 20 years into the future. This document supports
the City’s existing qualities while promoting improvements to make San
Rafael more resilient, equitable, healthy, and attractive as it continues to
evolve and grow.
General Plan 2040 identifies guiding principles to achieve the vision of
a thriving San Rafael with a commitment to conserve and strengthen
San Rafael – its neighborhoods, open space, downtown, strong sense
of community, historic legacy, and quality public service. With these
aspects in mind, General Plan 2040 identifies the five following Guiding
Principles:
• Economic vitality
• Opportunity for all
• Adapting to the future
• Housing the growing community
• Mobility
In relation to the CPRMP, General Plan 2040 provides goals, policies, and
programs, per planning element, that shape and inform its development.
The Guiding Principles of Opportunity for All and Adapting to the
Future are folded into the CPRMP’s recommendation prioritization
process, and goals and policies found in the Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Elements guide the CPRMP’s
goals, policies, and actions.
Downtown Precise Plan, 2021
The San Rafael Downtown Precise Plan, adopted in 2021, provides a
20-year roadmap for the City to achieve goals of increasing housing
diversity and equity, improving walkability and transportation options,
and advancing resiliency to climate change, within the City’s downtown
planning area. This Precise Plan implements the community’s vision to
create opportunities for reinvestment and future development that is
INTRODUCTION
25
feasible, predictable, and consistent within downtown San Rafael.
Related to the CPRMP, Albert Park and Boyd Memorial Park are included
within the limits of the Downtown Precise Plan as well as topics of
pedestrian mobility that are in alignment with the City’s recreation
interests. San Rafael’s downtown area provides a central location and an
established regional center with a walkable downtown and access to nature
– key opportunities identified in the Precise Plan that relate to the City’s
recreation network.
Climate Change Action Plan 2030, 2019
The Climate Change Action Plan 2030, formally adopted in 2019, is
a planning document to guide the City of San Rafael in developing
programing and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – pollutants
that cause climate change. Recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions are provided for both the community of San Rafael as well
as for government operations. The City’s park and recreation network
supports the City’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through
educational programming and the provision of energy and resource
efficient operational services. The CPRMP further supports the Climate
Action Plan 2030 by proposing recommendations that will implement
sustainable practices in the City’s capital improvement projects.
San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2018
The 2018 San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, an update to
the 2011 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, documents conditions
for bicycling and walking in San Rafael and outlines steps to improve
safety, act on community needs, and improve mobility options for the
San Rafael community. Pedestrian mobility is a key component of the
City’s recreation network, with the 2017 pedestrian and bicyclist survey
finding that 71% of respondents listed parks and trails as their top bike
destinations.
INTRODUCTION
While the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan does not propose pedestrian
projects within the City’s parks, it does provide recommendations for
mobility improvements adjacent to some City recreation amenities. The
CPRMP supports bike and pedestrian mobility throughout the City.
Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan and Design Guidelines,
2009
The Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan develops an outline for creating
a promenade connecting Starkweather Shoreline Park through the Canal
neighborhood and across the canal waterway east toward China Camp
State Park. The Canalfront Design Guidelines is a companion document
to the Design Plan, providing guidelines for building design in the plan
area and desired recreation amenities. The recommendations set forth
in these plans inform the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan
particularly in areas serving the canal community, providing recreational
shoreline access, developing new mini parks at the San Rafael Yacht
Harbor, and the City’s Beach Park property. The Design Plan addresses 4
goals:
• Define access points to and along the Canal waterfront
• Identify the most appropriate location and type of Canal crossing
improvement(s)
• Serve as a foundation for completing the Bay Trail from
Pickleweed Community Center to Pt. San Pedro Road
• Provide design guidelines to maximize waterfront amenities
through redevelopment opportunities along the Canalfront
The Canalfront Design Guidelines document provides design guidelines
that apply to the entire area defined as the San Rafael Canalfront planning
area. These guidelines promote quality of life for the Canal community as
well as visitors. In applying area-wide guidelines, the planning areas benefit
from establishing a common identity for projects related to the Canal.
26
Additional Relevant Planning Efforts
The below documents were additionally referenced to develop the
CPRMP:
• Terracon Facility Condition Assessment, 2019
• Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan, 2007
• San Rafael Shoreline Master Plan, 1989
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
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3. EXISTING FRAMEWORK
30
31
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
3.1 PARK SYSTEM OVERVIEW
3.2 RECREATION FACILITIES OVERVIEW
3.3 RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAMS
3.4 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
3.1 PARK SYSTEM OVERVIEW
San Rafael’s parks include space for self-guided recreation, organized and
pick-up sports, community gardening, playgrounds, and social gathering.
The assessment scope of the CPRMP includes 25 City-operated parks
and 5 City-operated recreation facilities. This includes the City’s 3
community parks, 11 neighborhood parks, 6 pocket parks, 5 special use
parks. The scope of this Master Plan, limited to City-operated, improved
parkland sites, totals approximately 106.4 acres of City-operated improved
parkland. See Table 6 for a list of City-owned parks by type and recreation
provided.
The San Rafael General Plan 2040, which assesses a greater San Rafael
Planning Area (inclusive of Marin County-operated parkland, California
State-operated parkland, parkland in unincorporated areas, and 50%
of improved open space on public school properties), notes that
approximately 314 acres of improved parkland is available to the San
Rafael Community. While the CPRMP identifies this total acreage of
improved parkland as critical to the adequacy of the City’s park system,
the recommendations, policies, and strategies identified in the CPRMP are
specific to San Rafael’s City-operated improved parkland.
Figure 5. Youth Taekwondo at Terra Linda Community Center
32
Table 6. City-Operated Parks by Type and Recreation Provided
Park Name
Size1BallfieldBasketball CourtBocce Facil-itiesHandball CourtMulti-Use Turf Field (soccer/foot-ball)Par CoursePlaygroundPoolReservable Picnic AreaRestroomTennis CourtWater FeatureCommunity Park
Albert Park 13.34 x x x x
Pickleweed Park 17.60 x x x x x
Terra Linda Park 2.87 x x x x x
Neighborhood Park
Bernard Hoffman Field 3.80 x
Bret Harte Park2 0.46 x x x
Freitas Park 2.69 x x x x x
Gerstle Park 6.00 x x x x x
Loch Lomond 3.00 x x
Los Ranchitos Park 3.00 x x x x
Oleander Park 2.28 x
Peacock Gap Park 4.14 x x x x
Santa Margarita Park 5.00 x x x x x
Sun Valley Park 5.00 x x x x
Victor Jones Park 5.96 x x x x x
Pocket Park
Arbor Park 0.30
Beach Park 0.44 x
Hillview Park 0.26
Munson Park3 1.46
Oliver Hartzell Park 0.54 x
Riviera Park 0.27 x
Special Use Park
Boyd Memorial Park 1.75 x x
Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds 3.60
Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park 21.30 x
Special Use Park - Community Garden
Canal Community Garden 0.35
Terra Linda Community Garden 1.00
Total 106.41 4 7 2 1 1 1 16 1 7 12 6 1
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
33
The City also operates approximately 935 acres of unimproved open
space, which is not assessed in the scope of the CPRMP. Table 7 details
the City-operated unimproved open space in San Rafael.
Table 7. City-Operated Unimproved Open Space
Open Space Size4 Park Type
Bay Way 6.4 Open Space
Boyd Park (upper)16 Open Space
Deer Valley 43 Open Space
Falkirk (upper)7.5 Open Space
Glenwood 56.3 Open Space
Harry Barbier Memorial Park 582 Open Space
Hartzell 18.1 Open Space
Hillside Avenue 8 Open Space
Mont Marin (Joint Operation with Marin County)68 Open Space
Mountain (Joint Operation with Marin County)51.4 Open Space
Jerry Russom Memorial Park5 7 Open Space
Picnic Hill - Bret Harte 13.2 Open Space
Upper Gerstle Park (Joint Operation with Marin County)22.0 Open Space
Upper Toyon/Makin Grade 36 Open Space
Total Acreage of City-Operated Unimproved Open Space 934.9
Related to open space, the City’s trails are not included within the
Master Plan scope. Given the high importance of walking, jogging, and
pedestrian access in San Rafael, the City will be launching a separate Trail
Existing Conditions and Feasibility Study to better understand the existing
trail network on City property and identify opportunities and challenges to
the system.
Additionally, the City’s urban canopy is not assessed in the scope of the
CPRMP. San Rafael’s tree canopy provides vital environmental benefit
of shade, air quality support, and carbon sequestration, and the City
continues to pursue its efforts in protecting urban forestry per direction in
General Plan 2040.
Park Service Area Standards and Gaps
A typical measure of adequacy for a City’s park system is the number of
acres of parkland per 1,000 residents with California cities commonly
adopting a standard of 3 to 5 acres of improved open space per 1,000
residents. School sites may be included to reflect that public use is
available outside of school hours of operation in this open space
requirement.
As previously stated, the San Rafael General Plan 2040 assesses a
greater San Rafael Planning that goes beyond the City limits, including
unincorporated areas and land managed by the State of California as
well as Marin County. According to General Plan 2040, the San Rafael
Planning Area includes approximately 314 acres of improved parkland
available to the San Rafael Community. This acreage includes Marin
County-operated parkland, California State-operated parkland, parklands
in unincorporated areas, and 50% of improved open space on public
school properties. With this acreage and counting the 73,300 residents
living in the 2020 San Rafael Planning Area, there is currently 4.28 acres
per 1,000 residents.
Looking within San Rafael’s City limits, the 2020 population is 61,271
residents. Applying the 314 acres of improved parkland available to the
residents living within City boundaries, there is 5.12 acres available per
1,000 residents. This is a substantial supply of parkland that exceeds many
California communities. The General Plan 2040 establishes a standard of
4 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which the City of San Rafael and
the San Rafael Planning Area currently exceed in meeting. However, gaps
in parkland service do exist now and may continue in the future.
General Plan 2040 predicts an addition of approximately 10,000 residents
to the San Rafael Planning Area. With the standard of 4 acres of parkland
per 1,000 residents, this addition of 10,000 residents may require an
additional 40 acres of parkland for the Planning Area moving forward.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
34
Parkland available within the City of San Rafael will contribute to this
recreational need.
The CPRMP also supports the General Plan 2040’s findings that 19%
of San Rafael residents do not live within a 10-minute walk to a park,
according to the Trust for Public Land (TPL). Neighborhoods that do not
meet the 10-minute walk standard include:
• Montecito/Dominican
• West End/Fairhills
• Lincoln/San Rafael Hill
• Contempo/Deer Park
• Northbridge/Marin Lagoon
In addition to these areas of need, the General Plan 2040 acknowledges
that the condition and range of San Rafael recreation amenities vary
throughout the City and deferred maintenance and replacement items
have contributed to an aging system. The Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan provides a strategy to wholistically improve and support San
Rafael’s park and recreation network.
Park Inventory and Assessment
An inventory and assessment of San Rafael’s parks was conducted by
members of the Consultant team with assistance from City staff. This
assessment reviews how each park asset currently serves the community
and where they hold potential for site improvement and recreation
opportunities. Each City-owned park was inventoried for the following
information:
Location – Address or intersection
Size – Site acreage
Park Type – Pocket Park, Neighborhood Park, Community Park, Special-
Use Park, Community Garden
History – Construction date (if known) and development over time
Current Condition – Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor
• Excellent – highly functional, new, or recently replaced
• Good – very functional, new, or recently replaced with minimal
wear
• Fair – functional but nearing end of useful life and replacement
• Poor – not functional, at the end of useful life, and requiring
replacement
Amenity, Furnishings, and Facility Inventory – Site amenities such as
sport courts, picnic tables, seating, restrooms, etc.
Recreation Provided – Capacity for various recreation activities such as
organized sports and play areas
Constraints – Observed features that limit the site’s recreation potential
Estimated Maintenance – Observed maintenance issues and current
practices
While the needs of each site were evaluated individually, common
trends in these deficiencies were identified. Those identified are active
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
Figure 6. Consultant Team and City Staff on Site Tour, Albert Park
35
community use and aged amenities with significant deferred maintenance,
which combine to create prevalent deficiencies that must be addressed to
continue to utilize and operate the parks efficiently.
Active Community Use
San Rafael community members value the City’s recreational assets.
Parks and open space provide access to the outdoor environment and
vital recreation opportunities in the urban environment. San Rafael’s
park network offers sites to host community events and social gathering,
however active use results in consistent wear on these amenities,
particularly playgrounds and sport courts. The inventory of San Rafael’s
parks reveals a general need to update the City’s playgrounds per code and
accessibility and sport court renovation through a minimum of surface
repavement.
Aged and Unique Park System
In alignment with many California communities most of San Rafael’s
parks were constructed throughout the 1950s and 1960s. With park
sites aged 60 to 70 years old, inevitable wear on these sites is evident.
Systemwide infrastructure, including irrigation, paving, and support
structures, are near or have reached the end of their useful life and require
repair and/or replacement. Typical aging also culminates in accessibility
barriers that require removal and the replacement of park signage for
system legibility.
The City has addressed repair and maintenance concerns as resources
allow, however deferred projects remain a challenge to San Rafael
achieving full recreational capacity. In addition to standard aging, San
Rafael manages 3 historic park sites built in the 19th century – the near
centurion Boyd Park, Gerstle Park, and Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds.
These are unique cultural assets that provide exceptional value to the city’s
recreation network, however their management requires unique care and
resources.
The full Park Inventory and Assessment, performed by RHAA Landscape
Architects and Planners, is available in Appendix E.
3.2 RECREATION FACILITIES OVERVIEW
In addition to parks, the City of San Rafael maintains 4 community
centers, 2 recreation buildings, and 12 park restrooms, seen in Table 8.
Table 8. City-Operated Recreation Facilities
Community Centers
Albert J. Boro Community Center
Falkirk Cultural Center
San Rafael Community Center
Terra Linda Community Center
Recreation Buildings
Albert Park Field House
Terra Linda Pool House
Park Restrooms
Bret Harte Park
Freitas Park
Gerstle Park Lower
Gerstle Park Upper
Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park*
Los Ranchitos Park
Loch Lomond Park
Peacock Gap Park
Pickleweed Park
Santa Margarita Park
Sun Valley Park
Victor Jones Park
*Not included in the Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
36
Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment
An inventory and assessment of San Rafael’s recreation facilities was
completed for the CPRMP. This assessment collected the following
information at each site:
Architectural Deficiencies – Exterior materials and finishes, doors and
windows, interior materials and finishes
Mechanical Deficiencies – Heating, ventilation and cooling, plumbing,
fixtures, fire sprinklers
Electrical Deficiencies – Electrical, lighting, fire alarm
Structural Deficiencies – Primary and secondary structure, seismic
resistance
Accessibility Deficiencies – Building scope only
The purpose of this assessment is to understand the physical condition
of the sites, rather than their programmatic offerings. An assessment of
the City’s recreation program operations, and their relation to recreation
facilities, follows later in this section of the Master Plan. Data provided in
the 2019 Terracon Facility Condition Assessment is incorporated in this
inventory.
Deficiencies
Each San Rafael recreation facility assessed is unique in age and
construction type, however common trends in deficiencies were identified.
These include:
• Water intrusion
• Aging mechanical equipment
• Outdated electrical distribution
• Door and window replacement needs
• Moveable partition repairs
• Degraded paint and finishes
• Deficient exterior wood decking
Accessibility issues vary from substantial access concerns with the oldest
facilities to minor outstanding compliance issues with facilities that
have been recently updated. If not addressed, the above deficiencies
will continue to deteriorate the City’s assets and limit opportunities for
programmatic services and expansion.
The full Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment, performed by
architectural consultants mack5 is available in Appendix F.
3.3 RECREATION DIVISION AND PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
San Rafael’s Recreation & Childcare Division of the Library and
Recreation Department provides recreation services to the San Rafael
community. Like the assessments of the City’s existing parks and
recreation facilities, a review of the City’s recreation programs and
services is also provided in the Master Plan for a complete analysis of
San Rafael’s park and recreation system. This assessment was performed
by recreation planning consultants Ballard*King. The overview of the
City’s recreation division and programs is broken into three components –
recreation programs and services provided, recreation facilities supporting
these programs and services, and organization and staffing. It is important
to note this assessment is based on programming offered from 2019
through 2021, recognizing that COVID has had significant impact on
programming from 2020 through 2022.
Recreation Programs and Services
The following section discusses the Recreation & Childcare Division
programs and services. Program enrollment is high, with residents
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
37
comprising approximately 90% of all session-based classes, 72% of all
drop-in classes, and significant waiting lists for youth camps, aquatics; and
after-school programming. This section details programs offered and the
City’s partnerships for recreation service delivery. For reference, Table 9
provides general descriptions of recreation programs that agencies often
offer by type.
Table 9. Typical Recreation Programs Offered Nationally
Recreation Type Description
Aquatics
Learn-to-swim classes, aqua exercise classes, competitive
swimming/diving, SCUBA, and other programs such as artistic
swimming and water polo.
Cultural Arts Performing arts classes, visual arts classes, music/video produc-
tion, and arts events.
Education Language programs, tutoring, science (STEM) classes, comput-
er, and financial planning.
Fitness Group fitness classes, personal training, wellness education, and
nutrition.
General Interest Personal development classes.
Older Adults
Programs and services dedicated to serving the needs of older
adults. This can include all the activity areas noted in this table
plus social service functions.
Outdoor Recreation Environmental education, hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing,
and other activities.
Self-Directed
Opportunities for individuals to recreate on their own with
activities such as open-gym, use of weight/cardio space and
lap/recreational swimming. Although not an organized pro-
gram type, time and space must be allocated for this recreation
purpose.
Special Events Citywide or community center based special events that are
conducted throughout the year.
Special Needs Programs for the physically and mentally impaired and inclusive
programming.
Sports Team and individual sports including camps, clinics and tourna-
ments. Also includes adventure and non-traditional sports.
Teens Programs and services that are focused on serving the needs of
teens. This can include all the activity areas noted in this table.
Youth Before and after school programs, summer/school break camps,
childcare, and preschool.
Major Areas of Program Focus
Major areas of existing recreation program delivery from the Recreation
& Childcare Division include youth and older adult activities, cultural arts,
aquatics, and self-directed recreation opportunities. The following services
are listed in the order of emphasis currently provided to the community.
Youth - The Recreation & Childcare Division provides major focus on
youth programs including toddler activities, parent-tot programs, indoor
playground programming, as well as programming in arts and crafts,
sports, summer camps, after school sessions, and preschool enrichment.
These are offered through a mix of City and contract staff.
Cultural Arts - Cultural Arts are a significant program area provided
by the Recreation & Childcare Division. This programming includes
ceramics, painting, and other visual arts activities. There are additionally
performing arts activities such as dance and theater as well as art(s)
exhibits held at Falkirk Cultural Center throughout the year.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
Figure 7. Ceramics at Terra Linda Community Center
38
Older Adults - The City partners with the Goldenaires, a non-profit
organization, to provide services at the San Rafael Community Center
for San Rafael’s senior community. This includes arts, social, fitness,
dances, cards, bingo, and travel programs. There is also a congregate meal
program at the San Rafael and Albert J. Boro Community Centers that is
provided in partnership with the County of Marin. City staff additionally
run senior multicultural programming at the Albert J. Boro Community
Center as well as provide space for older adult groups to meet at the Terra
Linda Community Center.
Aquatics - Swim lessons, Junior Lifeguard programming, and aquatic
summer camps are currently provided by City staff. Lap Swim, Masters
Swim, and local non-profit swim team programs are offered throughout
the season as well as lifeguard certification and water safety instructor
certification. Aqua exercise classes are additionally offered at the Terra
Linda Pool through contract providers.
Self-Directed Recreation - The Recreation & Childcare Division
provides a variety of drop-in recreation opportunities including gym-
based activities (basketball, volleyball, etc.), field-based sports (baseball/
softball, soccer, football, etc.), swimming, and racquet sports. Additionally,
the City provides rentals of both indoor sites and athletic fields for
self-directed recreation – there is a strong rental program in place for all
facilities.
Additional Areas of Program Focus
Additional areas of program delivery include fitness, teen programming,
special events, outdoor recreation, programming for special needs,
education, general interest, and sports. These are services provided
by the Recreation & Childcare Division, however not to the extent as
the previously discussed program focuses and the City may consider
increasing their delivery based on community interest.
Fitness - The majority of fitness programs are currently offered by
contract providers, run in the City’s recreation facilities.
Teen Programming - A few teen focused programs are provided,
including teen art and theater. Teens can also enroll in several youth and
adult programs offered by the City.
Special Events - There are limited special events offered by the Library
& Recreation Division. These include Día De Los Muertos (Day of
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
Figure 8. Goldenaires Spring Celebration
Figure 9. Older Adults Water Color Class
39
the Dead), Movies in the Park, Summer Kick Off, Ghost Stories at the
Mansion, and Holiday Craft Fair. The majority of these offered are
provided at community centers rather than throughout the City.
Outdoor Recreation - Community gardens are the primary aspect of this
program area. The City also has multiple reservable outdoor picnic sites
for self-directed recreation.
Special Needs - This is not an established program area for the
Recreation & Childcare Division with services in this area offered by other
providers in the San Rafael area.
Education - Many education-based programs are integrated into youth
after school, camps, and other programs.
General Interest - A few programs are offered in this area including
youth babysitting, adult computer classes, bridge, voice overs, and
mindfulness courses.
Sports - Most youth sports programming is currently provided by other
organizations and adult programs, such as Marin Social Sports and Central
Marin Soccer, which utilize the City’s fields and recreation facilities. Sport
programming offered by the City includes minimal youth soccer, Junior
Giants, adult pickleball, and martial arts.
Table 10 lists 2019 session-based classes by enrollment number.
Table 10. 2019 Session-Based Class Enrollment*
Program Type Resident
Participants
Non-
Resident
Participants
Waitlist
Numbers
Program
Withdrawals
After School 2,175 12 111 285
Aquatics 588 210 104 153
Arts & Crafts 660 121 43 42
Athletics 432 33 0 55
Camps 702 106 35 110
Community Garden 55 4 0 2
Dance 296 40 2 19
Fitness 464 37 6 21
Language 4 5 0 10
Martial Arts 323 26 0 13
Performing Arts 45 12 0 2
Personal Growth 28 14 0 4
Technology 21 9 0 6
Total 5,793 629 301 722
*This table includes City staff led programs as well as contract providers.
Table 11 lists 2019 drop-in base classes by enrollment number.
Table 11. 2019 Drop-In Program Enrollment*
Program Type Participants
Aquatics 21,763
Arts & Crafts 1,290
Athletics 3,573
Fitness 4,893
Games & Sports 22,510
Personal Growth 1,278
Total 55,307
*This table includes City staff led programs as well as contract providers.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
40
Table 12 lists classes run versus classes cancelled from 2018 through 2021.
The number of classes cancelled from 2020 to 2021 directly relate to the
COVID pandemic. However, a high percentage of classes offered in 2018
and 2019 indicate a high demand for recreation programs.
Table 12. Classes Run vs. Classes Cancelled
Statistic 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Number of Classes Run 241 222 127 126 216
Number of Classes Cancelled 54 61 162 67 50
Total 295 283 289 193 266
Program Partners
To support City recreation staff resources, the Recreation & Childcare
Division collaborates with a variety of internal and external partners
to satisfy recreation program need. Internal City providers include the
San Rafael Public Library, and the Economic Development and Police
Departments. External providers include Marin Social Sports, the
Goldenaires, the County of Marin, and various youth sport organizations
throughout the City and County. Most recreation programs are provided
by contract providers.
The partnership model is particularly important at the Albert J. Boro
Community Center, where the City has established a co-sponsorship
program. Through this program, the City waives facility use fees for
organizations that provide in-demand recreational programs free-of-
charge to the community. Annually, the City waives up to $140,000 in
fees through co-sponsorships, providing the community with robust,
financially accessible programming.
Table 13 lists program areas and their providers and Table 14 lists the
number of classes led by City staff versus led by contract providers.
Table 13. Recreation Program Areas by Provider
Program Area City-Provided Contract or Other Providers
Aquatics x x
Cultural Arts x x
Education x
Fitness/Wellness x
General Interest x
Older Adults x x
Outdoor Recreation x x
Self-Directed x
Special Events x x
Special Needs
Sports x x
Teens x
Youth x x
Table 14. Contract Classes vs. City Staff Led Classes
Statistic 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Number of Contract Classes 269 261 273 177 200
Number of Staff Led Classes 26 22 16 16 66
Total 295 283 289 193 266
Summary of Recreation Programs and Services
The major focus of programming for the Recreation & Childcare Division
is youth and senior services, with the majority of programming offered
by contract instructors or other organizations. Recreation programs and
services are typically planned and delivered from the City’s community
centers and lean towards traditional recreation offerings. While gaps in
recreation programming exist, notably in teen, special event, and special
need programming, it is not typical for parks and recreation agencies
today to provide direct programming for all interest areas. Should the City
increase recreation programming it would require:
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
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• Additional staff time to develop and deliver new programs and
services.
• Additional funding to offset the cost of new programs and
services in addition to revenues from program fees.
• Adequate facilities and time available for new programs.
Recreation Facilities
The following section discusses the recreation facilities in support of the
recreation programs and services provided to the San Rafael community.
City-operated indoor facilities include the Terra Community Center, San
Rafael Community Center, Albert J. Boro Community Center, and Falkirk
Cultural Center. Outdoor City-operated recreation facilities include the
Terra Linda Pool, Albert Field, Pickleweed Field, and the Canal and Terra
Linda Community Gardens.
The Recreation Programs and Operations Assessment identifies several
challenges associated with San Rafael’s existing recreation facilities and
their ability to deliver recreation programs and services:
Aging Facilities – The age and condition of many of the
City’s recreation facilities has made it difficult to keep up with
maintenance and results in impacts on programs. The age
also means that some of the spaces themselves are no longer
appropriate or have the amenities to support today’s recreation
programs. Additionally, accessibility barriers impact use,
particularly at the Falkirk Cultural Center.
Lack of Space – In some instances, there is a lack of space for
the recreation programs offered. The most impacted programs
include afterschool enrichment, childcare, and services offered at
the Terra Linda Community Center.
Limited Parking – The CPRMP finds that the City’s community
centers lack parking to support the activities that take place there.
Community centers with acute parking limitations include Albert J.
Boro Community Center and Falkirk Cultural Center.
School Facilities – The City of San Rafael does not currently
hold a joint use agreement with the local school district. This
results in the Recreation & Childcare Division paying for school
use with limited time available. A joint use agreement may support
recreation program expansion should the City pursue it.
Limited Sports Fields – Based on NRPA benchmarking, the
City of San Rafael is deficient in athletic fields for youth and adult
sports. The City may pursue joint-use agreements, collaboration
opportunities, or improvements to existing facilities to increase
community field access.
Facility Rentals – The extensive rental of recreation facilities is a
major service to the community. However, it puts additional strain
on existing amenities and at times limits the growth of in-house
programming. Despite this, rentals should continue to be an
important aspect of the services offered.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
Figure 10. San Rafael Community Center
42
Organization and Staffing
The final component of the recreation department and programs
overview is organization and staffing. This component includes an
assessment of Recreation & Childcare, Parks, and Facilities Maintenance,
covering 3 divisions within the 2 departments - Parks and Facilities
Maintenance are divisions of the City’s Department of Public Works.
Key challenges identified in the City’s recreation organization and staffing
include:
Limited Staff – Full-time staffing is currently at the minimum level to
adequately provide parks and recreation programs, facility operations, and
park and recreation facility maintenance. This impacts the City’s capacity
for long range planning and performance metrics tracking, as well as to
respond to the community desire for improved maintenance of City parks
and facilities.
Funding – There is a minimal level of funding to adequately cover
the operations and maintenance of parks and facilities or provide
additional recreation programs and services. If the City desires to increase
maintenance levels or programming, it will need to look at increasing
funding for those activities.
Homelessness and Illicit Activities – Homelessness and illicit activities
impact operations and maintenance of parks and facilities.
COVID 19 Pandemic – COVID 19 has had a big impact on operations
and services and the City is still working on recovering from this situation.
This is especially true for Recreation & Childcare.
3.4 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
San Rafael’s demographic profile highlights the characteristics and
composition of the City’s community to inform recommendations
proposed in the CPRMP. The resources utilized in this analysis include:
• San Rafael Adopted Housing Element
• Draft Housing Element – 2023-2031
• U.S. Census
• Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
This information provides data on existing and potential recreation users
as well as program demand as interests in recreation vary based on age,
family status, income, and other demographic qualities. The demographic
analysis can support conclusions about the likelihood of demand for
programs and services and the City’s capacity to serve the demand. Below
are key findings in this profile:
• There is economic and housing resource disparity among San
Rafael residents, particularly for Latinos/Hispanics.
• A significant growth in school age children has occurred since
2010 with many soon to enter the young adult cohort.
• There is significant variation in age by neighborhood with the
Canal neighborhood carrying the largest portion of residents
under the age of 18. This points to a need for accessible and
affordable recreation support in this community.
• Residents are aging in place, calling for continued recreation
services for older adults.
• San Rafael is a moderately dense urban area with a largely built-out
status requiring thoughtful planning for recreation attributes to
efficiently provide service to the greatest number of residents.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
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Demographic Analysis
Population
San Rafael’s population has grown comparably to the County of Marin
and neighboring cities with similar populations between 50,000 and 99,000
– Petaluma and Novato. As of the 2020 United States Census, San Rafael
had 61,271 residents. This is nearly a 6% increase from 2010, and a 9.3%
increase from the year 2000, with the fastest rate of growth occurring
between 2010 and 2020. Between 2010 and 2020, San Rafael grew by
6.1%, gaining more residents than any other Marin County city. Table
15 shows population growth in San Rafael from 2000 through 2020 in
comparison with Petaluma, Novato, and Marin County.
In collaboration with the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
population projections through 2040, General Plan 2040 predicts an
addition of approximately 10,000 residents to the San Rafael Planning
Area. Recent ABAG projections through 2050 indicate that there may
be a 50% increase in households in the Central Marin sub-region, which
includes San Rafael (along with Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Ross,
San Anselmo, and much of unincorporated Marin County). Supporting
the City’s recreation network now, and in the future, is critical for expected
population growth in the community.
Table 15. City and County Population Growth, 2000-2010
Jurisdiction 2000 2010 2020 % Change
2000-2020
% Change
2010-2020
% Change
2000-2020
San Rafael 56,063 57,713 61,271 2.9%6.1%9.3%
Petaluma 54,548 57,941 59,776 6.2%3.2%9.6%
Novato 47,630 51,904 53,225 9.0%2.5%11.7%
Marin County 247,289 252,409 262,321 2.1%3.9%6.1%
Source: US Census, 2000, 2010, and 2020
Table 16. City Population Density, 2020
Geography San Rafael Petaluma Novato
Population/square mile 3,693 4,147 4,146
Land Area/square mile 16.6 14.4 27.5
Source: US Census, 2020
With a geographic area of 16.6 square miles, San Rafael’s urban density
is 3,693 persons per square mile, shown in Table 16. This is a moderately
dense urban area with a largely built-out status. This requires thoughtful
planning for San Rafael’s recreation attributes to efficiently provide service
to the greatest number of residents and recreation users.
Age
Understanding age in a community is a tool to identify variations
in recreation interests and behaviors. Age identifies two important
characteristics about a group of individuals: (1) their place in the life cycle,
and (2) their membership in a cohort of those born at a similar time,
providing planning information for recreation need and interest. Typical
age groupings are:
• Infants and Toddlers (0-4 years)
• School Age (5-17 years)
• Young Adults (18-24 years)
• Family Forming Adults (24-44 years)
• Mature Families (45-65 years)
• Baby Boomers (65-74 years)
• Older Adults (75 + years)
Table 17 details San Rafael’s age groups from 2000 through 2020.
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Table 17. Population by Age Group, 2000-2020
Age Group 2000 2010 2020*
Number %Number %Number %
Under 5 years 3,271 5.8%3,590 6.2%3,382 5.8%
5-17 years 7,726 13.8%7,664 13.3%9,556 16.3%
18-24 years 4,462 8.0%4,834 8.4%4,278 7.3%
25-44 years 18,661 33.3%16,915 29.3%15,100 25.7%
45-65 years 13,888 24.8%15,574 27.0%15,144 25.8%
65-74 years 3,628 6.5%4,327 7.5%5,917 10.1%
75+ years 4,427 7.9%4,809 8.3%5,398 9.2%
Total 56,063 100.0%57,713 100.0%58,775 100.0%
Median Age 38.5 40.2 41.1
Source: US Census, 2000-2010, December 2020 American Community Survey [ACS], 2015-2019
*This table uses 2020 totals based on ACS 2015-2019 data and will therefore not match the 2020
Census
San Rafael has experienced the following changes throughout the last
decade:
• There has been a significant growth in the number of school age
children (5-17 years) with many soon to enter the young adult age
cohort
• The City has experienced a decline in family forming adults (25-
44 years) partially due to high rates of housing cost and limited
housing options for this age group
• San Rafael has experienced relative stability in mature family ages
(45-65 years)
• Baby boomers and older adults (65+) have grown to comprise a
larger portion of the City’s population, pointing to aging in place
• The overall median age is younger in San Rafael than in Marin
County yet continues to age
Unique to San Rafael, there is significant variation in age by
neighborhood. Census data by tract reveals the Canal neighborhood
carries a large portion of residents under the age of 18 (38%). Conversely,
17% of residents in Peacock Gap, Smith Ranch, and Terra Linda
neighborhoods are over the age of 75. The City’s updated Housing
Element additionally reveals that 29% of San Rafael’s households have
children under the age 18 living at home and nearly one third of the
City’s household include at least one resident over the age of 65. The age
analysis shows that recreations services should continue to support youth
and older adults.
Race and Ethnicity
San Rafael is the most racially diverse city in Marin County and continues
to culturally diversify. White residents have declined approximately 16%
while residents of multi-racial and Native American backgrounds have
significantly increased. Table 18 details change in San Rafael’s racial
composition from 2010 through 2020.
Table 18. Racial Composition, 2010-2020
Racial Group 2010 2020
Number %Number %
White 40,734 70.6%33,427 54.6%
African American/Black 1,154 2.0%1,065 1.7%
Native American/Alaskan 709 1.2%2,246 3.7%
Asian 3,513 6.1%4,073 6.6%
Pacific Islander/Hawaiian 126 0.2%156 0.3%
Other Racial Group 8,513 14.8%12,721 20.8%
Two or More Races 2,964 5.1%7,583 12.4%
Total 57,713 100%61,271 100%
Source: US Census 2010, and 2020
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As Census guidance has changed for the classification of the Latino
demographic, the percentage of residents selecting ‘other racial group’
has increased 6% while the percentage of residents indicating they were
of two or more racial groups (multi-racial) has increased 7.1%, from
2010. Additionally, the percentage of residents identifying as Native
American has tripled from 1.2% in 2010 to 3.7% in 2020. New guidance
from national Census provides better representation for Latino residents
who were formerly identified as ‘white’. See Table 19 for details on the
Hispanic/Latino population in San Rafael from 2000 to 2020.
Table 19. Hispanic/Latino Population, 2000-2010
Racial Group 2000 2010 2020
Number %Number %Number %
Hispanic/Latino 13,113 23.4%17,302 30.0%21,038 34.3%
Non-Hispanic 43,019 76.6%40,411 70.0%40,233 65.7%
Total 56,132 100.0%57,713 100.0%61,271 100.0%
Source: US Census 2000, 2010, and 2020
As highlighted above, there is consistent growth in the City’s Hispanic/
Latino demographic. The number of Hispanic/Latino residents has
increased by approximately 8,000 since 2000, while non-Latino/Hispanic
residents have decreased by nearly 2,800 in the same time span. Compared
to Marin County, a larger percentage of San Rafael’s population is
Hispanic/Latino – 34.3% of San Rafael identifies as Hispanic/Latino
while 18.8% of Marin County identifies as Hispanic/Latino. 43% of all
Latinos residing in Marin County live in the City of San Rafael. Table 20
provides a comparison of race and ethnicity by City and County.
Table 20. 2020 Race and Ethnicity Groups in San Rafael and Marin County
Racial Group San Rafael Marin County
Number Percent Number Percent
Hispanic/Latino (any race)21,038 34.3%49,410 18.8%
Non-Hispanic 40,233 65.7%212,911 81.2%
White 31,585 51.5%173,149 66.0%
Black/African American 1,024 1.7%6,120 2.3%
Native American 145 0.2%555 0.2%
Asian 4,015 6.6%16,175 6.2%
Pacific Islander/Hawaiian 145 0.2%457 0.2%
Other Racial Group 507 0.8%2,040 0.8%
Two or More Races 2,837 4.6%14,415 5.5%
Total 61,271 100.0%262,361 100.0%
Source: US Census 2020
San Rafael’s Hispanic/Latino population, and cultural diversity, call for the
continued provision of recreation services in both English and Spanish
languages.
Household Income and Housing Tenure
The City’s updated Housing Element finds that San Rafael’s lower income
residents are disproportionally Latino and young, with lower levels of
educational attainment and higher rates of household overcrowding, see
Table 21. Data reveals that the City’s income distribution has become
less balanced over time – in 2018, approximately 14% of San Rafael
residents lived below the federal poverty line (a 10% increase from 2000)
while the percentage of families with household incomes over $200,000
increased from 15.7% in 2010 to 27.7% in 2018. Income disparity limits
opportunities for home ownership and the physical, neighborhood
investment opportunities in the City that come with it.
EXISTING FRAMEWORK
46
Table 21. Household Income by Race and Ethnicity
Race/Ethnic Group Median Income
Non-Hispanic White $115,318
Hispanic/Latino (any race)$55,332
Black/African American*$48,453
Asian/Pacific Islander (API)*$95,893
Multi-Racial*$100,875
Other Race $52,006
American Indian/Alaska Native $40,343
Source: American Community Survey, 2015-2019
*Data for Black, API, American Indian, and Other/Multi-racial includes Hispanic residents as well
as non-Hispanic residents.
Housing tenure, tenancy (renting), and ownership highlight this disparity
in the City of San Rafael with significantly lower rates of home ownership
among Black and Latino households. While statewide home ownership is
49% for Latino households and 41% for Black households, in San Rafael
it is 14% for Latino households and 13% for Black households. See Table
22. The City’s updated Housing Element notes these significantly lower
rates show racial economic disparity as well as a history of lending and
sales practices making ownership difficult for non-White groups in the
City.
Table 22. Housing Tenure by Race and Ethnicity
Tenure Owners Renters Total %
Owners
%
Renters
Non-Hispanic White 9,950 6,484 16,434 61%39%
Hispanic/Latino 601 3,687 4,288 14%86%
Black/African American*50 321 371 13%87%
Asian/Pacific Islander (API)*934 765 1,699 55%45%
Other/ Multi-Racial*316 2,949 3,265 10%90%
Source: US Census, 2000 and 2010, American Community Survey 2015-2019, ABAG 2021
*Data for Black, API, and Other/Multi-racial includes Hispanic residents as well as non-Hispanic
residents.
The above factors of income and homeownership are major qualifiers
for supportive recreation services, which can be affordably offered
through the City. According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), gaps in
homeownership, not only perpetuate disparity in generational wealth but
also impact access to neighborhood civic infrastructure such as parks.6
Lower income neighborhoods have typically received less investment
in park development than their wealthier counterparts, and therefore
often do not see the park space and recreation opportunities associated
with areas of higher property value.7 Providing accessible, affordable
recreational resources to low income communities of color is a powerful
tool for advancing social equity.
(Footnotes)
1 Park site acreage is provided by the San Rafael General Plan 2040 – Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Element
2 According to the General Plan 2040, Bret Harte Park is classified as a Pocket Park.
Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the CPRMP recommends
reclassifying this site as a Neighborhood Park.
3 According to the General Plan 2040, Munson Park is classified as a Neighborhood Park.
Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the CPRMP recommends
reclassifying this site as a Pocket Park.
4 Open Space site acreage is provided by the San Rafael General Plan 2040 – Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Element
5 According to the General Plan 2040, Jerry Russom Memorial Park is classified as a
Neighborhood Park. Based on the site’s existing site amenities, features, and use the
CPRMP recommends reclassifying this site as an Open Space.
6 10 Principles of Enhancing Equitable Park Access – 2021, Urban Land Institute
7 Advancing Park Equity in California – 2021, PolicyLink
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4. NEEDS ASSESSMENT
50
51
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
4.1 SUPPLY
4.2 DEMAND
4.3 GAP IDENTIFICATION
The CPRMP’s Needs Assessment is completed through a gap analysis –
comparing the City’s recreation supply to identified community demand
while also considering current trends in recreation. This process identifies
gaps in recreation services and opportunities to satisfy community
need. This assessment is developed through an assessment of the City’s
supply of recreation amenities and programs and a review of the City’s
demographic profile, current recreation trends, and the community’s input
and expectations on San Rafael’s park and recreation network.
4.1 SUPPLY
Existing Park and Recreation Facilities
The City provides an adequate supply of park and recreation facilities for
its community. However, their active use, age, and deferred maintenance
require attention to continue serving existing and growing recreation
demand. A regional comparison of park and recreation facility provision
by local public agencies follows.
Regional Comparative Analysis
To compare park and recreation facility provision, the CPRMP utilizes
benchmark data collected through the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA). The 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review
assesses nearly 10,000 park and recreation agencies to establish
benchmarking resources to inform park and recreation professionals. The
data provided by the 2022 NRPA Agency Review does not represent park
and recreation ‘standards’ by which park and recreation agencies should
measure against – as asserted by the NRPA, there is no single set of
Figure 11. Falkirk Cultural Center
52
standards for recreation agencies as each serve unique communities with
variant needs, desires, and challenges. The purpose of utilizing NRPA
benchmarking data for the CPRMP is to inform future decision making by
a comparison of like communities.
In the 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review, typical agencies are
represented by median value data and compared to those in the upper
and lower quartiles. With a 2020 population of 61,271, the City of San
Rafael, and the regionally comparable cities of Novato, Petaluma, and
San Leandro, fall within NRPA’s jurisdiction population of 50,000-99,000.
Benchmarks are compared in the acreage of parkland supplied, recreation
amenities provided, and recreation facilities operated.
Parkland Benchmarking
According to 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review data, a typical
park and recreation agency manages 21 parks, comprising a total of 496
acres of parkland; provides 1 park every 2,516 residents in jurisdictions
with populations between 50,000 and 99,999; and manages 8.9 acres of
parkland per 1,000 residents in communities of 50,000-99,999 residents.
In comparison San Rafael manages 25 city parks with a total of 106
acres in parkland within City boundaries; provides 1 park for every 2,451
residents; and operates nearly 2 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents
considering the 106 acres of parkland within City boundaries. However,
considering General Plan 2040’s 314 acres of improved parkland eligible
for inclusion in San Rafael’s level of service, there are 5.1 acres of
parkland accessible per 1,000 residents in the City.
For regional comparison:
• Neighboring communities of Novato, Petaluma, and San Leandro
provide 1 park per 1,900, 1,272, and 3,250 residents, respectively,
for their communities
• Neighboring communities of Novato, Petaluma, and San Leandro
operate at a ratio of 6, 4.3, and 4.2 acres of parkland per 1,000
residents, respectively
See Table 23 for a regional comparison of parkland standards.
Table 23. Comparison of 2022 Parkland Standards
Agency 2020
Population
Number of
City Parks
City Park
Acreage
Residents
per Park
Parkland
per 1,000
Residents
Novato 53,225 24 316.5 2,218 5.9
Petaluma 59,776 47 257 1,272 4.3
San Leandro 91,008 24 382.8 3,792 4.2
San Rafael 61,271 25 314*2,451 5.1
NRPA Typical
Agency,
50,000 - 99,999
NA 21 NA 2,516 8.9
Source: US Census, 2020, 2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review
*Improved parkland within General Plan 2040 Planning Area
Recreation Amenity Benchmarking
Recreation amenities include features at parks utilized for specific
recreational activities, such as sport courts and playgrounds. Referencing
2022 NRPA Agency Performance Review data, 95% of recreation
agencies manage playgrounds, with a typical standard of 13 playgrounds
per agency or 1 playground per 3,807 residents; 86% of recreation
agencies manage basketball courts, or 1 basketball court for every 8,477
residents; 78% of recreation agencies host outdoor tennis courts, or 1
tennis court per 6,413 residents; and 67% of recreation agencies manage
dog parks, or 1 dog park per 56,084 residents. Additionally, 79% of
recreation agencies manage ballfields, or 1 ballfield per 8,095 residents;
68% of agencies operate multi-use turf fields, or 1 per 13,151 residents;
and 39% operate a skate park, or 1 per 65,000 residents. The ratio
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
53
of amenity to number of residents is specific to communities with a
population between 50,000 and 99,000.
In park amenities, the City of San Rafael owns and operates:
• 17 playgrounds, or 1 playground per 3,829 residents, in alignment
with NRPA’s 2022 data
• 7 basketball courts, or 1 court per 8,753 residents, in alignment
with NRPA’s 2022 data
• 11 outdoor tennis courts, or 1 court per 5,570 residents, in
alignment with NRPA’s typical agency data
• 4 ballfields, or 1 ballfield per 15,318 residents, below NRPA’s
typical agency data
• 1 multi-use turf field, or 1 for the City’s total 61,271 population,
below NRPA’s typical agency data
For regional comparison of City-owned and operated recreation amenities
see Table 24, which details park amenities provided in Novato, Petaluma,
and San Leandro, compared to the NRPA’s benchmark data for agencies
of 50,000 to 99,000.
Table 24. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Recreation Amenities
Agency
Ballfield Basketball CourtDog ParkMulti-Use Turf Field PlaygroundSkate ParkTennis CourtVolleyball CourtNovato 4 3 1 6 13 1 6 0
Per resident 13,306 17,742 53,225 8,871 4,094 53,225 8,871 0
Petaluma 6 4 10 11 25 1 11 1
Per resident 9,963 14,944 5,978 5,434 2,391 59,776 5,434 59,776
San Leandro 6 4 1 5 14 1 20 2
Per resident 15,168 22,752 91,008 18,202 6,501 91,008 4,550 45,504
San Rafael 4 7 0 1 16 0 11 0
Per resident 15,318 8,753 0 61,271 3,829 0 5,570 0
NRPA Typ-
ical Agency
50,000 to
90,000
8,095 8,477 56,084 13,151 3,807 65,000 6,413 23,735
Within the General Plan 2040 Planning Area, San Rafael residents have
substantial ease of access to additional recreation amenities not operated
directly by the City but that contribute to the City’s level of service. These
amenities are operated by the County of Marin, the State of California,
and unincorporated communities within San Rafael. See Table 25 for
the ratio of recreation amenities available in the GP 2040 Planning Area
compared to the City’s population of 61,271.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Figure 12. Tennis Court at Peacock Gap Park
54
Table 25. General Plan 2040 Planning Area Recreation Amenities
Agency
Ballfield Basketball CourtDog ParkMulti-Use Turf Field Play-groundSkate ParkTennis CourtVolleyball CourtGP 2040
Planning
Area
6 8 1 3 23 1 19 2
Per resident 10,212 7,659 61,271 20,424 2,664 61,271 3,225 30,636
NRPA Typ-
ical Agency
50,000 to
90,000
8,095 8,477 56,084 13,151 3,807 65,000 6,413 23,735
While there is no provision benchmarking for reservable picnic areas it
should be noted that San Rafael offers excellent supply of these gathering
sites for the community. See Table 26 for a regional comparison.
Table 26. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Picnic Areas
Agency Reservable Picnic Area
Novato 4
Per resident 13,306
Petaluma 3
Per resident 19,925
San Leandro 14
Per resident 6,501
San Rafael 7
Per resident 8,753
San Rafael owns and operates additional recreation amenities that are
not typical to national recreation agencies and provide unique recreation
opportunities for community members. These amenities include bocce
courts, a handball court, par course, and water features. See Table 27 for
these additional amenities and a comparison of their provision to Novato,
Petaluma, and San Leandro.
Table 27. Regional Comparison of Additional City-Owned and Operated Recreation Amenities
Agency Bocce
Facilities
Handball
Court Par Course Water
Feature
Novato 1 0 0 1
Per resident 53,225 0 0 53,225
Petaluma 1 0 0 0
Per resident 59,776 0 0 0
San Leandro 1 0 1 0
Per resident 91,008 0 91,008 0
San Rafael 2 1 1 1
Per resident 30,636 61,271 61,271 61,271
Recreation Facility Benchmarking
Recreation facilities include physical sites and buildings that house, or
support, recreation activities and programs. According to NRPA data,
San Rafael exceeds typical provision of recreation facilities by a public
agency in the number of community gardens and community/recreation
centers that the City operates. For regional comparison see Table 28, which
details recreation facilities provided in Novato, Petaluma, and San Leandro,
compared to the NRPA’s data for agencies of 50,000 to 99,000.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Figure 13. Albert J. Boro Community Center Classroom
55
Table 28. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Recreation Facilities
Agency
Community GardenCommunity PoolCom-munity/Recreation CenterMunici-pal Golf CourseSenior CenterNovato 0 1 3 0 1
Per resident 0 53,225 17,742 0 53,225
Petaluma 0 2 3 0 1
Per resident 0 29,888 19,925 0 59,776
San Leandro 0 3 1 1 1
Per resident 0 30,336 91,008 91008 91008
San Rafael 2 1 3 0 0
Per resident 30,636 61,271 20,424 0 0
NRPA Typical
Agency,
50,000 - 99,999
49,351 40,264 40,817 71,870 71,972
Within the General Plan 2040 Planning Area, San Rafael residents have
substantial access to additional recreation facilities not operated directly
by the City but that contribute to the community’s level of service. These
recreation facilities are operated by the County of Marin, the State of
California, and unincorporated communities within San Rafael. See Table
29 for the ratio of recreation facilities available in the GP 2040 Planning
Area compared to the City’s population of 61,271.
Table 29. General Plan 2040 Planning Area Recreation Facilities
Agency
Community GardenCommunity PoolCom-munity/Recreation CenterMunici-pal Golf CourseSenior CenterGP 2040
Planning Area 2 3 4 1 0
Per resident 30,636 20,424 15,318 61,271 0
NRPA Typical
Agency 50,000 to
90,000
49,351 40,264 40,817 71,870 71,972
There is no provision benchmarking for park restrooms operated by
recreation agencies however park restrooms require resources in staffing
for maintenance and safe operation and should be considered in the City’s
supply of recreation facilities. See Table 30 for a regional comparison.
Table 30. Regional Comparison of City-Owned and Operated Park Restrooms
Agency Park Restrooms
Novato 5
Per resident 10,645
Petaluma 12
Per resident 4,981
San Leandro 14
Per resident 7,584
San Rafael 12
Per resident 5,106
San Rafael additionally supports recreation facilities which are not
included among NRPA’s benchmarking data. These include the arts/
cultural center at Falkirk Cultural Center, childcare centers, a history
museum, and a public marina. While the City does not operate the Marin
History Museum, it does own and manage Boyd Gatehouse from which
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the museum operates. Additionally, the City facilitates maintenance of the
areas surrounding the Loch Lomond Marina as an assessment district that
the City helps to administer.
These offer recreation opportunities unique to San Rafael’s recreation
users. See Table 31 for these additional facilities and a comparison of their
provision to Novato, Petaluma, and San Leandro.
Table 31. Regional Comparison of Additional City-Owned/Supported Recreation Facilities
Agency
Arts/Cul-tural CenterAfter School Childcare CenterHistory MuseumPublic MarinaNovato 0 1 1 0
Per resident 0 53,225 53,225 0
Petaluma 1 0 1 1
Per resident 59,776 0 59,776 59,776
San Leandro 0 0 0 1
Per resident 0 0 0 61271
San Rafael 1 6 1 1
Per resident 61,271 10,212 61,271 61,271
Recreation Programs Assessment
Strong areas in the City’s existing recreation program delivery include
youth and older adult activities, cultural arts, aquatics, and self-directed
recreation. These programs are well attended and responsive to
community interest with residents comprising approximately 90% of all
session-based classes and 72% of all drop-in classes. These programs
meet many recreation needs, yet gaps in recreation programming exist,
particularly in teen, special events, and special needs programming. There
is additionally little opportunity, physically or programmatically, to expand
due to existing staffing resources and recreation facility conditions. There
are significant waiting lists for youth camps, aquatics, and after-school
programming. It is not typical for parks and recreation agencies today to
provide direct programming for all interest areas, however, should the City
increase recreation programming it would require:
• Additional staff time to develop and deliver new programs and
services.
• Additional funding to offset the cost of new programs and
services in addition to revenues from program fees.
• Adequate facilities and time available for new programs.
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Figure 14. Falkirk Cultural Center Art Gallery
Figure 15. Swim Lesson at Terra Linda Pool
57
4.2 DEMAND
Demand for recreation services is informed by San Rafael’s demographic
profile, existing regional and national trends in recreation, and the
community’s input and expectations on San Rafael’s park and recreation
network. The following section discusses these attributes shaping the
direction of the City parks, recreation facilities, and recreation services
and programs.
Demographic Profile
As previously discussed, and in tandem with ongoing planning efforts
by the City of San Rafael, the CPRMP provides an analysis of existing
demographics in the community. This analysis supports recommendations
proposed in the Master Plan by providing data on existing and potential
recreation users of the City’s recreation network. Key findings in this
profile include:
• Economic and housing resource disparity among San Rafael
residents, particularly for Latinos/Hispanics
• Significant growth in school age children since 2010 with many
soon to enter the young adult cohort
• Significant variation in age by neighborhood with the Canal
neighborhood carrying the largest portion of residents under the
age of 18
• Residents are aging in place
• San Rafael is moderately dense urban area with a largely built-out
status
This profile points to a need for accessible and affordable recreation,
continued recreation services for youth and older adults, and thoughtful
planning of the recreation system to efficiently provide service to the
greatest number of residents
Recreation Trends
State and national recreation trends impact the demand and delivery
of recreation services and inform opportunities for new city recreation
services as resources allow. This analysis may project interest in and the
potential use of amenities and services for recreation, leisure, and outdoor
activities. Understanding recreational trends also provides planning
information to anticipate recreation desires and needs for San Rafael.
Recreation trends identified include unstructured outdoor recreation,
health and wellness, opportunities for education enrichment, community
gathering and social connection, and operational efficiency. Following
COVID 19, the CPRMP also looks at trends in recreation response to the
pandemic.
Unstructured Outdoor Recreation
Increased interest in unstructured, self-directed outdoor recreation is a
significant trend informing park and recreation planning. The 2021 Sports
& Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Top-Line Participation Report
has seen increased participation in outdoor sports through 2020 while
the 2020 National Sporting Goods Association’s (NSGA) annual survey
finds top unstructured, outdoor recreation to be hiking, walking, and
bike riding. The NSGA also finds that interest in the outdoor recreation
activities of kayaking and running/jogging have significantly increased
in participation since 2010. The 2020 Outdoor Participation Report,
provided by the Outdoor Foundation, strengthens these findings with
running, jogging, trail running, and hiking to be the most popular activities
by rate of participation.
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Health and Wellness
Disease prevention, improved health, and active aging are primary motivators
for recreation and exercise, and recreation agencies are leaders in providing these
services. Programming that promotes fitness and a healthy lifestyle benefits the
health and wellness of a community, and should be available for all ages, fitness
levels, and abilities. Like interest in outdoor recreation, the 2021 SFIA Top-Line
Participation Report sees increased participation in fitness and individual sports
throughout recreation agencies. In alignment with this, the 2020 NSGA annual
survey finds that top recreation activities include exercise walking, exercising with
equipment, swimming, and aerobic exercise. Additionally, yoga, gymnastics, and
weightlifting have increased participation since 2010.
Education Enrichment
Opportunities for education enrichment remain a trend in recreations
services. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
and the NRPA, top programming includes performing, visual, and
cultural arts, health and wellness education, and safety training. There are
also strong trends in environmental education and teen programming.
Recreation agencies serve as affordable resources for educational
enrichment.
Community Gathering and Inclusive Design
Addressing issues of social isolation and physical inactivity, community
gathering is a strong trend in regional and national recreation planning.
Recreation providers are increasingly supporting parks as vibrant social
meeting places where public space promotes familiarity and social bonds,
making communities and neighborhoods safer and healthier. Recreation
providers are also supporting citywide events, such as farmers markets and
cultural festivals, to promote community connectivity.
In promoting social recreation, an important factor is inclusive design – the
design of sites and programs for a range of age groups, physical abilities,
economic status, and cultural interests. Beyond making facilities and parks
social gathering places, promoting inclusiveness in design and programming
is a growing priority of recreation providers. Inclusive design may be included
in outdoor fitness equipment, designed for adults and seniors of all ability
levels; accessible walking paths and corridors for pedestrian mobility; park
programming that combines active and passive uses to provide a variety of
leisure activities within proximity of each other for a mix of recreation uses and
users; and affordable recreation services.
Operational Efficiency
In operations, public recreation agencies are seeing increased interest in
achieving cost effectiveness and defining measurable outcomes. As public
agencies, city recreation departments operate with fiscal responsibility
to a community’s constituents. Achieving cost effectiveness ensures
that operations, services, and facilities are run with cost efficiency, and
measurable outcomes quantify the benefits of programs and facilities
provided.
Response to COVID 19
The COVID 19 pandemic has had significant impact on park and
recreation agencies nationally and regionally. With the temporary closure
of many private recreation providers, public agencies became critical
resources for accessible, affordable, and safe recreation. Many public
agencies took on activities that extended beyond traditional recreation into
social service oriented programs including:
• Online fitness and wellness programs
• Programs to address food insecurity
• Educational support of out-of-school children
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• Childcare for essential workers
Common trends in recreation participation also included a decrease in
indoor group fitness activities, particularly those that are equipment or
machine based (i.e. shared weight and cardio machinery) as well as a
decreased participation in indoor and aquatic team sports, yet an increase
in outdoor team sports such as soccer. There has been a major increase
in independent outdoor recreation activities such as walking, jogging, and
road biking in response to COVID 19.
Community Engagement
The Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan conducted a thorough
community engagement process to collect the community’s input and
expectations on San Rafael’s park and recreation network. This process
included a Statistically Valid Survey (SVS), a Park and Recreation
Community Questionnaire (PRC), interviews with stakeholder groups,
and a series of community meetings. The process found the following key
insights:
• Community members are generally satisfied with the City’s supply
of parks, recreation facilities, and programs.
• There is strong support for prioritizing renovating and maintaining
the City’s existing park amenities over adding new amenities,
with emphasis on modernizing playgrounds and features
such as benches, picnic tables, etc. as well as repairing failing
infrastructure.
• There is a strong desire for improved maintenance and cleanliness
of the City’s parks, particularly restroom maintenance and refuse
pick up.
• Walking is a priority for San Rafael with the community interested
in pedestrian access throughout the City’s recreation network.
• The community is interested in self-directed recreation activities.
General Satisfaction with Existing Recreation Network
The combined results of the Statistically Valid Survey (SVS) and the Park
and Recreation Questionnaire (PRC) find that the community is generally
satisfied with the City’s parks, recreation facilities, and programs. Survey
respondents also share general satisfaction with the quality of the City’s
parks and recreation facilities, reporting them to be in good quality.
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Figure 16. Community Meeting, San Rafael Community Center
Figure 17. Community Meeting, Terra Linda Community Center
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Frequently Visited Parks and Recreation Facilities
To understand community need at a place-based level, the CPRMP
surveying tools asked respondents which park and recreation facilities they
most frequently visited. In order of popularity, the most frequently visited
parks are:
• Gerstle Park
• Sun Valley Park
• Terra Linda Park
• Peacock Gap Park
• Albert Park
• Loch Lomond Park
• Pickleweed Park
In order of popularity, the most frequently visited recreation facilities are:
• Terra Linda Community Center and Pool House
• San Rafael Community Center
• Albert J. Boro Community Center
• Falkirk Cultural Center
Determining level of park and facility use informs where
recommendations are proposed, to support the greatest number of
recreation users.
Prioritize Maintenance, Cleanliness, and Renovation of Existing
Amenities
Community members prioritize renovating and maintaining the City’s
existing park amenities over adding new amenities. Addressing outdated
recreation equipment and making infrastructure improvements, such as
replacing irrigation systems and repaving pathways, are strong interests for
recreation users. There is special emphasis on modernizing playgrounds
and features such as picnic tables and benches throughout the City’s park
network. Additionally, a strong desire for improved cleanliness, particularly
in restrooms and playgrounds, is evident. See Table 32 for a detailed list of
the San Rafael’s priority park improvements.
Table 32. Priority Park Improvements
Priority Park Improvements Combined %*
Improved cleanliness including litter maintenance, restroom main-
tenance, refuse pick-up, playground maintenance, etc. 92% (PRC)
Address and/or replace outdated equipment such as benches,
playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables, etc. 89%(PRC)
Address infrastructure maintenance i.e., surface improvements
(sport courts, picnic areas, pathways, parking lots, etc.) 87%(PRC)
More park amenities such as drinking fountains, shade structures,
bike racks, and benches 80%(PRC)
Improved landscape maintenance 80%(PRC)
Updated irrigation system(s) for efficient water use 77%(PRC)
Improved lighting for safety and pathways 72%(PRC)
More restrooms in City parks 69%(PRC)
Enhanced sports fields to meet demand i.e., lighting, artificial turf,
improved maintenance 65%(PRC)
*Combined Fairly and Very Important = 65% or greater, Park and Recreation Community Ques-
tionnaire (PRC)
Recreation Priorities in Pedestrian Access and Self-Directed
Recreation
The community engagement process shows that community members
prioritize recreation that supports pedestrian mobility and is self-directed
in nature. The survey tools find that the most important recreation
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activities are walking, hiking, and jogging followed by swimming,
fitness, and cycling. Unique to San Rafael, water sports such as canoeing
and kayaking are also prioritized. Community members are also very
interested in community events, youth sports, nature and environmental
programming, and childcare services. See Table 33 for a detailed list of
priority park amenities and activities.
Table 33. Priority Park Amenities and Activities
Priority Park Amenities and Activities Combined %*
Trails and pathways / walking, hiking jogging (PRC 91%; SVS 82%)
Restrooms (PRC 83%)
Going to a local park / enjoying nature (PRC 83%)
Community events (PRC 76%)
Playgrounds (PRC 75%)
Picnic areas / picnics (PRC 74%; SVS 58%)
Nature and environmental programming i.e., camping,
hiking (PRC 71%)
Swimming pools / Swimming (PRC 70%; SVS 55%
Self-directed activities i.e. outdoor fitness courses, active
play areas, pathways with distance markers (PRC 70%)
Cultural activities i.e. museums, theater programs, art
exhibits (PRC 69%; SVS 70%)
Reading (SVS 69%)
Sport courts (PRC 66%)
Fitness i.e., yoga, weightlifting, cardio, dance, etc.(PRC 65%; SVS 57%)
Self-help / wellness (SVS 56%)
Walking or exercising a dog at a dog park area (SVS 53%)
*Park and Recreation Community Questionnaire (PRC) – Priority park amenities and activities
(combined fairly and very important = 65% or greater); and Statistically Valid Survey (SVS) – Most
important activities (combined extremely and very important = 50% or greater)
4.3 GAP IDENTIFICATION
Looking at the City’s existing recreation network and comparing it to
identified community demand and current trends in recreation services
provides the CPRMP with gaps for the City to address. The Master Plan
identifies service deficiencies in San Rafael’s parks, recreation facilities,
and recreation programs and operations. Recommendations proposed to
alleviate these deficiencies are addressed in the next chapter.
Park Gaps
The major deficiency identified in the City’s park network is aged
amenities with significant deferred maintenance. These deficiencies call
for:
• Playground replacement
• Sport court renovation
• Infrastructure repair and replacement – replacing irrigation
systems, repaving pathways, and repairing failing structures
• Accessibility barrier removal
• Park amenity improvement – replacing picnic tables, benches, and
signage
To support the network’s active community use, these deficiencies must be
addressed for continued park operation that is efficient and supportive of
community interests. Addressing these deficiencies aligns with community
priorities for San Rafael.
Recreation Facility Gaps
Recreation facility gaps include deferred maintenance, limited space for
expansion, and need for increased sport field capacity. Like the City’s
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parks, San Rafael’s recreation facilities are aging and require improvements
to better support recreational programming that is accessible and relevant
to community interest. Recreation facilities with high priority needs are
Terra Linda Community Center and Falkirk Cultural Center. Addressing
deficiencies at these facilities will remove accessibility barriers, support
program expansion, and allow for more efficient facility operation.
Additionally, there is not enough field space to meet youth and adult
sport demand. Pickleweed Park is the only location in San Rafael with a
multi-use turf field for active use. The City must prioritize enhancement
at Pickleweed Park for field improvements for the City as a whole and for
recreation support to the Canal neighborhood.
Recreation Program and Operations Gaps
Full-time staffing is currently at the minimum level to adequately provide
parks and recreation programs, facility operations, and park and recreation
facility maintenance, impacting the City’s capacity for long range planning
and performance metrics tracking. Additionally, the Division currently
lacks a recreation program plan for long-range programming planning
as well as an asset management system to manage lifecycle costs of
recreation assets.
To support community priorities of improving the City’s recreation
network, the City will need to identify additional resources to improve
operation of parks, recreation programs, facilities, systemwide
maintenance, and development of long-range planning strategies.
Additional Expansion Opportunities
Given the City’s limited resources and the community’s strong
prioritization of addressing existing infrastructure over adding new
amenities, the CPRMP focuses on improvements to San Rafael’s existing
recreation network. However, the Master Plan acknowledges that there
are expansion opportunities that the City may pursue once it has achieved
a balanced system. A prioritized expansion opportunity is providing
recreation amenities in previously identified park deficient neighborhoods.
The CPRMP planning process also heard community desire regarding the
potential for a City dog park, additional City pool, or a City skate park.
These gaps should only be addressed once immediate deficiencies have
been resolved in San Rafael.
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5. PLAN
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67
PLAN
5.1 GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.3 COSTS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
5.1 GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
Goals, polices, and actions were developed to guide recommendations
provided in the CPRMP. These goals, policies, and actions provide an
overarching framework to guide future decision-making processes in San
Rafael’s park and recreation system. These reflect the priorities articulated
in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040. Below, the specific policies and actions
reference which section of the General Plan that they support. These
goals, policies, and actions are meant to be used in conjunction with the
detailed recommendations provided in the Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan, and to provide higher level principles for future project
implementation and prioritization.
General Plan 2040 key:
• PROS = Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element
• EDI = Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Element
Goal A: Support And Enhance San Rafael Parks
POLICY A.1 – Upgrade and modernize existing parks to meet the
recreational needs of the community and to meet operational, accessibility,
and safety standards (PROS-1.6B)
Action A1.1 – Improve existing park amenities to enhance
community use and create safe, attractive spaces that meet
community demand (PROS-1.6B)
Figure 19. Terra Linda Park Playground
68
Action A1.2 – Ensure park amenities are accessible to all users on
a system-wide and park level (EDI-6.3B)
Action A1.3 – Develop and implement consistent and inclusive
branding, wayfinding, and interpretive signage for San Rafael Parks
(PROS-1.5A)
Action A1.4 – Incorporate sustainability principles in the design
and construction of San Rafael park projects and enhancements
(PROS-1.18A)
POLICY A.2 – Continue regular assessment and provide a high level
of maintenance that allows San Rafael Parks to prolong equipment life,
ensure amenity safety, and serve as a valued community asset (PROS-1.15)
Action A.2.1 – Improve maintenance of existing parks to meet
community demand and park usage, including the development of
maintenance plans and amenity replacement schedules
Action A.2.2 – Provide maintenance practices that are
environmentally and fiscally sustainable, including improved
irrigation and natural pest management (PROS-1.18)
POLICY A.3 – Support park development, where feasible, to address
recreational deficiencies
Action A.3.1 – Identify funding and partnership opportunities for
Parks development (PROS-1.16A, PROS-1.17)
Action A.3.2 – Support park expansion in areas of need, including
high density neighborhoods and identified neighborhoods that do
not have a park within the Trust for Public Land (TPL) 10-minute
standard (PROS-1.3A)
Action A.3.3 – Explore options to address recreational amenity
deficiencies that have been identified as a high priority to the
community
Goal B: Support And Enhance San Rafael Recreation Facilities
POLICY B.1 – Rehabilitate existing recreation facilities to meet
operational, accessibility, and safety standards, and to meet community
demand (PROS-1.6)
Action B.1.1 – Support safety of existing recreational facilities,
including fire safety, seismic retrofitting, and required code
upgrades (PROS-1.6A)
Action B.1.2 – Renovate and/or retrofit recreation facilities to
maximize community use (PROS-1.6A)
Action B1.3 – Ensure recreation facilities are accessible to all users
(EDI-6.3B)
Action B.1.4 – Incorporate sustainability principles in the design
and construction of San Rafael recreation facility projects and
enhancements (PROS-1.18A)
POLICY B.2 – Continue regular assessment and maintenance of San
Rafael recreation facilities to prolong structural life, prevent deferred
maintenance, ensure safety, and support user enjoyment (PROS-1.15)
Action B.2.1 – Improve maintenance of existing recreation
facilities to meet community demand and facility usage (PROS-
1.15)
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69
POLICY B.3 – Support recreational facility planning processes to address
unique facility conditions and respond to changing community needs
(PROS-1.6A)
POLICY B.4 – Explore opportunities for additional recreation facility
access through viable partnerships (PROS-1.12, PROS-1.17)
Action B.4.2 – Seek opportunities for joint use of recreational
facilities with local service providers, including the San Rafael and
Miller Creek School Districts, to provide additional recreation
facilities to the San Rafael community (PROS-1.12, PROS-1.17)
Goal C: Support Recreation Programming
POLICY C.1 – Maintain and enhance existing recreation programming
to meet needs of San Rafael residents and support community identity
(PROS-2)
Action C.1.1 – Develop a Recreation Program Plan to guide long
range program development and define focus areas based on user
needs (PROS-2.1, PROS-2.2)
Action C.1.2 – Continue to support recreation programming in
high demand by the San Rafael community
Action C.1.3 – Expand recreational programming to address
deficiencies in program provision to meet community demand
(PROS-2.2)
Action C.1.4 – Support partnership opportunities for coordination
and provision of recreational programming, including partnership
opportunities with organizations in the arts, sports and leisure,
aging populations, and disability care (PROS-2.3, PROS-2.6)
Goal D: Provide Equitable Access To The San Rafael Park And
Recreation System
POLICY D. 1 – Incorporate environmental justice and social equity as key
elements in the operation and planning of San Rafael’s park and recreation
network (EDI-2.5)
Action D.1.1 – Ensure that San Rafael’s park and recreation
programs and facilities are safe, inclusive, culturally relevant,
and welcoming to everyone, with particular emphasis paid
to communities that have been excluded from recreational
programming (PROS-2.1)
Action D.1.2 – Develop strategies and policies to ensure access
to San Rafael’s recreation programs is proportionally affordable
based on income
Action D.1.3 – Consider how resource allocation decisions can
reduce historic and current inequities and address the most critical
community needs in future planning processes for the San Rafael
park and recreation system (EDI-4.1, EDI-4.2)
Action D.1.4 – Support equitable distribution of parks and
recreation amenities, prioritizing high density neighborhoods and
areas where homes lack outdoor living space (EDI-2.2A, PROS-
1.3A)
Action D.1.5 – Pursue authentic community engagement in
planning processes that share power, recognize and celebrate
differences, and ensure inclusion (EDI-1, PROS-1.4B)
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70
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following section discusses the recommendations proposed in the
CPRMP. These improvements will address existing deficiencies in the
recreation network while providing enhancement and potential expansion
to the City’s park and recreation facilities. The prioritization of these
recommendations is discussed in the next section of the Master Plan.
Proposed recommendations are categorized in Figure 18.
Figure 18. Recommendation Types
Deficiency
Improvement
Recommendations improving existing condition
in a deficient area such as replacing or enhancing
amenities at end of lifecycle, and ADA
improvements to remove accessibility barriers
Expansion
Recommendation supporting new recreation
amenities, expanding San Rafael’s recreation
system
Policy
Recommendations that are administrative and
support the City’s delivery of parks and recreation
services
The Master Plan proposes 83 recommendations addressing
Deficiency Improvements, 36 Expansion Opportunities, and 43 Policy
recommendations for the City’s parks and recreation facilities.
Recommendations Overview
Recommendations are provided for parks, recreation facilities, and
recreation operations in the CPRMP. These recommendations focus on
the following areas:
Improvements to Existing Park Sites and Amenities
The CPRMP identifies deficiencies and improvement opportunities in
San Rafael’s parks. Common park capital improvement recommendations
include replacing aging playgrounds, resurfacing sports courts, and
repairing pathways. Major opportunities across the system include ADA
access, bench and picnic table improvements, and irrigation upgrades.
ADA Access - Given the age of San Rafael’s park system, access
barriers have emerged over time. The assessment provided by the
CASp Report identifies areas for improvement and barrier removal
throughout the park and recreation system.
Benches and picnic tables - Systemwide, the Park Inventory and
Assessment identified a need to replace the City’s existing park
benches and picnic tables. Replacing benches and picnic tables is
also identified as a high community priority.
Irrigation improvements - As San Rafael’s park system has aged,
so have the irrigation systems installed at their creation. A number
of parks are identified as having significant irrigation issues to be
amended for water use efficiency and sustainability.
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71
Improvements and Deferred Maintenance Needs for Recreation
Facilities
The CPRMP includes a comprehensive list of recommended
improvements for the Albert J. Boro Community Center, Albert Park
Stadium, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Community Center, and Terra
Linda Community Center and Pool House. These recommendations are
categorized based on the Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment’s
review of their relative priority.
Policy-Level Recommendations
Policy-level recommendations focus on Citywide and site-specific
actions that will help the City better manage and maintain the park and
recreation system and meet the recreation needs of the community. Policy
recommendations include policies oriented at the operation of the City’s
Recreation and Childcare Division and park maintenance and operation
practices.
System Expansion Recommendations
With the City’s limited resources and the community’s strong prioritization
of addressing existing infrastructure over adding new amenities, the
CPRMP is focused on improvements to current sites. However, as
resources allow, the Master Plan provides several recommendations that
propose adding new or expanded amenities, particularly in areas of the
City that are currently deficient in park space or have high density.
Park and Citywide Recommendations
This section is organized alphabetically per City park followed by
citywide recommendations. They include the park’s specific project
recommendations, recommendation type, and the estimated cost of
recommendation implementation at a planning level inclusive of the
30% contingency. Some items are not costed out due to scope or need
for further design refinement. Park recommendations include a brief
description of each park site along with its assessed condition – Poor,
Fair, Good, or Excellent – from the Park Inventory and Assessment. The
full Park Inventory and Assessment is available in Appendix E.
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1 Albert Park
Albert Park is a well-used 13.3 acre Community Park with passive and
active recreation amenities including a recently renovated playground
(2019), tennis courts, lawn, and pathways. The site also holds Albert
Stadium ballfield, bocce courts operated via a partnership with the
Marin Bocce Federation, Parkside Children’s Center, and the San Rafael
Community Center.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
1.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
1.2
Explore opportunities such as public-private
partnerships to refurbish athletic fields and
develop new recreational facilities*
Policy NA
1.3
Pursue improvements at tennis courts –
evaluate restroom access, padding around
tennis lights (4), court lighting improvement
Expansion $282,880
1.4 Repair and/or replace irrigation – pre-
existing irrigation lines at end of life
Deficiency
Improvement $967,200
1.5 Address parking lot paving for safety and
tripping hazards
Deficiency
Improvement $811,200
1.6 Address fencing deficiencies around Albert
Stadium and Field
Deficiency
Improvement $285,000
1.7 Consider additional maintenance resources
for Albert Field Policy TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$2,346,280
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
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2 Arbor Park
Arbor Park is a Pocket Park, less than 1 acre in size, along Manuel
T. Freitas Parkway. The site is used for passive recreation of seating
and walking, provides lawn, an arbor shade structure, and recent art
installation (2022).
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
2.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
2.2
Repair and/or replace irrigation - pre-
existing irrigation lines damaged during
redevelopment of intersection
Deficiency
Improvement $46,800
2.3
Maintain Arbor Park in alignment with
Policy NH-4.7 Terra Linda Community
Improvements - linked to broader effort to
restore Gallinas Creek*
Policy NA
Total (includes 30% contingency)$46,800
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
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3 Beach Park
Beach Park is a City property, currently closed to the public for health and
safety reasons, that is designated as a Pocket Park. Nearly 0.5 acres, this
site has artificial turf, bocce courts, and a wooden gazebo. The park was
previously operated as a civic/private partnership between the City and
the neighboring Terrapin Crossroads restaurant (closed in 2021) and will
require additional partnership for public use.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
3.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
3.2 Support providing public access to canal
waterway*Policy NA
3.3
Seek proposals for public-private
partnerships that will activate the park
space and address needed oversight and
management for site safety
Policy NA
Total (includes 30% contingency)NA
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
75
4 Bernard Hoffman Field
Bernard Hoffman Field is a Neighborhood Park primarily used for San
Rafael Girl’s Softball. In addition to softball fields, the site offers passive
play and recreation with grass lawn and picnic tables.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
4.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
4.2
Repair and/or replace irrigation system
– field irrigation is inadequate and at end
of life due to poor head spacing and
insufficient number of valves, large dry
areas on the field during the summer
Deficiency
Improvement
$572,000
4.3 Support drainage improvements on site Deficiency
Improvement TBD
4.4
Evaluate potential recreation uses for
former playground Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$572,000
PLAN
76
5 Boyd Memorial Park
Boyd Memorial Park is a Special Use site dedicated to the City of San
Rafael in 1905 by the Boyd Family. It is a documented Historic Landmark
with a unique, historic water cistern, a rock-lined water channel, lawn,
a playground, and the Marin History Museum (located in the Boyd
Gatehouse). The 1.75 acre site provides passive recreation and is
designated Special Use due to its historic designation. The site’s tennis
court is not currently usable for racquet sports due to dilapidated court
surfacing.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
5.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
5.2 Evaluate recreation options for tennis court
– resurface or repurpose Expansion TBD
5.3 Replace play structure - footings are near
end of life due to wood rot
Deficiency
Improvement $130,000
5.4
Pursue pathway and trail improvements on
site and continuing up San Rafael Hill, in
accordance with San Rafael General Plan
2040*
Expansion TBD
5.5 Consider long term solution for restroom Expansion $455,000
5.6 Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $78,000
5.7 Repair and/or replace irrigation – end of
life
Deficiency
Improvement $39,000
5.8 Evaluate historic water cistern system for
structural integrity
Deficiency
Improvement $130,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$832,000
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
77
6 Bret Harte Park
Bret Harte Park is designated a Pocket Park in General Plan 2040, but
with a restroom, basketball court, and picnic area amenities, the CPRMP
recommends it be classified as a Neighborhood Park. The 0.5 acre park
provides passive play and recreation through a playground, basketball
courts, and picnic tables.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
6.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
6.2 Resurface asphalt paving, including
basketball court
Deficiency
Improvement $117,000
6.3 Replace benches (3) and picnic tables (7) -
nearing end of lifecycle
Deficiency
Improvement $35,100
6.4 Improve access from adjacent open space
for hiking*Expansion TBD
6.5
Support Bret Harte Park improvements in
alignment with Policy NH-2.22 Bret Harte
Neighborhood - Hillside landscaping to
prevent erosion*
Policy NA
6.6
Support Bret Harte Park improvements in
alignment with Policy NH-2.22 Bret Harte
Neighborhood - Community art projects*
Policy NA
6.7
Support Bret Harte Park improvements in
alignment with Policy NH-2.22 Bret Harte
Neighborhood - Shade tree maintenance*
Policy NA
Total (includes 30% contingency)$152,100
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
78
7 Canal Community Garden
The Canal Community Garden is one of two community gardens in San
Rafael. Designated Special Use, this community garden provides 92 raised
garden beds, of which 32 are full plots, 48 are half plots, and 12 are ADA-
raised plots. Additional features here include an arbor shade element,
benches for seating, a greenhouse, and a storage/tool shed for gardeners.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
7.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
7.2
Potential location for bio-preventative pest
management practices - raptor resting post
and/or owl boxes
Expansion $1,300
7.3 Correct irrigation issues Deficiency
Improvement TBD
7.4
Consider options for improved maintenance
(trees, pathways, vacant plots, site perimeter,
etc.)
Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$1,300
PLAN
79
8 Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds
Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds comprise the 3.6 acres of landscaped
property surrounding Falkirk Cultural Center. A uniquely historic site,
the Special Use grounds include demonstration gardens, sculptures, and
wedding and event venues. The demonstration gardens are managed
through a partnership with Marin Master Gardeners and the site provides
passive and active recreation through rentable sites, City programming,
and lawn.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
8.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
8.2
Maintain Falkirk Demonstration Gardens
in alignment with the San Rafael General
Plan 2040 - Policy C-3.9 Water-Efficient
Landscaping - xeriscaping principles and
drought-tolerant planting*
Policy NA
8.3
Maintain Falkirk Demonstration Gardens in
alignment with the San Rafael General Plan
2040 – Policy AC-1.1 Cultural Center of
Marin – promote Falkirk Cultural Center as
a venue for arts and local culture*
Policy NA
8.4 Repair and/or replace irrigation system –
end of life
Deficiency
Improvement $223,600
8.5 Evaluate alternative uses for reflection pond Expansion TBD
8.6
Develop a comprehensive assessment of
the Falkirk Cultural Center’s unique historic
and architectural qualities, to guide future
planning and programming that will be in
alignment with the facility’s unique needs
Expansion $260,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$483,600
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
80
9 Freitas Park
Freitas Park is a Neighborhood Park providing passive and active
recreation. The site supports a playground, chess tables, a splash pad,
picnic areas, and tennis courts. The 2.7 acre park is divided by Montecillo
Road and has unique entry and accent features designed with an east-
Asian aesthetic.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
9.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
9.2 Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $148,200
9.3 Resurface tennis court Deficiency
Improvement $195,000
9.4 Consider recreation options for northern
portion of park Expansion TBD
9.5
Develop a policy for splash pad operations
(consider closures for drought conditions,
etc.)
Policy NA
Total (includes 30% contingency)$343,200
PLAN
81
10 Gerstle Park
Gerstle Park is a popular, historic, Neighborhood Park of 6 acres donated
to the City of San Rafael in 1930. Gerstle Park supports active and passive
recreation with playgrounds, reservable picnic areas, lawn, and a basketball
court. Park landscape features include rare and unique heritage trees and
shrubs planted with the construction of the original Gerstle property.
The site’s tennis court is not currently usable for racquet sports due to
dilapidated court surfacing.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
10.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
10.2 Resurface asphalt paving at basketball court
and play areas
Deficiency
Improvement $90,480
10.3 Evaluate and improve pathways Expansion TBD
10.4
Update play areas - replace play structures
near end of lifecycle, replace sand with fibar
at school-age play area
Deficiency
Improvement $291,980
10.5 Evaluate feasibility and pursue tennis court
renovation Expansion TBD
10.6 Replace benches (20) and picnic tables (32) -
end of lifecycle
Deficiency
Improvement $176,800
10.7
Explore partnership opportunities for
maintaining the historic nature of the
landscaping
Policy NA
10.8 Improve access from adjacent open space
for hiking*Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$559,260
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
82
11 Hillview Park
This Pocket Park, along Manuel T. Freitas Parkway, provides 0.3 acres of
passive recreation. Hillview Park supports seating, a shade arbor, and lawn.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
11.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
11.2
Maintain park in alignment with Policy NH-
4.7 Terra Linda Community Improvements
– linked to broader effort to restore
Gallinas Creek*
Policy NA
Total (includes 30% contingency)NA
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
83
12 Jean and John Starkweather Park
Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park is a 23.3 acre Special Use
site providing San Rafael with access to the San Francisco Bay. This site
supports passive recreation through biking, walking, and several seating
areas. Interpretive signage areas detail coastal habitat information for
users.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
12.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
12.2 Expand and improve shoreline path
network Expansion TBD
12.3 Implement interpretive signage plans*Expansion $390,000
12.4 Explore opportunities for additional boating
and water sport access ramps Expansion TBD
12.5 Replace benches (39) and picnic tables (1) -
end of life
Deficiency
Improvement $105,300
Total (includes 30% contingency)$495,300
*Previously proposed in the Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan, 2007
PLAN
84
13 Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is the City’s newest Neighborhood Park, which is part
of a private development that is available for public use and maintained
through the City as an assessment district. It provides playgrounds, picnic
areas, and a public marina. Due to its new construction – completed in
2020 - there are no recommendations at this time for this park.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
PLAN
85
14 Los Ranchitos Park
Los Ranchitos Park is San Rafael’s second-newest Neighborhood Park
– completed in 2004. The site provides passive recreation through sport
courts, lawn, and playgrounds. There are no recommendations at this time
for Los Ranchitos Park as the site is in excellent condition.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
PLAN
86
15 Munson Park
Munson Park is designated a Neighborhood Park in General Plan 2040,
however based on its existing amenities the CPRMP recommends
reclassifying it as a Pocket Park. The 1.5 acre site provides passive
recreation with picnic tables and lawn.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
15.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
15.2
Maintain park in alignment with Policy NH-
4.7 Terra Linda Community Improvements
- linked to broader effort to restore Gallinas
Creek*
Policy NA
15.3
Potential location for bio-preventative pest
management practices to address rodents–
owl box or raptor resting post
Expansion $1,300
Total (includes 30% contingency)$1,300
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
87
16 Oleander Park
Oleander Park is a 2.3 acre Neighborhood Park supporting passive play
and recreation. The park contains a playground, picnic tables, and lawn.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
16.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
16.2 Resurface asphalt and concrete paving Deficiency
Improvement $113,750
16.3 Update play area - replace play structures
near end of lifecycle, replace sand with fibar
Deficiency
Improvement $159,640
16.4 Replace picnic tables (2) and benches (2) –
end of life span
Deficiency
Improvement $13,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$286,390
PLAN
88
17 Oliver Hartzell Park
Oliver Hartzell Park is a 0.5 acre Pocket Park supporting passive play and
recreation with a playground, picnic area, and seating. The steep incline to
enter the park provides very limited accessibility.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
17.1
Evaluate best recreational purpose for this
site – playground structure is near end of
life span and should be addressed
Expansion TBD
17.2 Depending on recreational purpose, correct
high-impact ADA barriers
Deficiency
Improvement TBD
17.3 Replace picnic tables (2) and benches (2) -
end of life span
Deficiency
Improvement $13,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$13,000
PLAN
89
18 Peacock Gap Park
Peacock Gap Park is a popular 4.1 acre Neighborhood Park providing
passive play and recreation. The site supports playgrounds, picnic tables,
tennis courts, a lawn, and an aging parcourse network.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
18.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
18.2 Repair and/or replace irrigation system -
poor spray coverage, drainage issues
Deficiency
Improvement $504,400
18.3
Update play areas - replace failing
playground structures, replace sand with
fibar
Deficiency
Improvement $320,450
18.4 Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $273,000
18.5 Resurface tennis courts Deficiency
Improvement $195,000
18.6 Replace picnic tables (3) and benches (14) –
end of life span
Deficiency
Improvement $48,100
18.7 Repair and/or replace parcourse equipment
(3)
Deficiency
Improvement $19,500
18.8
Replace restroom - toilet and urinal
replacement, domestic waterline
replacement, ADA accessibility
Deficiency
Improvement $455,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$1,815,450
PLAN
90
19 Pickleweed Park
Pickleweed Park is a heavily used Community Park located in the Canal
neighborhood. The 17.6 acre site provides a recently updated playground
(2019), picnic areas, and the City’s only multi-use sport field available
for rental. The popular sport field supports soccer, lacrosse, ultimate
frisbee, and San Rafael Jr. Giants Baseball. It is also the site of the Albert
J. Boro Community Center, Pickleweed Branch Library, and Pickleweed
Preschool.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
19.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
19.2
Continue development of the Pickleweed
Park Enhancement Project with support of
public grant funds – new basketball court,
play area, fitness area, shaded seating and
picnic area, gazebo structure, conversion
of existing turf fields to synthetic turf,
renovation of bathroom facilities, additional
lighting, parking, security cameras, and
landscaping
Expansion $9,000,000
19.3
Support development of the Tiscornia
Marsh Project: Implement shoreline path
improvements; Implement sea level rise
adaptation strategies*
Expansion TBD
19.4 Consider additional maintenance resources
for Pickleweed Park field Policy TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$9,000,000
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
PLAN
91
20 Riviera Park
Riviera Park is a 0.3 acre Pocket Park completed around the mid-1980s.
The site provides passive play and recreation through a playground, picnic
tables, and benches. The site is relatively isolated compared to other parks
in the City of San Rafael.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
20.1
Evaluate best recreational purpose for this
site – playground structure is near end of
life span and should be addressed
Expansion TBD
20.2 Depending on recreational purpose correct
high-impact ADA barriers
Deficiency
Improvement TBD
20.3 Replace picnic tables (2) and benches (4) -
end of life span
Deficiency
Improvement $18,200
20.4
Repair and/or replacement of leaking
irrigation system – water fountain and
irrigation system not functional
Deficiency
Improvement $41,600
20.5 Wood columns at retaining walls require
replacement
Deficiency
Improvement TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$59,800
PLAN
92
21 Santa Margarita Park
5 acre Santa Margarita Park is a Neighborhood Park providing passive and
active recreation. The site holds playgrounds, picnic areas, a basketball
court, and a tennis court not currently usable for racquet sports due to
dilapidated court surfacing.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
21.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
21.2 Resurface tennis court and pathways to
ensure ADA accessibility
Deficiency
Improvement $148,980
21.3 Resurface asphalt paving at basketball court Deficiency
Improvement $82,680
21.4 Replace picnic tables (4) - end of life span Deficiency
Improvement $15,600
Total (includes 30% contingency)$247,260
PLAN
93
22 Sun Valley Park
Sun Valley Park is a popular, 5 acre Neighborhood Park providing a
playground, basketball court, picnic areas, and a lawn.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
22.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
22.2 Evaluate best purpose for upper terrace
area, including wooden gazebo Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)TBD
PLAN
94
23 Terra Linda Community Garden
Terra Linda Community Garden is one of two community gardens
operated by the City. The 1 acre site provides 70 raised garden beds, 61 are
full plots, of which 2 are ADA accessible plots, and 9 are half plots.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
23.1 Enhance bio-preventative pest management
practices Expansion $1,300
23.2 Explore options to increase plot capacity
and improve infrastructure of garden plots
to meet the needs of San Rafael residents
Expansion TBD
23.3 Consider addition of shared garden
amenities – storage shed/lockers, seating
areas, shade structure
Expansion $65,000
23.4 Consider options for improved maintenance
(trees, pathways, vacant plots, site perimeter,
etc.)
Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$66,300
PLAN
95
24 Terra Linda Park
Terra Linda Park is a well-used Community Park in northern San
Rafael. The 2.9 acre site provides a playground, picnic areas, lawn, and a
basketball court. Terra Linda Park is also the location of the Terra Linda
Community Center and Pool.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
24.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
24.2
Prepare a master plan for Terra Linda Park
and Community Center: determine future
improvements based on planning efforts;
likely to include replace playground for
safety and accessibility in the near term –
near end of life span; Replace picnic tables
and benches - end of life span; Resurface
basketball court
Expansion $195,000
Total (includes 30% contingency)$195,000
PLAN
96
25 Victor Jones Park
Victor Jones Park is a 5.9 acre Neighborhood Park providing passive and
active recreation. The location supports a recently renovated playground
(2018), picnic areas, lawn, and sport courts. The site has limited ADA
accessibility due to existing elevations and is occasionally programmed by
the City for outdoor recreation programs such as T-Ball Rentals.
Condition: Poor Fair Good Excellent
ID Recommendation Type Cost
25.1 Correct high-impact ADA barriers Deficiency
Improvement TBD
25.2 Assess sport court functionality and pursue
improvements Expansion TBD
25.3
Replace restroom – non accessible,
installation of a new water source and new
sewer line from the building to the street
Deficiency
Improvement $455,000
25.4
Repair and/or replace irrigation system
at lower park - inefficient sprinkler heads,
restroom water
Deficiency
Improvement $130,000
25.5 Replace benches (8) and picnic tables (15) –
end of life span
Deficiency
Improvement $79,300
25.6
Consider design elements of 2008 Victor
Jones Conceptual Master Plan as park
improvement projects occur
Expansion TBD
Total (includes 30% contingency)$664,300
PLAN
97
26 Citywide
Citywide recommendations apply to park and recreation improvements
throughout the City of San Rafael and are not confined to any one park
or recreation site. These recommendations are predominately policy in
nature but include several expansion opportunities and one deficiency
recommendation oriented toward identified restroom deficiencies.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
26.1 Pursue options for Montecito/Dominican
Park Amenity Expansion TBD
26.2 Pursue options for West End/Fairhills Park
Amenity Expansion TBD
26.3 Pursue options for Lincoln/San Rafael Hill
Park Amenity Expansion TBD
26.4 Pursue options for Contempo/Deer Park
Park Amenity Expansion TBD
26.5 Pursue options for Northbridge/Marin
Lagoon Park Amenity Expansion TBD
26.6 Assess options to address deficiency in
spaces for off-leash dogs Policy TBD
26.7
Evaluate restroom maintenance citywide -
improve restroom maintenance levels where
needed
Policy TBD
26.8 Develop systemwide tennis court
resurfacing schedule Policy TBD
26.9 Assess pickleball striping or pickleball
conversion projects systemwide Policy TBD
26.10 Develop systemwide irrigation replacement
schedule Policy TBD
26.11
Reclassify City parks based on existing
amenities - Jerry Russom Memorial Park
(to open space), Bret Harte Park (to
neighborhood park), Munson Park (to
pocket park)
Policy NA
26.12 Evaluate historic water system resources Policy TBD
26.13 Develop program for citywide fibar
replacement at playgrounds Policy NA
26.14 Evaluate tennis court access program and
explore alternative approaches Policy NA
26.15 Develop systemwide playground amenity
replacement schedule Policy NA
26.16 Explore locations for self-directed fitness
equipment Expansion TBD
26.17 Develop unifying systemwide park and
recreation signage Policy TBD
26.18 Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan
for City parks Policy TBD
26.19 Develop comprehensive maintenance plan
for City recreation facilities Policy TBD
26.20
Consider entering into Joint-Use
Agreements with San Rafael City Schools to
provide additional recreation facilities to the
San Rafael community
Policy NA
26.21
Offer training opportunities for staff to
support growth and understanding around
diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Policy TBD
26.22
Repair identified priority physical
deficiencies at park restrooms
Deficiency
Improvement
$134,575
Total (includes 30% contingency)$134,575
PLAN
98
Recreation Facility Recommendations
Recommendations provided for the City’s recreation facilities are included
in the Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment (Appendix F). In the
Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment a comprehensive list of
recommended improvements for the Albert J. Boro Community Center,
Albert Park Stadium, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Community
Center, and Terra Linda Community Center and Pool House. These
detailed recommendations will be incorporated into Public Work’s
upcoming Facilities Master Plan to support a comprehensive plan for City
facility improvements.
Facility recommendations outlined below are oriented towards addressing
the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and accessibility
deficiencies identified in the Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment
and include only deficiency improvements that need immediate (near-
term) attention.
27 Albert Park Field House
Albert Park Field House is the covered grandstand with seating,
dugouts, and locker rooms at the Albert Park ballfield. The Field House
accommodates spectator seating for baseball at the site.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
27.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $55,900
27.2 Correct high priority ADA deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $17,940
Total (includes 30% contingency)$73,840
PLAN
99
28 Albert J. Boro Community Center
Albert J. Boro Community Center is the City’s most recently remodeled
community center (2006) located in the Canal neighborhood. The
popular and well-used facility provides classes, activities, and events
including fitness, open-gym sports, and art courses for youth, adults, and
older adults. The facility features multi-use classrooms, an art room, a
gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, a 200-capacity multipurpose
room, and a kitchen.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
28.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $112,190
28.2 Correct high priority mechanical
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $1,305,345
Total (includes 30% contingency)$1,417,535
PLAN
100
29 Falkirk Cultural Center
Falkirk Cultural Center is a historic 3-story home, constructed in 1888.
It was donated to the City of San Rafael in 1974 and now provides year
round programming with a contemporary art gallery and an educational
center for cultural arts. The Center is also available for receptions,
weddings, meetings, and history tours upon request.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
29.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $516,620
29.2 Correct high priority mechanical
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $20,020
29.3 Correct high priority electrical deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $611,000
29.4 Correct high priority structural deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement NA
29.5 Correct high priority ADA deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $13,455
Total (includes 30% contingency)$1,161,095
PLAN
101
30 San Rafael Community Center
The San Rafael Community Center provides programs, classes and
activities for pre-school aged children, youth, adults, and older adults. The
Center features an auditorium with a theatrical stage, kitchen, and four
meeting rooms - three of which can be opened to one large room. San
Rafael Community Center additionally offers rentals for facility use and
supports office space for the department’s administrative staff.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
30.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $9,360
30.2 Correct high priority electrical deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $260
30.3 Correct high priority ADA deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $6,500
Total (includes 30% contingency)$16,120
PLAN
102
31 Terra Linda Community Center
The Terra Linda Community Center provide classes for youth, adults, and
older adults with rooms available to rent for parties, classes, or receptions.
This facility provides three classrooms, a ceramics studio, preparation
kitchen, community rental hall, and outdoor patio and stage area. This
Community Center is also the site of San Rafael’s City-operated pool.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
31.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $101,400
31.2 Correct high priority mechanical
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $3,250
31.3 Correct high priority electrical deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $8,905
31.4 Correct high priority ADA deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $49,400
Total (includes 30% contingency)$162,955
PLAN
103
32 Terra Linda Pool House
Terra Linda Pool House houses locker rooms, an entry kiosk, and pool
equipment storage for the Terra Linda Pool. Equipment here includes the
pool’s water heater, chemical storage, and a mechanical room, in addition
to restroom and storage amenities for pool visitors.
ID Recommendation Type Cost
32.1 Correct high priority architectural
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $27,535
32.2 Correct high priority mechanical
deficiencies
Deficiency
Improvement $65,325
32.3 Correct high priority electrical deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $1,560
32.4 Correct high priority ADA deficiencies Deficiency
Improvement $36,375
Total (includes 30% contingency)$130,795
PLAN
104
Recreation Operation Recommendations
Policy recommendations are provided to guide current and future
operation in the Recreation & Childcare Division’s programming, in
recreation facility operation, and in maintenance operations for the City’s
recreation network.
33 Recreation and Childcare Division Programming
ID Recommendation Type Cost
33.1 Establish a formal programming philosophy
to guide future program delivery Policy NA
33.2
Develop a programing plan that builds
on the philosophy and identifies program
priorities for the future
Policy NA
33.3
Pursue additional contracts with other
providers for program areas that are not
currently adequately available
Policy NA
33.4
For program areas where there are not
contracts, utilize other providers on a
referral and clearinghouse basis
Policy NA
33.5 Develop a city staffing plan and operating
budget that will support the program plan Policy NA
33.6 Establish basic performance measures to
track recreation programming effectiveness Policy NA
33.7 Develop a comprehensive fee policy Policy NA
33.8
Recreation programs, services and facilities
need to be supported by established
marketing efforts
Policy NA
34 Recreation Facility Operation
ID Recommendation Type Cost
34.1
Utilize the Facility Deficiencies Report to
establish a detailed deferred maintenance
list for all city owned facilities
Policy NA
34.2
Complete an athletic field capacity analysis
to determine the accepted level of use for
existing fields
Policy TBD
35 Operations and Maintenance
ID Recommendation Type Cost
35.1
Consider additional staffing and/or
resources to support any increase in
maintenance and operations service levels
Policy NA
35.2 Develop an asset inventory and
management plan Policy TBD
35.3 Develop a succession plan for key staff Policy NA
PLAN
105
5.3 COST FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
The CPRMP identifies $18,315,216 in park improvements and $2,962,340
in recreation facility improvements, totaling approximately $21.3 million
(2023 dollars) in recommendations, inclusive of the previously discussed
30% contingency. See Table 34.
Table 34. Cost Estimate for Planning Purposes
Park
Recommendations
Recreation Facility
Recommendations Grand Total
Total $14,088,628 $2,278,723 $16,367,351
Total with 30%
contingency $18,315,216 $2,962,340 $21,277,556
These recommendation total approximately $8.0 million in Deficiency
Improvements and nearly $8.0 million in Expansion opportunities,
exclusive of the 30% contingency. Policy recommendations are not
assigned a cost, as they cannot be sufficiently defined for implementation,
but will likely have operational resource impact on the City. See Table 35.
Table 35. Cost Estimate by Recommendation Type
Type Park
Recommendations
Recreation Facility
Recommendations Total
Deficiency
Improvements $5,894,951 $2,278,723 $8,173,674
Expansion $8,193,677 $0 $8,193,677
Policy $0 $0 $0
Total $16,367,351
Total with 30% contingency $21,277,556
The Master Plan costs will exceed the shown $21.3 million estimate - the
timing of project implementation will depend on funding availability
with escalation expected and some of the proposed projects will require
additional funding and/or staffing for operations and maintenance.
Additionally many recommendations are not costed due to undefinable
scope.
The next section of the CPRMP explores a variety of funding sources
for the proposed park recommendation projects estimated to be $18.3
million. The remaining $3.0 million in recreation facility recommendations
is not included in this financial assessment, as they will be folded into the
City’s upcoming Facilities Master Plan process.
PLAN
106
PLAN
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6. IMPLEMENTATION
108
IMPLEMENTATION
109
IMPLEMENTATION
6.1 PRIORITIZATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
6.2 ACTION PLAN
6.3 FUNDING PLAN
6.1 PRIORITIZATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Prioritization Criteria
From the Master Plan process, the CPRMP developed evaluation criteria
to prioritize the proposed recommendations. These criteria comparatively
weight the recommendations based on their ability to:
• Address Health and Safety
• Support Community Priorities
• Reach the greatest Service Area
• Adhere to General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles
• Enhance Accessibility
• Strengthen Operational Efficiency
• Support Previous Planning
The above criteria are listed by weight, starting with the greatest weight
through the lowest, per Figure 1.
Figure 21. Prioritization Criteria
Health And Safety
Community Priorities
Service Area
General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles
Accessibility
Operational Efficiency
Previous Planning
Figure 20. Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park
110
The top tier criteria is health and safety. This is weighted first to ensure
the City of San Rafael protects the community’s health and safety in
the delivery of services. Community priorities and service area follow
as they address interests identified in the CPRMP planning process and
will serve the greatest number of users. Adherence to the 2040 General
Plan Guiding Principles ensures the CPRMP is in alignment with the
City’s guiding planning document, while enhancing accessibility supports
inclusive use of the recreation network. Finally, addressing operational
efficiency will support the City in effective recreation resource allocation,
while recommendations from previous planning efforts reiterate the City’s
work guiding the future of San Rafael. Recommendation prioritization is
based on cumulative weight considering all criteria.
The City will continue to operate its facilities (recreation and otherwise)
in a manner that prioritizes the health and safety of the San Rafael
community. As such any projects that address immediate significant risks
to public safety will be prioritized above all else.
Health and Safety
Recommendations that support health and safety are those that address
public health, physical safety, or are in urgent need of implementation.
Public health considers cleanliness and sanitation in the City’s recreation
system. Physical safety considers recreation amenities at the end of their
service life as well as addressing potential physical hazards to users. Urgent
implementation prevents an amenity closure due to existing or continued
repair deferral.
The CPRMP recommendations prioritize amenities closest to end of life.
Other amenities (playgrounds, etc.) will be identified and incorporated into
future capital improvement planning via replacement and maintenance
schedules recommended in the Master Plan.
Community Priorities
The Master Plan’s community engagement process has revealed recreation
priorities of the system’s users. In park improvements, these priorities
include:
• Desire to update and improve the City’s existing park
amenities, particularly to modernize playgrounds and recreation
amenities such as benches, picnic tables, etc. as well as repairing
failing infrastructure
• Improved cleanliness including litter maintenance, restroom
maintenance, refuse pick-up, playground maintenance, etc.
• Addressing and/or replacing outdated equipment such as
benches, playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables, etc.
• Addressing infrastructure maintenance i.e., surface
improvements (sport courts, picnic areas, pathways, parking lots,
etc.)
• More park amenities such as drinking fountains, shade
structures, bike racks, and benches
• Improved landscape maintenance
• Updated irrigation system(s) for efficient water use
• Improved lighting for safety and pathways
• More restrooms in City parks
• Enhanced sports fields to meet demand i.e., lighting, artificial
turf, improved maintenance
In recreation activities, these priorities include:
• Walking, hiking, and/or jogging
• Restroom access
• Visiting local parks and/or enjoying nature
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111
• Attending community events
• Playground access
• Picnicking
• Nature and environmental programming
• Swimming
• Self-directed activities such as outdoor fitness courses, active
play areas, and pathways with distance markers
• Cultural activities such as museums, theater programs, and art
exhibits
• Reading
• Sport court access
• Fitness activities such as yoga, weightlifting, and cardio sports
• Self-help and wellness
• Walking or exercising a dog at a dog park area
In recreation services, the CPRMP has also revealed the community
is strongly interested in pedestrian access and community gathering
opportunities through events and picnic areas.
Service Area
The service area criteria includes recommendations that would occur at a
frequently visited park or within 0.5 miles of a high density neighborhood.
The most frequently visited parks are based on results of the Statistically
Valid Survey and the Parks and Recreation Questionnaire. From the
survey tools, the following are the most frequently utilized parks in San
Rafael:
• Gerstle Park
• Sun Valley Park
• Terra Linda Park
• Peacock Gap Park
• Albert Park
• Loch Lomond Park
• Pickleweed Park
Neighborhood density is determined by the Land Use Element of the
General Plan 2040. The residential density categories of General Plan
2040 include allowable density which considers expected population
growth in the City and is not limited to current population numbers.
General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles
General Plan 2040 provides 5 guiding principles at the core the General
Plan’s vision for San Rafael. Ensuring alignment with this planning
resource, the CPRMP gives priority to recommendations that support the
guiding principles of Opportunity for All and Adapting to the Future, the
two principles most relevant to the park and recreation system.
Adherence to the principle of Opportunity for All is applied for
recommendations that serve severely disadvantaged communities per
California State Parks census designation. In San Rafael, this designation
includes the Canal neighborhood. Adherence to the Adapting to
the Future principle is applied for recommendations that support
conservation, climate change adaptation, and/or disaster mitigation.
Accessibility
The CASp report prepared for the CPRMP identifies accessibility barriers
in the categories of high impact, medium impact, and low impact.
Recommendations that address or remove accessibility barriers from the
City’s recreation network are prioritized.
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112
Operational Efficiency
The City expends resources in staffing for the maintenance of the San
Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities. Recommendations that provide
significant savings in staff time and City resources support efficient
operations and service delivery are prioritized.
Included in Previous Planning
Supporting recommendations from previous planning efforts reiterate
the City’s work guiding the future of San Rafael. The CPRMP integrates
previously proposed park and recreation recommendations that are
included in the following planning documents:
• San Rafael General Plan 2040, 2021
• Downtown Precise Plan, 2021
• Climate Change Action Plan, 2019
• San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2018
• Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan and Guidelines, 2009
6.2 ACTION PLAN
The CPRMP’s Action Plan identifies the near-term, medium-term, and
long term recommendations proposed in the Master Plan. The priority
level of these recommendations is based on their comparative weight in
satisfying the prioritization criteria previously discussed. The City will
utilize the identified priority framework to determine allocation of existing
and future available funding. Additional considerations can be made
as changes or needs arise, but this action plan provides a roadmap for
completing future recreation system improvements as resources allow.
Table 36. Recommendation Type
Recommendation
Type
Description Total
Deficiency
Improvement
Recommendation improves existing condition in a
deficient area such as replacing or enhancing amenities
at end of lifecycle, and ADA improvements to remove
accessibility barriers
83
Expansion Recommendation supports new recreation amenities,
expanding San Rafael’s recreation system
36
Policy Recommendation is administrative and supports the
City’s delivery of parks and recreation services
43
Total number of recommendations 162
Table 37. Recommendation Priority
Recommendation Priority Description Total
Near Term
• 14 park improvements (deficiencies
and expansions)
• 20 policies
• 20 recreation facility improvement
recommendations to be incorporated
into the upcoming Facilities Master
Plan
Potentially achievable in 0-5 years 54
Medium-Term
• 15 park improvements
• 14 policies
Potentially achievable in 5-10
years
29
Long-Term
• 21 park improvements
Potentially achievable in 10 +
years
21
Other
Ongoing (10)
As resources allow (26)
To be addressed through larger
projects (22)
58
Total number of recommendations 162
IMPLEMENTATION
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Priority Park Recommendations
Near-term park recommendations are first priority projects to be
implemented by the City of San Rafael. These projects are potentially
achievable within the next five years and immediately address the
prioritization criteria developed in the Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. Table 38 lists the 14 near-term priority park projects
proposed in the CPRMP. The below table cost estimates include a 30%
contingency for planning purposes.
Table 38. Near-Term Park Recommendations
Near-Term Park Recommendations
ID Site Recommendation Type Cost
19.2 Pickleweed
Park
Continue development of the
Pickleweed Park Enhancement
Project with support of public
grant funds – new basketball
court, play area, fitness area,
shaded seating and picnic area,
gazebo structure, conversion of
existing turf fields to synthetic
turf, renovation of bathroom
facilities, additional lighting,
parking, security cameras, and
landscaping
Expansion $9,000,000
1.6 Albert Park Address fencing deficiencies
around Albert Stadium and Field
Deficiency
Improvement $285,000
18.3 Peacock
Gap Park
Update play areas - replace failing
playground structures, replace
sand with fibar
Deficiency
Improvement $320,450
24.2 Terra Linda
Park
Prepare a master plan for Terra
Linda Park and Community
Center: determine future
improvements based on planning
efforts; likely to include replace
playground for safety and
accessibility in the near term –
near end of life span; Replace
picnic tables and benches - end
of life span; Resurface basketball
court
Expansion $195,000
5.8
Boyd
Memorial
Park
Evaluate historic water cistern
system for structural integrity
Deficiency
Improvement $130,000
10.4 Gerstle Park
Update play areas - replace play
structures near end of lifecycle,
replace sand with fibar at school-
age play area
Deficiency
Improvement $291,980
18.5 Peacock
Gap Park Resurface tennis courts Deficiency
Improvement $195,000
9.3 Freitas Park Resurface tennis court Deficiency
Improvement $195,000
16.3 Oleander
Park
Update play area - replace play
structures near end of lifecycle,
replace sand with fibar
Deficiency
Improvement $159,640
10.3 Gerstle Park Evaluate and improve pathways Expansion TBD
1.3 Albert Park
Pursue improvements at tennis
courts – evaluate restroom access,
padding around tennis lights (4),
court lighting improvement
Expansion $282,880
23.2
Terra Linda
Community
Garden
Explore options to increase
plot capacity and improve
infrastructure of garden plots
to meet the needs of San Rafael
residents
Expansion TBD
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114
26.23 Citywide Repair identified priority physical
deficiencies at park restrooms
Deficiency
Improvement
$134,576
29.1
Falkirk
Cultural
Center
Develop a comprehensive
assessment of the Falkirk Cultural
Center’s unique historic and
architectural qualities, to guide
future planning and programming
that will be in alignment with the
facility’s unique needs
Expansion $260,000
Medium-term park recommendations are second priority projects to be
implemented by the City of San Rafael. These projects are potentially
achievable within the next five to ten years and support the prioritization
criteria developed in the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
These projects will greatly benefit the community, however their ability to
wholistically support the existing park and recreation system is slightly less
than near-term park recommendations. Should resources allow, there is
flexibility in the timing of these projects’ completion. Table 39 lists the 15
medium-term priority projects proposed in the CPRMP. The below table
cost estimates include a 30% contingency for planning purposes.
Table 39. Medium-Term Park Recommendations
Medium-Term Park Recommendations
ID Site Recommendation Type Cost
21.2
Santa
Margarita
Park
Resurface tennis court and
pathways to ensure ADA
accessibility
Deficiency
Improvement $148,980
5.3
Boyd
Memorial
Park
Replace play structure - footings
are near end of life due to wood
rot
Deficiency
Improvement $130,000
16.2 Oleander
Park
Resurface asphalt and concrete
paving
Deficiency
Improvement $113,750
18.4 Peacock
Gap Park Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $273,000
20.1 Riviera Park
Evaluate best recreational purpose
for this site – playground structure
is near end of life span and should
be addressed
Expansion TBD
17.1
Oliver
Hartzell
Park
Evaluate best recreational purpose
for this site – playground structure
is near end of life span and should
be addressed
Expansion TBD
1.5 Albert Park Address parking lot paving for
safety and tripping hazards
Deficiency
Improvement $811,200
10.5 Gerstle Park Evaluate feasibility and pursue
tennis court renovation Expansion TBD
5.2
Boyd
Memorial
Park
Evaluate recreation options
for tennis court – resurface or
repurpose
Expansion TBD
5.6
Boyd
Memorial
Park
Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $78,000
9.2 Freitas Park Resurface asphalt paving Deficiency
Improvement $148,200
8.5
Falkirk
Cultural
Center
Evaluate alternative uses for
reflection pond Expansion TBD
7.4
Canal
Community
Garden
Consider options for improved
maintenance (trees, pathways,
vacant plots, site perimeter, etc.)
Expansion TBD
23.4
Terra Linda
Community
Garden
Consider options for improved
maintenance (trees, pathways,
vacant plots, site perimeter, etc.)
Expansion TBD
26.16 Citywide Explore locations for self-directed
fitness equipment Expansion TBD
Long-term park recommendations are third priority projects in the Master
Plan and potentially achievable in ten or more years. These projects
address identified deficiencies in the existing recreation system but do not
IMPLEMENTATION
115
reflect as much urgency in their completion as prior recommendations.
Should resources allow, there is flexibility in the timing of these projects’
completion. Table 40 lists the 21 long-term priority park projects
proposed in the CPRMP. The below table cost estimates include a 30%
contingency for planning purposes.
Table 40. Long-Term Park Recommendations
Long-Term Park Recommendations
ID Site Recommendation Type Cost
10.2 Gerstle Park Resurface asphalt paving at bas-
ketball court and play areas
Deficiency
Improvement $90,480
5.5 Boyd Me-
morial Park
Consider long term solution for
restroom Expansion $455,000
12.3
Jean and
John Stark-
weather
Park
Implement interpretive signage
plans Expansion $390,000
18.7 Peacock
Gap Park
Repair and/or replace parcourse
equipment (3)
Deficiency
Improvement $19,500
5.4 Boyd Me-
morial Park
Pursue pathway and trail improve-
ments on site and continuing up
San Rafael Hill, in accordance
with San Rafael General Plan
2040*
Expansion TBD
4.4
Bernard
Hoffman
Field
Evaluate potential recreation uses
for former playground Expansion TBD
6.2 Bret Harte
Park
Resurface asphalt paving, includ-
ing basketball court
Deficiency
Improvement $117,000
7.2
Canal
Community
Garden
Potential location for bio-preven-
tative pest management practices
- raptor resting post and/or owl
boxes
Expansion $1,300
15.3 Munson
Park
Potential location for bio-preven-
tative pest management practices
to address rodents – owl box or
raptor resting post
Expansion $1,300
10.8 Gerstle Park Improve access from adjacent
open space for hiking Expansion TBD
12.4
Jean and
John Stark-
weather
Park
Explore opportunities for addi-
tional boating and water sport
access ramps
Expansion TBD
21.3 Santa Mar-
garita Park
Resurface asphalt paving at bas-
ketball court
Deficiency
Improvement $82,680
25.2 Victor Jones
Park
Assess sport court functionality
and pursue improvements Expansion TBD
25.3 Victor Jones
Park
Replace restroom – non acces-
sible, installation of a new water
source and new sewer line from
the building to the street
Deficiency
Improvement $455,000
18..8 Peacock
Gap Park
Replace restroom - toilet and
urinal replacement, domestic
waterline replacement, ADA
accessibility
Deficiency
Improvement $455,000
4.3
Bernard
Hoffman
Field
Support drainage improvements
on site
Deficiency
Improvement TBD
22.2 Sun Valley
Park
Evaluate best purpose for upper
terrace area, including wooden
gazebo
Expansion TBD
23.3
Terra Linda
Community
Garden
Consider addition of shared
garden amenities – storage shed/
lockers, seating areas, shade
structure
Expansion $65,000
23.1
Terra Linda
Community
Garden
Enhance bio-preventative pest
management practices Expansion $1,300
20.5 Riviera Park Wood columns at retaining walls
require replacement
Deficiency
Improvement TBD
6.4 Bret Harte
Park
Improve access from adjacent
open space for hiking*Expansion TBD
*Previously proposed in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040
IMPLEMENTATION
116
Additional Park Recommendations
Additional park recommendations are also identified systemwide that
require tailored approaches given the type of improvement they address.
ADA Access
As part of the Master Plan process, as Certified Access Specialist (CASp)
Report was prepared to identify ADA access barriers. The access barriers
are categorized on high, medium, or low impact. The list of barriers is
substantial with virtually all parks having areas for improvement. Given
the scope of this assessment, the recommendation is that the City
strategically address the identified barriers as other improvements are
made to the parks and recreation facilities, specifically prioritizing those
barriers that are classified as high impact. This will allow the City to make
progress systemwide and see efficiencies in combining projects. ADA
access projects are primarily those that fall in the ‘other’ recommendation
priority category, to be addressed through larger projects.
Benches and Picnic Tables
The following parks were identified as having benches and picnic tables
that are nearing or at the end of their life: Bret Harte Park, Gerstle Park,
Jean and John Starkweather Park, Oleander Park, Oliver Hartzell Park,
Peacock Gap Park, Riviera Park, Santa Margarita Park, and Victor Jones
Park. Through the City’s newly adopted Park Amenity Sponsorship
program, staff will design the program to initially focus on bench
and picnic table donations in the identified locations. As the program
develops, staff will evaluate how effectively it is addressing the deficiencies
and adjust as needed. The bench and picnic table projects fall in the ‘other’
recommendation priority category, to be addressed as resources allow.
Irrigation
The following parks were identified as having significant irrigation issues
that should be addressed: Albert Park, Arbor Park, Bernard Hoffman
Field, Boyd Memorial Park, Canal Community Garden, Falkirk Cultural
Center, Peacock Gap Park, Riviera Park, and Victor Jones Park. Keeping
the current systems operational takes significant staff time, impacts the
community’s ability to utilize the amenity, and results in inefficient water
usage. Given this, as well as the recent historic droughts, addressing the
irrigation deficiencies should be a priority. However, the scope of the
issue would require significant resources. This may be an area for the
City to pursue outside funding opportunities related to sustainability
and/or energy efficiency grants and other public funds. The irrigation
repair projects fall in the ‘other’ recommendation priority category, to be
addressed as resources allow.
Ongoing Recommendations
Existing planning documents and efforts, such as General Plan
2040, identify a number of recommendations that focus on ongoing
maintenance and management of specific park sites. In the CPRMP, these
projects fall in the ‘other’ recommendation priority category, as ongoing
recommendations which are in alignment with the City’s current efforts
and are noted in the CPRMP as efforts that the City should continue to
support.
System Expansion Recommendations
With the City’s limited resources and the community’s strong prioritization
of addressing existing infrastructure over adding new amenities, the
CPRMP is focused on improvements to current sites. However, as
resources allow, the Master Plan provides several recommendations that
IMPLEMENTATION
117
propose adding new or expanded amenities, particularly in areas of the
City that are currently deficient in park space or have high density. These
include:
• Expand and improve the shoreline path network along the Jean
and John Starkweather Park
• Address park deficiencies in the following neighborhoods through
the development of dedicated park land:
o Montecito/Dominican
o West End/Fairhills
o Lincoln/San Rafael Hill
o Contempo/Deer Park
o Northbridge/Marin Lagoon
• Explore recreation options for the northern portion of Freitas
Park
The above expansion recommendations fall in the ‘other’
recommendation priority category, to be addressed as resources allow.
Priority Recreation Facility Projects
Applying the mack5 priority categorization along with the Master Plan’s
weighted evaluation criteria, the highest priority recommendations include
addressing architectural and mechanical deficiencies at the Albert J. Boro
Community Center. Those recommendations are supported through the
City’s existing CIP, with funding allocated to those projects in the near
term.
Remaining recreation facility recommendations will be incorporated into
Public Work’s upcoming Facilities Master Planning process. This data will
support that process in developing a comprehensive plan for City facility
improvements and for allocating Building Funds moving forward.
Priority Policy Projects
Near-term policy recommendations are first priority policies to be
implemented by the City of San Rafael. These policies are potentially
achievable within the next five years and readily address the prioritization
criteria developed in the CPRMP. Table 41 lists the 20 near-term policies
proposed in the Master Plan. Policy recommendations are not assigned
cost as their implementation scope cannot be defined; however they will
have resource impacts on the City.
Table 41. Near-Term Policy Recommendations
Near-Term Policy Recommendations
ID Site Recommendation Type Cost
3.3 Beach Park
Seek proposals for public-private
partnerships that will activate the
park space and address needed
oversight and management for site
safety
Policy NA
26.6 Citywide
Assess options to address
deficiency in spaces for off-leash
dogs
Policy TBD
1.7 Albert Park Consider additional maintenance
resources for Albert Field Policy TBD
33.1 Recreation
Programs
Establish a formal programming
philosophy to guide future
program delivery
Policy NA
33.2 Recreation
Programs
Develop a programing plan that
builds on the philosophy and
identifies program priorities for
the future
Policy NA
19.4 Pickleweed
Park
Consider additional maintenance
resources for Pickleweed Park
field
Policy TBD
26.7 Citywide
Evaluate restroom maintenance
citywide - improve restroom
maintenance levels where needed
Policy TBD
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118
26.8 Citywide Develop systemwide tennis court
resurfacing schedule Policy TBD
26.10 Citywide Develop systemwide irrigation
replacement schedule Policy TBD
26.11 Citywide
Reclassify City parks based on
existing amenities - Jerry Russom
Memorial Park (to open space),
Bret Harte Park (to neighborhood
park), Munson Park (to pocket
park)
Policy NA
26.13 Citywide Develop program for citywide
fibar replacement at playgrounds Policy NA
26.14 Citywide
Evaluate tennis court access
program and explore alternative
approaches
Policy NA
26.15 Citywide Develop systemwide playground
amenity replacement schedule Policy NA
26.21 Citywide
Offer training opportunities for
staff to support growth and
understanding around diversity,
equity, inclusion, and belonging
Policy TBD
33.3 Recreation
Programs
Pursue additional contracts with
other providers for program areas
that are not currently adequately
available.
Policy NA
33.4 Recreation
Programs
For program areas where there
are not contracts, utilize other
providers on a referral and
clearinghouse basis.
Policy NA
33.5 Recreation
Programs
Develop a city staffing plan and
operating budget that will support
the program plan
Policy NA
35.1
Operations
And
Maintenance
Consider additional staffing
and/or resources to support
any increase in maintenance and
operations service levels
Policy NA
33.7 Recreation
Programs
Develop a comprehensive fee
policy Policy NA
33.8 Recreation
Programs
Recreation programs, services and
facilities need to be supported by
established marketing efforts
Policy NA
Medium-term policy recommendations are second priority policies to be
implemented by the City. These policies are potentially achievable within
the next five to ten years and support the prioritization criteria developed
in the Master Plan. Based on available resources, there is flexibility
in their implementation. Table 42 lists the 14 medium-term policy
recommendations proposed in the CPRMP.
Table 42. Medium-Term Policy Recommendations
Medium-Term Policy Recommendations
ID Site Recommendation Type Cost
1.2 Albert Park
Explore opportunities such
as public-private partnerships
to refurbish athletic fields and
develop new recreational facilities
Policy NA
9.5 Freitas Park
Develop a policy for splash pad
operations. (consider closures for
drought conditions, etc.)
Policy NA
10.8 Gerstle Park
Explore partnership opportunities
for maintaining the historic nature
of the landscaping
Policy NA
26.9 Citywide
Assess pickleball striping or
pickleball conversion projects
systemwide
Policy TBD
26.12 Citywide Evaluate historic water system
resources Policy TBD
26.17 Citywide Develop unifying systemwide park
and recreation signage Policy TBD
26.18 Citywide Develop a comprehensive
maintenance plan for City parks Policy TBD
26.19 Citywide
Develop comprehensive
maintenance plan for City
recreation facilities
Policy TBD
IMPLEMENTATION
119
26.20 Citywide
Consider entering into Joint-Use
Agreements with San Rafael City
Schools to provide additional
recreation facilities to the San
Rafael community
Policy TBD
33.6 Recreation
Programs
Establish basic performance
measures to track recreation
programming effectiveness.
Policy NA
34.1 Recreation
Facilities
Utilize the Facility Deficiencies
Report to establish a detailed
deferred maintenance list for all
city owned facilities
Policy NA
35.2
Operations
And
Maintenance
Develop an asset inventory and
management plan Policy TBD
34.2 Recreation
Facilities
Complete an athletic field capacity
analysis to determine the accepted
level of use for existing fields
Policy TBD
35.3
Operations
And
Maintenance
Develop a succession plan for key
staff Policy NA
6.3 FUNDING PLAN
Estimated Plan Implementation Costs
City staff and the Consultant team have identified a broad range of
planned future park and recreation improvements and planning efforts
during Master Plan planning process. RHAA has also estimated capital
costs for many of the park improvements identified in the CPRMP. A
number of additional improvements and planning efforts were
also identified whose costs will need to be estimated as part of future park
planning efforts, so additional funding beyond the estimated level will
need to be sought.
Table 43 summarizes the available capital improvement cost estimates
by their priority and improvement type for park recommendations. This
information provides insights into the minimum level of funding required
as well as the timing. As shown, these capital cost estimates sum to about
$18.3 million (2023 dollars). This includes deficiency improvements to
repair or upgrade existing parks and expansions for new additions to
the park system. In aggregate, about 42% of the identified costs are
associated with addressing park deficiencies and 58% are associated with
park expansions, though several other potential park expansions will be
addressed and costed during future park planning efforts. Additionally,
about 63% of identified park project costs are identified as near-term (due
in part to the greater clarity around shorter term needs). The main project
included in the expansion category is a substantial set of improvements to
Pickleweed Park, for which the City is pursuing additional grant funding.
It should be emphasized that not all improvements have been costed and
the total Master Plan implementation costs for park improvements will
exceed the $18.3 million shown. The actual timing of these improvements
will depend on funding availability as discussed in more detail below.
When considering overall Master Plan implementation funding
requirements, it is also critical to note that park expansions, and potentially
some of the deficiency improvements, will often also require additional
expenditures on operations and maintenance that will require additional
annual funding.
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120
Table 43. Capital Improvement Estimate for Park Improvements
Type
Park Recommendations
TotalNear-
Term
Medium-
Term
Long-
Term
As
Resources
Allow
Deficiency
Improvements $1,316,651 $1,310,100 $938,200 $2,330,000 $5,894,951
Expansion $7,490,677 $0 $703,000 $0 $8,193,677
Total $8,807,328 $1,310,100 $1,641,200 $2,330,000 $14,088,628
Total with 30%
Contingency $11,449,526 $1,703,130 $2,133,560 $3,029,000 $18,315,216
Source: RHAA
Note: Costs are provided in 2023 dollars and do not include adjustments for inflation. Similarly,
revenue estimates are not adjusted for inflation.
Table 43 includes recommendations for park and high-priority facility
planning projects only, such as the Terra Linda Park and Community
Center Master Plan and the Falkirk Cultural Center Assessment. The
recreation facility recommendations identified through the Master Plan
process are not included in this financial assessment, as they will be folded
into the City’s upcoming Facilities Master Plan process. The estimate for
the recreation facility recommendations totals $2.28 million ($2.96 million
with 30% contingency) and includes only deficiency improvements that
need immediate attention (near-term) identified in the Recreation Facility
Inventory and Assessment. The primary funding source for facility capital
projects is the City’s Building Fund, which is supported by the General
Fund. Funding for recreation facility recommendations will be assessed in
the Facilities Master Plan and evaluated alongside all City facilities.
Existing Funding Sources
This section provides an overview of the funding sources that currently
support the City’s park system and the potential for these funding sources
to help support the additional investments envisioned under the new
Master Plan. As described below, the funding for San Rafael’s parks
currently comes from a variety of sources, including the City’s General
Fund, sales tax revenue associated with the Countywide voter-tax Measure
A, taxes, fees, and grants. Some of these sources are primarily used for
ongoing maintenance and operations in the parks, while others fund
capital projects or upgrade outdated infrastructure.
City Budget and General Fund
Management of parks primarily occurs within two City departments – the
Department of Public Works and the Library & Recreation Department.
The Department of Public Works has most of the responsibilities for
maintenance and care of the parks, while the Library & Recreation
Department manages some of the programmatic elements in parks, such
as picnic area reservations or events.
The City’s FY 2022-23 adopted budget shows that out of the $166.1
million total budget in the City, $95.2 million is contained in the General
Fund. The General Fund is a major source of funds to both Public Works
(about $14.4 million) and Library & Recreation ($5.5 million). Based on
input from City staff, within the FY 2022/23 Public Works General Fund
budget allocation, about $860,000 is for parks operation and maintenance
costs. The annual allocation from the General Fund is primarily for
ongoing parks maintenance rather than capital projects. Other city
accounts which are designated for public facility maintenance may
occasionally fund parks and recreation building maintenance, although
they are not consistently used for parks-related projects.
There are always a broader range of funding demands for General
Fund revenue and available revenues can fluctuate significantly with
business cycles. In addition to covering its current parks maintenance
and recreation building maintenance, the General Fund may also need
to be the primary source of funding of additional parks operations and
maintenance investments as the proposed CPRMP expansions or other
improvements are made.
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Measure A
Measure A is a significant source of funds for park and recreation projects
in San Rafael, including parks capital projects. It generates funds for parks,
open space, and agricultural preservation through a 0.25% countywide
sales tax. In June 2022, 75% of Marin County voters voted to renew the
tax for another nine years.
Marin County Parks manages Measure A funds and distributes 15% of the
annual tax revenue to cities. The City of San Rafael receives 24% of this
allocation based on its population. In FY 2020-21, a total of $2.3 million
was disbursed to cities and towns.
Measure A revenues can fund many types of projects in cities including
routine maintenance; renovation of existing recreational facilities,
including infrastructure; and construction of new parks or recreation
facilities. Other wildlife and vegetation management efforts can also
use Measure A funds. Each city submits an annual work plan to Marin
County Parks to describe their funding plans for the year. San Rafael has
historically used Measure A funding to support four project types - park
maintenance, vegetation management, open space protection, and park
improvements.
City funding priorities are determined by City Council, with input from
Park and Recreation Commission, and management of funds and projects
is typically performed by Public Works and/or the Library and Recreation
departments. Table 44 below details the Measure A funding that the City
has used for park capital improvement projects since FY 2014. Additional
funds were also used for vegetation management, park maintenance,
and open space management. In total, $1.3 million in Measure A funding
has helped pay for improvements at seven parks, miscellaneous repairs or
equipment upgrades, and the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan
over the last ten years.
Table 44. Measure A Funded Park Projects, 2013-2022
Park Capital
Improvement
Projects
FY13-14
to
FY15-16
FY
16-17
FY
17-18
FY
18-19
FY
19-20
FY
20-21
FY
21-22 Total
Misc. Park
Repairs $137,375 $137,375
Misc.
Equipment $74,465 $74,465
Sun Valley
Park Basketball
Court
$46,873 $46,873
Albert Park
Playground $37,761 $50,618 $221,957 $310,336
Victor Jones
Playground $80,275 $19,725 $100,000
Bret Harte Park
Restroom $2,183 $170,798 $172,981
Pickleweed
Park Field
Conversion
Planning
$6,523 $9,359 $15,882
Albert Park
Stadium Field
Fencing
$41,593 $41,593
Sun Valley
Playground
Upgrades
$4,429 $128,587 $133,016
Citywide Park
and Recreation
Master Plan
$277,009 $277,009
Total $252,493 $118,036 $72,526 $392,755 $48,116 $13,788 $405,596 $1,309,530
The City has significant flexibility to spend their allocated funds as they
deem appropriate. According to the Measure A work plan for FY 2022-
23, the City anticipates $780,000 of available funds, which will fund five
projects, as described in Table 45. These projects are also identified in the
City’s FY 2022-23 Capital Improvement Plan, which details the upcoming
capital improvements that the City intends to pursue in the next two fiscal
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years, with identified funding sources for each project. Implementation
efforts for this work plan will be managed by the Department of Public
Works in partnership with the Library & Recreation Division. Some
projects will be supplemented with additional grants (Sun Valley Park) or
other funds (Albert Park, with Building Maintenance funds).
Table 45. Measure A Project Funding FY 2022-2023
Project/Location Description Measure A
Citywide Park and Recre-
ation Master Plan
In progress, previously
funded $35,000
Sun Valley Park Playground
Improvements
Also received additional
Prop 68 grant $335,000
Albert Park Field Fencing Fencing improvements $240,000
Citywide Trail Master Plan Part of Open Space and
Trails Master Plan update $100,000
Terra Linda & Albert J.
Boro Community Center
Replacement room divider
partitions $70,000
Total $780,000
While economic cycles will affect revenue availability, the City anticipates
about $550,000 per year of Measure A funding may be available for
parks and recreation in the coming years. With eight of the nine years
of Measure A renewal remaining, this sums to about $4.4 million (2022
dollars) through 2031, with potentially more revenue beyond if voters
extend the measure again. Due to the relative stability of this funding
source and its flexibility (can pay for ongoing maintenance, deficiency
improvements, and park expansion), this is a critical part of the City’s
funding approach.
The amount of this Measure A funding available and needed to support
the near-term deficiency and park expansion improvements will depend,
in part on other funding available, including General Fund revenues
to support operations and maintenance costs as well as level of grants
received. Finally, it is worth noting that because Measure A has a duration
of nine years in total, it is not possible to bond against these revenues -
they must be used on an incremental basis as received.
Park Taxes/Fees
Impact fees are paid by developers towards City agencies and other
infrastructure providers (e.g., sewer districts, County) to provide and
maintain necessary services (e.g. police, sanitation, etc.). Impact fees to
provide parks are common across many cities. In San Rafael, the following
impact fees are charged on new development to support parks:
• Parkland Dedication In-Lieu Fee: Residential subdivision
projects must meet a parkland dedication requirement of 4 acres
per 1,000 residents. If land applicants are unable to meet this
standard, they may pay a parkland dedication in-lieu fee instead.
The purpose of this fee is to acquire or make improvements to
parkland in connection with the additional service population
generated by new development. The amount to be paid is
calculated by formula based on the expected resident population
and fair market value of a park acre.
• Property Development Excise Tax: This tax covers new
development’s impacts on public facilities and services, which may
include some park space but is generally intended for building
maintenance in public facilities. The current tax levels vary with
the development type: $127.50 per bedroom (residential) or $0.12
per square foot (commercial) or $0.06 per square foot (industrial).
• Parks and Recreation Facilities Fee: This fee collects payments
from multi-family developments to pay for developing and
maintaining local parks. The fund currently has a balance of
$130,000. This fee is also referred to as the Bedroom Tax fund.
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• Parks Capital Project Fund: This fund is specifically for the
maintenance and repair of the City’s tennis courts, as it generates
revenues from the sale of tennis court keys. However, the current
balance is low (around $15,000) and insufficient to initiate any
court repairs. Historically, the tennis key system has not generated
sufficient revenues beyond offsetting the cost of implementing
the program and the CPRMP recommends exploring alternative
tennis court access approaches.
At present, the City does not expect impact fees to be a significant income
source for parks due to typical levels of development activity in the City.
The Planning Division’s list of current projects show that, while several
multi-family projects have been approved, only two projects are single-
family residences, neither of them subdivisions. Furthermore, several
of the funds have not been spent since 2018. While some of these fees
currently maintain a fund balance, the City does not expect any transfers
in and out of any of these funds for FY 2022-23, according to budget
documents.
While not expected to be a significant source of funding, with the
ongoing implementation and potential consolidations of these fee
programs, the City expects that up to $15,000 annually might be generated
by all of these fees. Increases in fee levels are not expected due to City
policy priorities to moderate costs on new residential development.
Grants
The City has had previous success with receiving grants for park
improvement projects from a variety of federal, state, and local sources.
These grants have funded renovations to aging park equipment or
construction of new park infrastructure. As shown in Table 46, in 2022
the City received $178,000 in grants for parks and the City is currently
going through the federal eligibility process for a $4.2 million Land Water
Conservation Fund grant which would fund renovations at Pickleweed
Park.
Table 46. Park and Recreation Grants Received
Grant / Source Year Project Amount
Current Funding or Projects
California Proposition 68
Per Capita 2022 Sun Valley Park Playground
Improvements $178,000
Land Water Conservation
Fund 2022 Pickleweed Park field renovation pending
Total $178,000
Grant funding is always competitive and is often tied to the specifics of
the proposed improvements and the locations of the proposed parks.
Improvements in many San Rafael parks will likely not be competitive for
grant funding under current grant programs, though some parks, such as
Pickleweed Park, have been and will hopefully bring in substantial funding
for future improvements (including the current application for $4.2
million from the federal Land Water Conservation Fund).
Public-Private Partnerships
The City has also had public-private partnerships for specific parks when
the opportunities arose. For example, Beach Park is a waterfront park site
in San Rafael that formerly benefitted from a public-private partnership
between the City and Terrapin Crossroads, an adjacent restaurant and
music venue. Terrapin Crossroads provided infrastructure improvements,
management, and oversight of the park in exchange for use of the park
for outdoor concerts and events. In 2021, Terrapin Crossroads closed
permanently and the property is currently for sale. The City has expressed
interest in seeking a new partner to manage Beach Park, given that there
is interest from the public in seeing the park reopen. In addition to Beach
Park, a few other parks in the City have specialized facilities or spaces,
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e.g., softball fields or bocce ball courts, that are the result of a partnership
between the City and local sports leagues.
While the City has not currently identified future potential partnerships,
they are open to such opportunities, including for Beach Park. Although
public-private partnerships may help fund some improvements or
operations, such
opportunities tend to happen on an individual park basis.
Summary of Funding from Existing Sources and Master Plan
Improvements
As described in the above, the City’s current approach to funding Parks
and Recreation capital improvements and operations and maintenance
costs is as follows:
• Operations and Maintenance: The City’s General Fund is the
primary source of funding for parks maintenance and recreation
building maintenance and is sometimes supplemented with
Measure A funding.
• Capital Improvements: Measure A and competitive grant
funding are the primary sources of available funding for fixing
existing deficiencies at existing parks. For park expansions and
additions, Measure A, competitive grant funding, and impact fees
are the primary current sources of funding.
Existing funding sources (Measure A and park taxes/fees) are expected to
generate about $565,000 annually in funding, which includes $550,000 in
Measure A funding with flexible spending options and $15,000 in taxes or
fees.
Availability of the Measure A funds to help cover the capital
improvements identified in the Master Plan and the identified future park
master plans for individual parks will depend on the ability of the General
Fund to fund any additional operations and maintenance cost and/or
planning studies. For example, estimated funding for capital
improvements from Measure A and impact fees over the next five years
could vary as follows:
• Scenario 1: No Measure A Funding required for Operations
and Maintenance: Under this scenario, the full $565,000 annually
would be available for investments in capital improvements (new
park expansion and existing deficiencies) summing to about $2.8
million over the next five years.
• Scenario 2: $275,000 Annually in Measure A Funding
required for Operations and Maintenance: Under this scenario,
half of the Measure A funding is used to support additional
operations and maintenance costs associated with existing and
expanded parks as well as to support individual park master
planning efforts. Under this illustrative scenario, $290,000 of
the additional annual funding would be available for investments
in capital improvements (new park expansion and existing
deficiencies) summing to about $1.45 million over the next five
years.
As indicated in the prior Table 43, the costs of a partial set of the capital
improvement items identified as near-term in the CPRMP sum to about
$11.5 million in costs. This cost estimate will increase once additional
improvements (e.g., ADA improvements) have been added. About 79% of
these costs (about $9 million) is hoped to be covered by the current Land
and Water Conservation grant application and the City’s matching General
Fund set-aside, leaving a funding need of about $2.5 million. Depending
on the funding scenario (and level of Measure A funding required for
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operations and maintenance), the funding gap for costed near-term
improvements would be fully covered in Scenario 1, or about $200,000
annually (over a 5-year period) in Scenario 2. It is critical to note that these
estimates do not take into account the additional uncosted near-term
capital improvements (such as ADA improvements), which will need to be
addressed.
Potential Additional Funding Options
The City may also consider pursuing additional funding options beyond
the sources previously discussed. As illustrated above, the City’s current
funding sources and potential grant funding could cover a portion of
the envisioned investments. One approach is for the City to rely on
these funding sources, pursue additional grants where available, and
incrementally make improvements as funding accrues over time. Another
possibility is for the City to pursue additional funding options to help
cover park capital improvement investments and/or operations and
maintenance costs.
For most potential additional funding sources, a measure must be placed
on the ballot and more than two-third of voters must agree to the
additional tax. This is a high proportion and would require substantial
support from City voters. This section identifies potential options for
raising additional dedicated funding for park and recreation resources
in San Rafael and provides illustrative estimates of potential funding
generation under different tax approaches and rates. In some cases, voter
interest could be increased by combining multiple investment types into
one measure; for example, the City could consider a tax measure to fund
both libraries and parks.
Table 12 provides illustrative tax revenues calculations for four potential
types of special taxes:
• Additional City Property Transfer Tax
• Additional Sales and Use Tax1
• New Parcel Tax
• G.O. Bond supported by Property Tax
Annual tax revenue estimates are illustrative and based on an example
tax increase for each source considered. For property transfer taxes,
sales and use taxes, and parcel taxes, revenues can be used on an annual
basis for capital or operations and maintenance costs. Bonding against
these revenue streams (i.e. raising substantial upfront dollars for capital
improvements and using revenue stream to re-pay) is also possible,
though would require tax authorization for longer periods of time (20 to
40 years). For these cases, annual revenues are converted into a bonding
capacity estimate (net bond proceeds) using a bond capacity to annual
revenue multiplier. The actual multiplier will depend on a number of
factors at the time of bond issuance, including interest rates and bond
duration, among others.
For G.O. Bonds to be funded with an additional ad valorem property tax,
the revenue stream must be used to support the G.O. Bond issuance and
cannot be used on an annual basis.
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Table 47. Summary of Potential New Tax Considerations
Tax Type Description
Additional
Rate or
Tax
Level
Unit Basis Annual
Revenue
Bonding
Capacity -
12.5x
annual
revenue
Property
Transfer
Tax
All property
transfers $1.00
per $1,000
property
value
$1,236,339 $15,454,238
City Sales
Tax
Total Taxable
Transactions
All Outlet
0.125% percent of
taxable sales $2,365,671 $29,570,892
Parcel Tax All residential
parcels pay
tax
$120.00 per parcel $1,850,520 $23,131,500
G.O. Bond
/ Ad
valorem
Property
Tax
All residential
assessed
value
0.010% percent of
AV $1,670,000 $20,875,000
Property Transfer Tax
A property transfer tax is a tax that is typically paid by the seller of a
property when it sells, or transfers, to a new owner. General law cities
impose a $1.10 tax per $1,000 of property valuation, with tax revenue
divided equally between city and county. As a charter city, San Rafael can
set its own tax rate. The City’s property transfer tax rate is currently $2 per
$1,000 in property valuation and the City expects to receive about $2.5
million in FY 2023.
As shown in Table 47, an additional $1.00 per $1,000 in property valuation
would be expected to generate about $1.2 million annually in additional
revenue. This funding source could be used annually to support capital
improvements or operations and maintenance costs. If adopted for
a long-period of time (e.g. 30 years), the City could bond against this
revenue stream, potentially generating as much as $15.5 million in one-
time net bond proceeds (if all the new revenue were dedicated to the bond
issuance).
Sales and Use Tax
A sales and use tax applies to taxable sales in a jurisdiction. The total sales
and use tax in the City of San Rafael is 9.25%. This includes the standard
1% sales and use tax that goes to the City’s General Fund as well as the
City’s Measure R sales and use tax. City voters approved Measure R which
added 0.25 cent tax to fund community services beginning in 2021. It
also includes the Marin County Measure A sales tax measure, which, as
previously discussed, is a 0.25% Countywide sales tax where a portion of
revenues are directly allocated to cities for park investments.
As shown in Table 47, based on San Rafael’s taxable sales in 2021 of
$1.9 billion (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration), an
additional 0.125% sales and use tax would be expected to generate about
$2.4 million annually in additional revenue. This funding source could
be used annually to support capital improvements or operations and
maintenance costs. If adopted for a long period of time (e.g. 30 years),
the City could bond against this revenue stream, potentially generating
as much as $29.6 million in one-time net bond proceeds (if all the new
revenue were dedicated to the bond issuance). However, the City of San
Rafael has currently reached the sales tax cap for Marin County, meaning
that sales taxes cannot increase any further than 9.25%. Therefore, this
funding mechanism would not be viable unless the policy changes to
extend the cap.
Parcel Tax
Parcel taxes are a type of property tax that typically place a flat charge
on each parcel of property. An example of this a tax is the City’s library
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parcel tax, which assesses $58 per parcel to fund operations and services
at the San Rafael Public Library.
There are currently about 15,421 residential parcels in San Rafael,
including single-family, multi-family, and manufactured housing vacant and
improved parcels. As shown in Table 47, if a $120 per year parcel tax was
placed on these parcels, annual revenues of about $1.85 million would be
generated. This funding source could be used annually to support capital
improvements or operations and maintenance costs. If adopted for a long
period of time (e.g. 30 years), the City could bond against this revenue
stream, potentially generating as much as $23.1 million in one-time
net bond proceeds (if all the new revenue were dedicated to the bond
issuance).
G.O. Bond / Ad valorem Property Tax
The only type of additional ad valorem property tax that can be added
beyond the base 1% property tax is a voter-approved incremental property
tax to support the issuance of a General Obligation bond. An ad valorem
tax is based on property value and expressed as a percentage of assessed
value.
The total assessed value in San Rafael is approximately $16.7 billion. As
shown in Table 47, an additional ad valorem property tax of 0.01% on
the existing City assessed value of $16.7 billion would result in an annual
revenue stream of $1.7 million. This funding stream would be used to
support the issuance of a General Obligation (G.O.) Bond, with potential
net G.O. Bond proceeds of $20.9 million.
Benefit Assessment Districts
Distinct from the four special tax options described in the prior sections,
another potential funding option is the use of Benefit Assessment
Districts. The establishment of a Benefit Assessment District and
associated payments of assessments to fund landscaping, lighting, parks,
and other capital improvements and, in some cases operations and
maintenance costs, became increasingly popular after the passage of
Proposition 13 in 1978. Since the passage of Proposition 218 in 1996 and
after a number of important court cases, the establishment and use of
new Benefit Assessment Districts has become less common and narrower.
Benefit Assessment Districts and their associated assessments are not
considered special taxes and hence require a majority vote of property
owners rather that the two-thirds vote required by special taxes. Benefit
Assessment Districts do, however, need to tie the imposition of their
assessment to a specific benefit received by the property owner. As a
result, it can be difficult to use Benefit Assessment Districts to fund
facilities/services that benefit all City residents. Instead, Assessment
Districts are more likely to pass the special benefit test when they provide
special benefits to a select group of property owners. As a result,
Benefit Assessment Districts are likely best used as a tool for funding
improvements in a specific subarea, where residents receive a special
benefit and hence can be asked to pay directly.
The process of forming an Assessment District typically requires initiation
by a legislative body based on a petition from property owners and/or
local officials. It also requires an Engineer’s Report outlining the special
benefit received and tying the charge to different property owners to
the level of benefit received. A public hearing and vote of the property
owners in the Benefit Assessment District is required where votes are
weighted by the level of assessment that would be charged to the property
owner.
(Footnotes)
1 While included in the illustrative calculations, it is important to note that the City’s sales
and use tax rate is currently at its cap and so cannot currently be increased.
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CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
2023
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Stakeholder Interviews
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
Summary
A series of stakeholder interviews were conducted by City staff and the consultant team for the San Rafael
Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The stakeholder groups include Arts, City Leadership, Homeowner
and Neighborhood Associations, Older Adults and Special Populations, and Sports and Leisure. These
interviews offered the opportunity for key stakeholder groups to provide focused input and perspectives on
issues related to San Rafael’s park and recreation system. A summary of these interviews follows.
Arts
The following arts groups/organizations were interviewed as stakeholders for the Citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan:
•Canal Arts
•Cedars Fine Arts Studio
•DrawBridge
•Marin County Cultural Services
•Marin Society of Artists
•Youth in Arts
In describing their level of satisfaction with the City’s existing park and recreation network, the arts
stakeholders were somewhat satisfied. They acknowledged that park and recreation services provide
programming opportunities for all economic levels, can create intergenerational interactions, and promote
community connectiveness. Within the City of San Rafael, however, the interviewed stakeholders expressed
a dissatisfaction with the City’s arts programming – particularly a lack of arts programming and a lack of
opportunities to create or participate in public art. Additionally, interviewed stakeholders stated that the
City’s park maintenance and cleanliness should be improved as well as accessibility within parks and
recreation facilities.
A major opportunity identified by the arts stakeholders is a dedicated arts department or leadership role
within the City’s Library and Recreation Department. Those interviewed expressed that arts should have a
more explicit place within City operations, allowing City-level decision making and thus providing an avenue
of dedicated resources for artists, arts-related programs, and organizations. Were such a role or department
to be created, interviewed arts stakeholders asserted that this could support art organizations find funding
and resources and provide unified marketing within the City. Additionally, interviewed stakeholders
supported the creation of a San Rafael Arts Commission that could also provide leadership dedicated to the
provision of arts in the City. The stakeholders referenced Mill Valley’s Arts Commission as a precedent
model. Stakeholders also referenced the General Plan 2040’s direction to create an Arts and Culture Master
Plan for the City of San Rafael.
Additional opportunities identified by the arts stakeholders included ‘drop in’ arts programming not limited
by time or scheduling and arts programming for inclusion and accessibility that supports all cognitive
abilities.
APPENDIX A
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Stakeholder Interviews
City Leadership
The following staff from City leadership were interviewed as stakeholders for the Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan:
• Assistant City Attorney
• City Clerk
• City Manager
• Community Development Director
• Economic Development Director
• Library and Recreation Department Director and Assistant Director
• Police Chief
• Sanitation District Manager
In the provision of park and recreation services, interviewed City leadership commended the City’s
community and equity-driven focus and collaborative relationship between departments. Those interviewed
noted the ability of the Public Works and Library and Recreation Departments to share resources.
Interviewed City leadership also acknowledged that the City could improve in supporting San Rafael’s park
and recreation system. While the City has a supply of recreation amenities, they acknowledged that many are
losing or have lost function, the system is aged, and improvements can be made to increase recreation use
and keep the City’s facilities relevant as compared to local recreation networks of neighboring cities.
Additional limitations noted included a general lack of dedicated recreation funding resources and the built-
out nature of San Rafael.
Interviewed City leadership identified opportunities for improvement in safety, maintenance, cleanliness,
and physical appearance throughout San Rafael’s recreation network. Making recreation amenities usable, or
considering alternative uses for those that are no longer useable, was also identified. Additional
opportunities included a better online presence for recreation services, improved maintenance planning,
expanded contract programming, and support of community gathering. It was also noted that the
Montecito/Dominican neighborhood lacks a recreation amenity and that the Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan should prioritize recommendations where there is identified need.
Homeowner and Neighborhoods Associations
Through a variety of meetings, City staff and the consultant team met with various representatives from San
Rafael’s Homeowner and Neighborhood Associations to collect their feedback on the City’s park and
recreation network. Input was received from the following organizations:
• Dominican/Black Canyon Neighborhood Association
• Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association
• Loch Lomond Homeowners Association
• Mont Marin/San Rafael Park Neighborhood Association
• Peacock Gap Homeowners Association
• Sun Valley Neighborhood Association
• Terra Linda Homeowners Association
• West End Neighborhood Association
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Stakeholder Interviews
Representatives from the Dominican/Black Canyon Neighborhood Association noted that no public parks
currently exist within the Dominican/Black Canyon and that Dominican University does not have
recreation facilities for public use. Suggestions were made to look for suitable spaces for a public park or
considering a recreation partnership with Dominican University for this neighborhood.
Gerstle Park representatives noted a need for improved maintenance throughout City parks, and particularly
at Albert Park where some conflict between users with and without dogs has occurred. At Gerstle Park,
representatives requested that the park landscape be maintained in better alignment with the park’s historic,
botanically diverse, landscape that was planted by the Gerstle Family. Gerstle Park representatives also
shared that improved partnership between the City and the Gerstle Park neighborhood could support
maintenance and beautification efforts.
Loch Lomond Homeowners Association representatives shared appreciation for the trails and open space
adjacent to their neighborhood.
The Mont Marin/San Rafael Park Neighborhood Association representative was appreciative of park and
recreation services provided during the COVID19 pandemic. This representative also shared interest in
enhanced access to open space and trail networks, additional recreation and programming along the Bay
shoreline, outdoor workout equipment in parks, and activating small, underutilized public spaces for
recreation.
Members of the Peacock Gap Homeowners Association acknowledged that Peacock Gap Park is well-used,
but overall requires renovation of the tennis courts and play areas.
Members of the Sun Valley Neighborhood Association noted tension between parks users with dogs and
park users without dogs at Sun Valley Park. They also encouraged a Sun Valley Park playground renovation
with safe landing surfaces and a variety of structures for different youth age groups.
Representatives of the Terra Linda Homeowners Association spoke to a desire for improvements at Terra
Linda Park and Community Center. Specifically, these representatives noted a lack of shade structures and
green space within Terra Linda Park. Representatives of the Terra Linda Homeowners Association also
expressed interest in the ongoing Northgate Redevelopment Project. As this project will provide additional
housing in the Terra Linda neighborhood, representatives requested that the provision of park and
community services would be proportional to a growing residential population in the Terra Linda
neighborhood. Representatives also encouraged the pursuit of additional public park space and recreation
amenities – as a part of the Northgate Redevelopment or elsewhere within Terra Linda. Additional
amenities in parks such as horseshoe pits, bocce courts, and badminton courts were also mentioned.
West End Neighborhood Association representatives noted that while there is no public park within the
built-out West End neighborhood there is access to trails. They encouraged that the City be involved in trail
development. Representatives here also promoted the idea of creating small, informal parklets throughout
the West End neighborhood as well as consideration for a West End community center.
A general recommendation, heard from a variety of neighborhood representatives, was enhanced
connectivity between parks, open space, and trails throughout the City of San Rafael. This connectivity
could include recreation programming that informed community members of the City’s park and recreation
network.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Stakeholder Interviews
Older Adults and Special Populations
The following older adults and special populations groups/organizations were interviewed as stakeholders
for the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan:
• Age-Friendly San Rafael
• Aging Action Initiative
• Cedars
• Marin County Commission on Aging
• Marin Ventures
• San Rafael Goldenaires
• San Rafael Library and Recreation Department
• Vivalon
In describing their level of satisfaction with the City’s existing park and recreation network, the older adult
and special populations stakeholders were somewhat satisfied. They acknowledged that parks are places for
families and community members to gather and that the City maintains a variety of parks throughout San
Rafael. Visiting parks with family members, especially grandkids, was mentioned as a common incentive for
this stakeholder group to use San Rafael’s park and recreation network. This stakeholder group generally
noted that the City’s parks and recreation facilities could benefit from additional maintenance and
renovation.
Regarding needs, this stakeholder group prioritized accessibility and community gathering. In accessibility,
stakeholders sought safe, easily navigable walkways and accessible design within parks and recreation
facilities. This stakeholder group noted that walking is an important recreation activity for seniors with the
provision of safe, well-graded pathways being a priority. Stakeholders additionally recommended adding
resting areas at regular intervals along public walkways and consideration of walkway signage, or marking,
detailing the length of routes for pedestrians. Walkways with limited opportunities for conflict were also
recommended – separating pedestrians from route users on bikes or scooters. Stakeholders also supported
park and facility design that can maximize use for users at all ability levels. This design may include
accessible pathways, accessible ramp entries, visual cues, and seating alternatives. Stakeholders noted that
individually independent accessibility and companion accessibility must be considered in design – some park
and recreation users may be capable of mobility on their own while others may rely on the support of a
companion.
In community gathering, stakeholders shared the importance of social opportunities for seniors and special
populations. Public community events support intergenerational programming, provide space for large and
small groups to connect, present social opportunities for individuals who may live alone, and serve as an
affordable method for community members to interact. Stakeholders encouraged the City to continue
supporting community events and encouraged the City to consider providing such events in the context of
meal programming. Meal programming may support social connection for seniors and special populations.
Additionally, stakeholders noted that City programming must remain affordable for all.
Stakeholders in this session additionally stated that better partnership between the City’s Library and
Recreation Department and regional providers should be encouraged. This could result in shared use of the
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Stakeholder Interviews
City’s recreation facilities to provide cost-effective programming or partnership in the sponsoring of
community events such as a senior night downtown or informational fairs for special populations.
Finally, stakeholders in this session mentioned the importance of providing opportunities for fitness for
seniors and special populations in the City’s recreation network. Suggestions included supporting pickleball
in San Rafael and providing age-friendly outdoor fitness stations along paths and walkways in City parks.
Sports and Leisure
The following sports and leisure organizations were interviewed as stakeholders for the Citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan:
• AC Swim Club
• Canal Alliance
• Marin Football Club
• Marin Tennis Club
• Marin YMCA
• Petaluma Tennis Association
• Rafael Racquet Club
Representatives from the interviewed sports and leisure representatives expressed that the City’s provision
of parks and recreation services could be improved. Many noted that existing recreation facilities are limited
in supply and difficult to reserve. The annual closure for turf rejuvenation at Pickleweed Park was noted as a
particular barrier for recreation. Representatives here acknowledged that the City is working within staffing
limitations but that better collaboration between the City and private recreation providers could help relieve
any burden on City services.
Regarding needs, interviewed representatives requested additional sport fields, more recreation facilities, and
better partnership with the City. It was shared that the current sport field supply is very limited within San
Rafael. Of interest to those interviewed was the development of a multi-sport complex that could support
athletic tournaments within the City. Organized sports users currently travel outside of the City for
tournaments. In facilities, those interviewed felt that Terra Linda pool is not operating at full capacity and
that the community could benefit from additional pool facilities in San Rafael. Interviewees also shared that
renting or reserving space in the City’s recreation centers is difficult. To alleviate these challenges, the
interviewed representatives requested better collaboration between the City and private service providers.
They shared that better collaboration could reduce the City’s burden and potentially support mutually
beneficial development for recreation. Additionally, interviewees shared that the City’s recreational planning
should prioritize access and equity across the San Rafael community.
AC Swim Club
Marin Football Club
Marin Tennis Club
Marin YMCA
Rafael Racquet Club
The Canal Alliance
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
COMMUNITY SURVEYING SUMMARY
COMMUNITY SURVEYING
To assess community needs and interests in San Rafael’s recreation services, a statistically valid survey was
conducted from March 7th through March 10th, and an online questionnaire was initiated for the San Rafael
Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan on March 30th, 2022.
The Statistically Valid survey, conducted by Godbe Research, collected 575 responses from City residents
and registered voters reflecting the City’s demographic profile. The Statistically Valid Survey was conducted
in English (559 respondents) and Spanish (16 respondents).
The Parks and Recreation Questionnaire, conducted by RHAA through Survey Monkey, collected 1,131
between March 30th and May 31st. The questionnaire was provided in English (1,046 respondents), Spanish
(84 respondents), and Vietnamese (1 respondent). Paper copies of the questionnaire were also provided and
manually transferred to Survey Monkey by City staff.
EMERGING THEMES
The following are emerging themes from the community surveying process of the San Rafael Citywide Parks
and Recreation Master Plan.
•Overall, the community is satisfied with the City’s existing supply of, and access to, parks and
recreation facilities and programs, however many community members are unaware of the City’s
programmatic offerings.
•There is a strong desire to update and improve the City’s existing park amenities, particularly in
modernizing playgrounds and recreation amenities such as benches, picnic tables, etc. as well as
repairing failing infrastructure.
•There is a strong desire for improved maintenance and cleanliness of the City’s parks.
•The community is interested in pedestrian access throughout the City’s recreation network – walking
is a priority.
•The community is interested in supporting self-directed recreation activities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The San Rafael community is generally satisfied with the City’s parks and recreation facilities.
•Godbe Research respondents reported slightly higher satisfaction – 73% Satisfied (Very Satisfied
and Somewhat Satisfied)
•Questionnaire respondents reported slightly lower satisfaction – 56% Satisfied (Very Satisfied and
Satisfied)
The San Rafael community is generally satisfied with the City’s recreation programs, however there is a
substantial portion of the community that is unaware of the City’s recreation program offerings.
•Godbe respondents reported slightly higher satisfaction – 56% (Very satisfied and somewhat
satisfied)
•Questionnaire respondents reported slightly lower satisfaction – 46% (Very satisfied and satisfied)
•Roughly 30% of respondents to both surveys were unfamiliar with the City’s recreation programs
APPENDIX B
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Respondents generally reported that the City’s parks and recreation facilities are of good quality.
• Godbe Research respondents reported slightly lower quality – 8% Excellent, 40% Good
• Questionnaire respondents reported higher quality – 5% Excellent, 61% Good
The most frequented parks include the following, in order of popularity:
• Gerstle Park
• Sun Valley Park
• Terra Linda Park
• Peacock Gap Park
• Albert Park
The most frequented recreation facilities include the following, in order of popularity:
• Terra Linda Community Center and Pool House
• San Rafael Community Center
• None
• Albert J. Boro Community Center
• Falkirk Cultural Center
Respondents are typically traveling to parks and recreation facilities by driving, walking, or cycling, with
driving being the most common travel method.
According to surveyed respondents, the most important park improvements to achieve in San Rafael
include improved cleanliness and maintenance, addressing and/or replacing outdated recreation
equipment, and making infrastructure improvements. The least important park improvements include
incorporating technology into City parks.
Surveyed respondents reported that the most important recreation amenities include the following, in
order of popularity:
• Trails and pathways (walking, biking, hiking)
• Playgrounds
• Restrooms
• Swimming Pools
• Sport Courts (tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, bocce ball)
• Picnic Areas
The least important recreation amenities reported are adult baseball/softball fields and synthetic sport fields.
Regarding sports or athletic activities, respondents reported a high priority of independent and self-lead
activities. The most important activity reported is walking, hiking, and jogging. The second more
important activities reported include swimming, fitness (yoga, weightlifting, cardio, dance etc.), and
cycling. These activities were all reported to be high interest and high frequency of participation. The third
most important activities reported are water sports (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding) and soccer.
Interestingly, water sports were reported as high interest but lower in frequency of participation. The least
important sports or athletic activities reported are lacrosse, futsal, and football.
Regarding recreation programs and services, surveyed respondents find community events, youth sports,
nature and environmental programming, self-directed activities (i.e. outdoor fitness courses, active
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
play areas, and pathways with distance markers) and childcare services to be the most important. Games,
in person or online, are reported to be the least important recreation activity.
Survey respondents find value in improving existing facilities over adding new ones. Survey results show
that the community is most interested in addressing the needs of existing amenities to support continued
use.
Understanding the impact of COVID on parks and recreation usage in San Rafael is complicated. The
Statistically Valid Survey queried whether respondents will use the City’s parks and recreation facilities more
frequently, about the same, or less frequently once the COVID crisis ends with 54% reporting they would
use them more frequently. The Parks and Recreation Questionnaire queried whether respondents are using
the City’s parks and recreation facilities more frequently, about the same, or less frequently currently with
44% reporting they are using them about the same as before the COVID crisis.
SURVEY RESULTS
A comparison of survey results from the Statistically Valid Survey and the Parks and Recreation
Questionnaire follows.
AGE
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
Age 65 and Older: 31%
Age 50-64: 26%
Age 18-29: 16%
Age 30-39: 13%
Age 40-49: 14%
Age 35-54: 47%
Age 65 and Older: 23%
Age 55-64: 16%
Age 25-34: 7%
Age 17 and Younger: 5%
Age 18-24: 2%
GENDER
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
52% Female
48% Male
67% Female
32% Male
1% Non-Binary or Self Describe
RESIDENCE OF RESPONDENT
Statistically Valid Survey - Council District Parks and Recreation Questionnaire –
Neighborhood
District 1: 11%
District 2: 31%
District 3: 28%
District 4: 30%
District 1: 10%
District 2: 33%
District 3: 25%
District 4: 24%
Non-residents: 8%
SATISFACTION WITH CITY OF SAN RAFAEL’S PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
Total Satisfied: 73%
Total Dissatisfied: 17%
DK/NA: 10%
Total Satisfied: 55%
Total Dissatisfied: 39%
Unfamiliar: 6%
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
SATISFACTION WITH CITY OF SAN RAFAEL’S RECREATION PROGRAMS
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
Total Satisfied: 56%
Total Dissatisfied: 16%
DK/NA: 28%
Total Satisfied: 45%
Total Dissatisfied: 28%
Unfamiliar: 27%
QUALITY OF SAN RAFAEL PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
Excellent: 8%
Good: 40%
Fair: 26%
Poor: 4%
Very Poor: 2%
Haven’t used parks and/or recreation facilities: 18%
DK/NA: 2%
Excellent: 5%
Good: 61%
Poor: 30%
Very Poor: 4%
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES VISITED
Statistically Valid Survey
Which two San Rafael parks or recreation facilities have you and the members of your household used for these activities the
most? – 1st choice
Park or Recreation Facility Frequency of use of 1st choice
DK/NA – 14%
Peacock Gap Park – 10%
Albert Park - 8%
Gerstle Park - 8%
Terra Linda Community Center/Pool - 7%
Albert J. Boro Community Center - 6%
Sun Valley Park - 6%
Once a week or more – 34%
A few times a month - 36%
A few times a year – 26%
Not at all – 3%
DK/NA – 1%
Which two San Rafael parks or recreation facilities have you and the members of your household used for these activities the
most? – 2nd choice
Park or Recreation Facility Frequency of use of 2nd choice
DK/NA – 12%
Pickleweed Park – 12%
Gerstle Park – 9%
Terra Linda Community Center/Pool House – 8%
Peacock Gap Park – 6%
Albert Park – 5%
Once a week or more – 36%
A few times a month - 32%
A few times a year – 30%
Not at all – 1%
DK/NA – 0%
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
(Q7) - Since 2019, which of the following City parks have you, or those in your household, visited? Select all that apply.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Gerstle Park – 47%
Albert Park – 46%
Peacock Gap Park – 34%
Picklweeed Park – 32%
Boyd Memorial Park – 32%
Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds – 32%
Sun Valley Park – 32%
(Q8) - Since 2019, which of the following City parks have you, or those in your household, visited most frequently?
Select up to 3.
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Gerstle Park – 23%
Sun Valley Park – 21%
Terra Linda Park – 19%
Peacock Gap Park – 19%
Albert Park – 18%
(Q9) - Since 2019, which of the following City recreation facilities have you, or those in your household, visited most frequently.
Select up to 2.
Terra Linda Community Center and Pool House – 34%
San Rafael Community Center – 32%
None – 31%
Albert J. Boro Community Center – 15%
Falkirk Cultural Center – 14%
TRAVEL METHOD(S) TO PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES VISITED
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Terra Linda Community
Center and Pool House
San Rafael Community
Center
None Albert J. Boro
Community Center
Falkirk Cultural Center
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
(Q10) - How are you traveling to the City’s parks and/or recreation facilities? Select all that apply.
Driving – 83%
Walking – 61%
Cycling – 23%
Public Transportation – 3%
Other – 2%
IMPORTANCE OF PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Driving Walking Cycling Public Transportation Other (please specify)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
(Q11) - How important are the following park improvements in the City?
IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION AMENITIES
Upgraded technology in parks i.e. WiFi, digital media
updates/alerts, electronic bulletin boards
Additional group picnic areas
Improved entryways and signage to parks
Accessibility improvements (ADA)
More restrooms in City parks
Enhanced sports fields to meet demand i.e. lighting, artificial turf,
improved maintenance
Improved lighting for safety and pathways
Updated irrigation system(s) for efficient water use
Improved landscape maintenance including trees, turf, and
planting
More park amenities such as drinking fountains, shade structures,
bike racks, and benches
Address infrastructure maintenance i.e. surface improvements
(sport courts, picnic areas, pathways, and parking lots, etc.)
Address and/or replace outdated equipment such as benches,
playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables, etc.
Improved cleanliness including litter maintenance, restroom
maintenance, refuse pick-up, playground maintenance, etc.
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%
Not at all Important Slightly Important Fairly Important Very Important
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
(Q12) - How important are the following recreation amenities to you, or your household?
IMPORTANCE OF, AND FREQUENCY IN, SPORT OR ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES
Adult baseball/softball fields
Synthetic surface sport fields
Adult multipurpose fields (soccer/football)
Lighted sport fields (soccer, football, baseball, etc.)
Youth baseball/softball fields
Lighted sport courts (tennis, basketball, pickleball, etc.)
Community gardens
Off-leash dog park/areas
Youth multipurpose fields (soccer/football)
Picnic Areas
Sport courts (tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball, bocce ball)
Swimming pools
Restrooms
Playgrounds
Trails and pathways (walking, biking, hiking)
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%80.00%
Not at all Important Slightly Important Fairly Important Very Important
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Statistically Valid Survey
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
(Q13) - How important are the following sport or athletic activities to you, or your household?
IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Lacrosse
Futsal
Football/flag football
Fishing
Softball
Martial Arts
Volleyball
Skateboarding
Gymnastics
Bocce
Golf
Pickleball
Baseball
Tennis
Basketball
Mountain or BMX biking
Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding
Soccer
Cycling
Fitness (yoga, weightlifting, cardio, dance, etc.)
Swimming
Walking, hiking, jogging
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%80.00%90.00%
Not at all Important Slightly Important Fairly Important Very Important
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Statistically Valid Survey
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
(Q14) - How important is it for you, or members of your household, to be able to participate in the following recreation
programs or services?
IMPACT OF COVID ON USE OF PARKS, RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS
Games (in-person/social) i.e. cards, bingo
Adult sports
Group fitness and exercise classes i.e. aerobics, yoga, karate, and
tai chi
Teen programs (age 13-17)
Community service/volunteering
Programming for active, older adults
Aquatic programming
Classes for lifelong learning and enrichment i.e. gardening,
languages, cooking/baking, music
Youth camps (age 5-12)
Cultural activities i.e. museums, theater programs, art exhibits
Childcare services including before and after schools
programming, preschool, and youth camps
Self-directed activities i.e. outdoor fitness courses, active play
areas, and pathways with distance markers
Nature and environmental programming i.e. camping, hiking
Youth sports
Community events i.e. Movies in the Park, Dia de los Muertos,
Dining Under the Lights, food trucks, etc.
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%
Not at all Important Slightly Important Fairly Important Very Important
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Community Surveying Summary
Statistically Valid Survey
When the COVID crisis ends will you use San Rafael parks and recreation facilities more frequently, about the same, or
less frequently?
- More Frequently: 54%
- About the Same: 38%
- Less Frequently: 5%
- DK/NA: 4%
Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
(Q15) Are you using San Rafael parks, recreation programs, and recreation facilities more frequently, about the same, or
less frequently than before the COVID crisis?
- More Frequently: 33%
- About the Same: 44%
- Less Frequently: 23%
RENOVATE EXISTING VS. ADDING NEW
Statistically Valid Survey Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
Renovate existing parks to keep current: 60%
Add new facilities: 13%
Mixed opinions: 22%
DK/NA: 5%
Renovate existing parks to keep current: 75%
Add new facilities: 25%
Both the Statistically Valid Survey and the Parks and Recreation Questionnaire provided opportunities for
respondents to give open-ended answers. The following are recreation programming and facility requests
from those responses, to be noted:
• Infrastructure repairs
• Educational classes
• Concerts/music events
• Additional walking and jogging paths
• Community events
• Activities for children and/or enhanced playgrounds
• Aquatic/pool programming
• Art programs/art in parks
• Pickleball
• Community gardens
• Skate Park
• Improvements to and more programming at Terra Linda Park and Community Center
• Spaces for dogs
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1- ALBERT J. BORO COMMUNITY CENTER
Group Discussion Summary
Community Workshop #1, at the Albert J. Boro Community Center, was held on May 11th, 2022 and hosted
approximately 50-60 community members. In collaboration with Voces del Canal and the Canal Alliance,
the City and RHAA worked to design a community meeting specifically for the Canal Community – this
meeting was held in Spanish and rather than a formal presentation format, the meeting was oriented around
activity stations where participants provided feedback on the City’s parks and recreation network. The
stations included:
-Welcome Station
- Staff provided optional name tags, a sign in sheet, and provided explanation of the event
setup
-Station 1 – Parks and Recreation Questionnaire
- Staff provided an explanation of the Master Plan purpose
- Staff provided paper and virtual copies of the Parks and Recreation Questionnaire for
attendees to complete
-Station 2 – What parks and recreation facilities are you visiting and why?
-Event attendees were prompted to share which City parks they use and why
-3 interactive boards were provided
Map of the City’s parks and recreation facilities – to orient attendees
List of the City’s parks and recreation facilities – for attendees to mark which City
parks they have visited
List of recreation amenities at the City’s parks and recreation facilities – for attendees
to mark which amenities they use, or like, in City parks
-Station 3 – Pickleweed Park Improvements
- Staff provided a poster of the proposed 2020 Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project – for
attendees to comment on
-Station 4 – General Questions related to City parks and recreation
- Responses to the following questions were recorded by staff:
What do you like about the City of San Rafael’s park and recreation facilities?
What improvement suggestions do you have for the City’s parks and recreation
facilities?
What recreation features, facilities, or programs would you like to see added to San
Rafael?
- Children’s Station – What do you like to do in parks?
-Staff provided art materials for children to draw what they liked in parks in an art project
A summary of this community meeting follows.
APPENDIX C
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Station 2: What Parks and Recreation Facilities Are You Visiting and Why?
Meeting attendees were shown a map of San Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities and invited to mark
which ones they’ve visited, Figure 1.
Figure 1 - Parks Visited
Park and/or Recreation Facility Mark (QTY) Park and/or Recreation Facility Mark (QTY)
Pickleweed Park, Albert J. Boro Community Center 38 Boyd Memorial Park 6
Jean And John Starkweather Shoreline Park 31 Bret Harte Park 5
Gerstle Park 25 Munson Park 5
Terra Linda Park, Terra Linda Community Center 15 Oleander Park 4
Albert Park + Stadium, San Rafael Community
Center 14 Riviera Park 4
Peacock Gap Park 14 Victor Jones Park 4
Harry A. Barbier Memorial Park 13 Arbor Park 3
Sun Valley Park 11 Hillview Park 2
Loch Lomond Park 10 Jerry Russom Memorial Park 2
Canal Community Garden 9 Terra Linda Community Garden 2
Freitas Park 9 Santa Margarita Park 1
Los Ranchitos Park 9 Bernard Hoffman Park/Field 0
Falkirk Cultural Center + Grounds 7 Oliver Hartzell Park 0
Beach Park 6
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Following this, meeting attendees were invited to select their top 5 recreation amenities used in the City’s
parks and recreation facilities, Figure 2.
Figure 2- Top 5 Recreation Amenities
Recreation Amenity Mark QTY)
Trails and Paths(walking, biking, walking) 24
Children's Play Areas 22
Bathrooms 22
Multipurpose fields (football/soccer) 19
Picnic Areas 19
Sports courts (tennis, basketball, pickleball, volleyball) 14
Swimming Pools 13
Community Gardens 12
Baseball/Softball Fields 5
Off-leash dog park/areas 2
Other: Improve and clean restrooms
Attendees at this meeting shared that the top parks and recreation facilities visited in San Rafael are
Pickleweed Park and Albert J. Boro Community Center, Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline
Park, and Gerstle Park, respectively. Following those, Terra Linda Park and Community Center,
Albert Park and San Rafael Community Center, Peacock Gap Park, and Harry A. Barbier Memorial
Park were also noted, respectively.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
At these parks and recreation facilities, meeting attendees noted that the top five recreation amenities
included the following:
- Trails and paths
- Children’s play areas
- Bathrooms
- Multipurpose fields
- Picnic areas
Station 3: Pickleweed Park Improvements
Staff provided a poster of the 2020 Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project – for attendees to comment on.
Figure 3- Pickleweed Improvements Comments
An important theme arising from comments to Pickleweed Park improvements related to separation of
unwanted activities, especially between adults and children. Comments related to this include
recommendations to restrict alcohol and prevent illegal activities (gambling) at Pickleweed Park.
Related to safety, several comments centered around security and an interest in having additional lighting,
police surveillance, and security cameras at Pickleweed Park. Concerns for maintenance and cleanliness of
the Park were also made clear, particularly in relation to restrooms and picnic areas.
In terms of new facilities, meeting attendees were interested in seeing the following at Pickleweed Park.
Items are not listed by order of frequency mentioned:
- Community pool
- Areas for skateboarding and bikes, including bike and skateboard parking
- Outdoor basketball court
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
- Synthetic sport fields
- Better parking
Station 4: General Questions Related to City Parks and Recreation
At station 4 meeting attendees were invited to answer 3 questions about the San Rafael’s parks and
recreation system.
What do you like about the park and recreational facilities in the city of San Rafael?
A major amenity that community members liked at this meeting is the City’s playgrounds and play areas
for children. Following this, meeting attendees shared appreciation for the City’s soccer fields (at
Pickleweed Park) and picnic areas. Additional items liked by attendees include park trees, the City’s
variety of parks and facilities, and access to open space. See Figure 5 and Figure 6.
What suggestions for improvement do you have for the city's parks and recreational
facilities?
At this meeting, attendees shared improvement suggestion in the categories of cleanliness, safety,
enhanced recreation, and recreation amenities. See Figure 6 and Figure 7.
Regarding cleanliness, meeting attendees shared that general cleanliness can be improved in City parks,
especially in restrooms. Attendees also shared that the City should consider additional trash cans and
prohibiting smoking in parks to support cleanliness.
Similar to themes heard at Station 3 of this meeting, attendees requested improvements related to
separation of unwanted activities, especially between adults and children. Community members
supported improved safety through the provision of additional security, lighting, and safe play areas for
kids.
To improve recreation and recreation amenities, community members here requested synthetic turf
fields, soccer fields open year-round, bike amenities, outdoor exercise machines, and improved picnic
areas with shade and updated furniture.
What features, facilities, or recreation programs would you like to be added to San Rafael?
A strong interest shared by meeting attendees here was having more recreation activities, particularly for
teens. Program interests for this age group include arts and environmental protection. In line with this
interest, many attendees also shared a desire for a new bike or skateboard park for youth and teens.
Community members shared that in adding recreation activities enrollment fees should be affordable.
See Figure 8 and Figure 9.
Like previous interests shared in this community meeting, additional requests stated by attendees
included:
- Outdoor basketball courts
- Improved picnic areas – with shade and updated structures
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
- Improved safety through lighting
- Separate spaces for adults and children to recreate
- Community gym
- Community pool
- More water fountains
- Improved parking
- Soccer field access year-round
- Bike amenities – bike paths and bike parking
Figure 4 - Station 4, Question 1 Post-It Board
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Figure 5 - Station 4, Question 1 Comments
Figure 6 - Station 4, Question 2 Post-It Board
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Figure 7 - Station 4, Question 2 Comments
Figure 8 - Station 4, Question 3 Post-It Board
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Figure 9 - Station 4, Question 3 Comments
Children’s Station: What do you like to do in parks?
At the children’s station, kids were invited to create art projects showing what they like to do in parks. The
art projects are shown below in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13.
Figure 10 - Children's Station 1
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 11th, Community Workshop #1- Albert J. Boro Community Center
Figure 11 - Children's Station 2
Figure 12 - Children's Station 3
Figure 13 - Children's Station 4
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March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1- SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER
Group Discussion Summary
Community Workshop #1, at the San Rafael Community Center, was held on March 30th, 2022 and hosted
about 35 community members. This workshop introduced the community to the Master Plan process and
gathered initial input regarding the needs and desires for the City’s existing recreation network. Workshop
attendees worked in groups to answer several questions. A summary of their responses follows.
I. What do you like about the City of San Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities?
Community members at this meeting expressed that they appreciated the overall quantity and location of the
City’s parks and recreation facilities as well the variety of amenities provided in parks, including play areas,
reservable picnic spaces, tennis courts, restrooms, and well-established trees. Gerstle Park, Peacock Gap
Park, Sun Valley Park, Terra Linda Park and Community Center, Albert J. Boro Community Center,
Pickleweed Park, Boyd Park, and the Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park were specifically
mentioned as favorable parks to visit. Noted favorable qualities at Gerstle Park include its central location,
basketball courts, and dragon sculpture. Favorable qualities noted at Peacock Gap Park include its
playground and the variety of users it attracts. Favorable features noted at Sun Valley Park include its
restroom and covered picnic area. Community members also expressed a general sense of safety in the
City’s parks and an appreciation of trail access from parks.
Regarding programs, community members expressed an appreciation for the variety of programs offered in
the City. Movies in the Park, Porchfest, volunteer opportunities with UC Marin Master Gardeners at Falkirk
Cultural Center, and programming at Terra Linda Community Center were specifically mentioned.
II. What improvement suggestions do you have for the City’s parks and recreation
facilities?
Community members at this meeting expressed that the following could be improved throughout the City’s
parks and recreation facilities:
• Irrigation
• Park lighting
• Maintenance
• Planting – consider native and drought-tolerant species
• Paving
• Tennis courts – surfacing
• Picnic areas
Specific suggestions were also made for certain parks, including Gerstle Park, Terra Linda Park, Peacock
Gap Park, and Bret Harte Park. At Gerstle Park, attendees requested better lighting, improved play areas
(balance beam), updating the tennis courts, replacing failing picnic tables, and improving walkways and
paths. At Terra Linda Park, attendees requested improved tennis and basketball courts. At Peacock Gap
Park, attendees requested improved tennis courts as well. At Bret Harte Park, attended requested repaving
of the park’s asphalt black top.
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March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
III. What recreation features, facilities, or programs would you like to see added for San
Rafael’s park and recreation facilities?
At this community meeting a key topic that arose was a lack of amenities and programs for youth – aged
middle through high school. Suggestions to improve this included adding a skate park to the City’s
recreation facilities, providing programming next to Davidson Middle School and at the San Rafael
Community Center, and considering unique recreation facilities such as a bouldering wall.
Another key topic brought up by attendees at this meeting was a need for more community programming.
Specially, attendees were interested in seeing the City host more special events such as concerts, dances,
volunteer programs, and other gatherings for intergenerational activity. Additional requests stated by
attendees included the following:
• City dog park
• Additional recreation classes for education
• Additional community gardens – and a restroom at Terra Linda Community Garden
• Centrally located City pool
• Outdoor-oriented programming – hiking, etc.
• Dedicated pickleball courts
• Lit sport fields
• More field space and better maintained fields
• Park(s) in the Montecito/Dominican neighborhood
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
Figure 1 - Community Members at Group 1 Figure 2 - Community Members at Group 2
Figure 3 - Community Member at Group 3 Figure 4 - RHAA Presenting
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March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
Figure 5 - Group 1, Question 1 Figure 6 - Group 1, Question 2
Figure 7- Group 1, Question 3
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March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
Figure 8 - Group 2, Question 1 Figure 9 - Group 2, Question 2
Figure 10 - Group 2, Question 3
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March 30th, Community Workshop #1-San Rafael Community Center
Figure 11 - Group 3, Question 1 Figure 12 - Group 3, Question 1
Figure 13 - Group 3, Question 1
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April 28th, Community Workshop #1-Terra Linda Community Center
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1- TERRA LINDA COMMUNITY CENTER
Group Discussion Summary
Community Workshop #1, at the Terra Linda Community Center, was held on April 28th, 2022 and hosted
3 community members. This workshop introduced the community to the Master Plan process and gathered
initial input regarding the needs and desires for the City’s existing recreation network. As attendance was
limited to a few individuals, there was only 1 group session held to answer the following questions verbally –
answers were not recorded on a flip chart as they were at the March 30th meeting at the San Rafael
Community Center. A summary of this group’s responses follows.
I. What do you like about the City of San Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities?
Community members at this meeting expressed that the City does a good job maintaining existing parks and
recreation facilities. Specially, attendees stated that existing parks and recreation facilities are updated and
have well-maintained restrooms. Gerstle Park and Falkirk Cultural Grounds were explicitly mentioned as
favorable places to visit. Attendees also expressed an appreciation for the City’s San Rafael Activities Guide,
stating that the City offered a variety of recreation programs and that many community member enroll in
these programs.
II. What improvement suggestions do you have for the City’s parks and recreation
facilities?
Regarding improvements, attendees at this meeting stated that overall park and facility maintenance could
be improved – specially related to litter and restrooms. Attendees also stated that the City’s park picnic
tables should be replaced as needed and that the Terra Linda Community Center should be updated to
attract additional users. Additionally, attendees recommended that the City consider advertising recreation
programs through the Marin Independent Journal and the City Manager’s Newsletter.
III. What recreation features, facilities, or programs would you like to see added for San
Rafael’s park and recreation facilities?
At this community meeting attendees focused on the key topic of providing more community programming
for the City of San Rafael to attract intergenerational activity. Specific recommendations from this groups
included the provision of places for performing/storytelling (amphitheater, stage, etc.), City-hosted food
truck events, and organizing family activities similar to those at the Marin Country Mart. Regarding park and
facilities amenities, attendees recommended the City add a skate park, offer more tot-age play structures, use
resilient matting at all play areas (rather than wood fibar), and provide more shade.
Figure 1 - Community Meeting Attendees (3) Seen with Recreation Staff
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
May 5th, Community Workshop #1-Zoom
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1- ZOOM
Group Discussion Summary
Community Workshop #1, online via Zoom, was held on May 5th, 2022 and hosted 9 community members.
This workshop introduced the community to the Master Plan process and gathered initial input regarding
the needs and desires for the City’s existing recreation network. For this online session a group discussion
was held to answer the following questions. A summary of this group’s responses follows.
I. What do you like about the City of San Rafael’s parks and recreation facilities?
Community members at this meeting liked the unique setting within which San Rafael’s parks are located –
natural Bay Area hills with access to trails and open space. Community members at this meeting also shared
that they liked that there are opportunities for parks and recreation facilities to be improved without
requiring additional land or property.
II. What improvement suggestions do you have for the City’s parks and recreation
facilities?
At this meeting, many comments were heard regarding improvements desired at Terra Linda Park, Pool,
and Community Center. Interests included expanded hours for pool access, especially for adults, and facility
improvements at the pool house such as updated lockers and benches.
Community members at the meeting also discussed the importance of physical and social safety in City
parks. Physically, attendees encouraged the removal of hazards such as splinters from benches and
awareness of tripping risks. Socially, attendees noted that each City park has unique needs for safety and
social gathering.
Additional improvement requests made included repairing irrigation at fields in Albert Park and amending
challenges at the publicly closed Beach Park so that it can be reopened.
III. What recreation features, facilities, or programs would you like to see added for San
Rafael’s park and recreation facilities?
Reopening closed tennis courts and adding pickleball facilities in San Rafael was a priority for attendees at
this community meeting. Attendees were interested in having shared (with tennis users), or dedicated
pickleball courts throughout the City.
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September 9th, Community Workshop #2
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #2- ZOOM
Group Discussion Summary
Community Workshop #2, online via Zoom, was held on September 8tth, 2022 and hosted approximately
25 community members. This workshop presented findings from the community outreach process
(Statistically Valid Survey and Parks and Recreation Questionnaire survey results), a summary of the park
and facility inventory, a summary of the recreation planning and operations assessment, and the
prioritization criteria to be used to prioritize proposed recommendations from the Master Plan. For this
online meeting breakout sessions were held to answer the following questions. A summary of the group’s
responses follows.
I. Do these criteria capture the priorities that the City should use to make decisions
moving forward? Is there anything else that should be considered?
Community members at this meeting generally appreciated the criteria and criteria selection process that was
presented. Several community members voiced that the criteria would provide a logical methodology for the
implementation of the Master Plan’s recommendations.
II. Do you have any other comments or feedback as we move into developing and
prioritizing recommendations for the plan?
At this meeting, community members recommended the following be considered:
• Consider historic nature and design use/intent of sites in criteria
• Ensure population growth is included - included in Service Area
• Consider inclusive experiences as component of Accessibility criteria
• Consider partnerships beyond the City
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DOCUMENT REVIEW
A review of San Rafael’s previous planning efforts, related to the City’s park and recreation network, is
completed as a component of the Citywide Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Reviewing these
documents ensures that the goals and recommendations of the Master Plan build upon and support previous
planning projects. The following master planning documents provide guidance for the Citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan – listed in order of adoption, below.
I.San Rafael General Plan 2040, 2021
II.Downtown Precise Plan, 2021
III.Climate Change Action Plan, 2019
IV.San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2018
V.Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan and Guidelines, 2009
I.SAN RAFAEL GENERAL PLAN 2040, 2021
Introduction
The San Rafael General Plan 2040, or General Plan, was adopted by the San Rafael City Council in August 2021
and addresses the planning elements of land use, circulation, housing, open space, conservation, safety,
noise, and environmental justice. The General Plan provides a shared vision for the City’s future and a
guiding framework to make that vision a reality as it looks 20 years into the future. This document supports
the City’s existing qualities while promoting improvements to make San Rafael more resilient, equitable,
healthy, and attractive as it continues to evolve and grow.
The General Plan 2040 identifies guiding principles to achieve the vision of a thriving San Rafael with a
commitment to conserve and strengthen the foundational assets that make San Rafael the city that it is - its
neighborhoods, beautiful open space, downtown, strong sense of community, historic legacy, and quality
public service. With these aspects in mind, the General Plan identifies the five following Guiding Principles:
•Economic vitality
•Opportunity for all
•Adapting to the future
•Housing the growing community
•Mobility
In relation to the San Rafael Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the General Plan provides goals, policies,
and programs, per planning element, that shape and inform its development. The following goals, and
associated policies and programs, from the General Plan 2040 relate directly to the City’s park and recreation
network and inform the San Rafael Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Land Use Element
The Land Use Element of the General Plan 2040 includes policies that guide the physical form of San Rafael
and direction for the City’s land use compatibility, development, and growth management. The following
APPENDIX D
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goals, policies, and programs relate to San Rafael’s existing and future park, recreation, and recreation
facilities network.
Goal LU-1: Well-Managed Growth and Change - Grow and change in a way that serves community
needs, protects the environment, improves fiscal stability, and enhances the quality of life.
Policy LU-1.16 School Site Reuse or Development - In the event a school site is made available
for reuse, work with the School District and surrounding community to determine the desired uses.
Given the public ownership of the land, uses that provide a public benefit should receive priority.
This includes affordable housing, childcare facilities, neighborhood parkland, and facilities that
accommodate public and quasi-public uses, such as adult day care, education, recreation, arts and
cultural programs.
Goal LU-2: A Complete Community - San Rafael is a complete community, with balanced and diverse
land uses.
Policy LU-2.7: Child Care Facilities - Encourage the development of new childcare facilities and
the retention of existing childcare facilities to meet neighborhood and citywide needs. Work with the
school districts to encourage childcare and early childhood education programs at schools,
recognizing their suitability for such uses and convenient locations in residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-2.8: Senior and Disabled Care Facilities - Encourage facilities and services to meet
the needs of older and disabled residents, including senior housing, assisted living, and convalescent
care facilities; and facilities providing adult day care and social services, and health care for older
adults and people with disabilities.
Goal LU-3: Distinctive Neighborhoods - Create and sustain neighborhoods of integrity and distinctive
character.
Policy LU-3.2: New Development in Residential Neighborhoods - Preserve, enhance, and
maintain the residential character of neighborhoods to keep them safe, desirable places to live. New
development, redevelopment of existing buildings, and land use changes within and adjacent to
residential areas should:
Enhance neighborhood image and design quality
Incorporate sensitive transitions in height and setbacks from adjacent properties
Preserve historic, unique, and architecturally significant structures
Respect and enhance natural features and terrain
Reduce exposure to hazards, including limited emergency vehicle access
Include amenities such as sidewalks, pathways, trees, and other landscape improvements
Maintain or enhance infrastructure service levels
Meet expected parking demand
Minimize reduction of views, privacy, and solar access for neighboring properties
Policy LU-3.9: Neighborhood Centers - Support the vitality of attractive, viable neighborhood
centers and assist these centers as they adapt to changing economic conditions and community
needs. Existing neighborhood centers should be retained unless it can be clearly demonstrated that
they are not economically viable or useful to the neighborhood. Where commercial uses are no
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longer feasible, other uses that are compatible with the neighborhood such as housing and local
services should be accommodated.
Program LU-3.9A: Neighborhood Serving Uses. Prioritize neighborhood serving uses
and places that support neighborhood interaction on small commercial sites in residential
areas. Examples of such uses are cafes, grocery stores, hair salons, hardware stores,
household goods and maintenance services, restaurants, drug stores, local medical and health
care services, farmers markets, childcare facilities, public facilities, and similar activities that
meet the day to day needs of local residents. Also encourage uses that facilitate remote
work, such as postal and telecommunication services. Maintaining these uses near residents
can potentially help reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and encourage walkable
neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.11: Neighborhood Pride - Promote events and activities that support neighborhood
pride, create a sense of community, and build connections between residents. These events and
activities could include block parties, festivals, parades, picnics, concerts, and similar activities that
bring residents together. City parks should include areas where such activities can be hosted, in a
manner respectful of nearby residents.
Neighborhoods Element
The General Plan 2040 organizes the City into 5 planning area neighborhoods - Downtown, Central San
Rafael, North San Rafael, Southeast San Rafael/Canal, and San Pedro Peninsula. This element provides
goal, policies, and programs for these neighborhoods that relate to the City’s overall social and physical
character. Related to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, this element identifies opportunities to
improve and expand upon the City’s park and recreation facilities. Key park and recreation-related
opportunities identified include the following.
In Central San Rafael the General Plan considers:
• Acquisition of the Camgros/Duca Properties for a neighborhood/community cultural center, or
dedication of land for such a site in future development
• Feasibility of a community cultural and environmental center in the Sun Valley area
• Developing a small neighborhood park in the northern part of the Lincoln/San Rafael
neighborhood.
• Dedication of open space in the Dominican/Black Canyon Area
• Creation of a small neighborhood park and children’s playground in the Montecito Neighborhood
In Southeast San Rafael/Canal the General Plan supports:
• A design plan and vision for the Canalfront, focusing on pedestrian circulation and access
• A boat launch facility at Beach Park
• Development of a neighborhood park on publicly owned land at the southeast corner of Bellam
Boulevard and Windward Way
In North San Rafael the General Plan proposes:
• Public gathering spaces at North San Rafael Town Center
• Upgrades and renovations to Terra Linda Park and Community Center
• Additional recreation facilities for youth such as a teen center or skate park
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• Upgrades to Arbor, Munson, and Hillview pocket parks
• Additional public recreation opportunities at School-District-owned sports fields
In San Pedro Peninsula the General Plan proposes:
• A community center within the San Pedro Peninsula
• A public park band along shoreline at San Rafael Rock Quarry and McNear Brickyard
• Opportunities for multi-use community facilities for the San Pedro Peninsula
The following are goals, policies, and programs that relate to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, per
planning area neighborhood.
Downtown
Policy NH-1.6: Public Realm - Improve the quality and usefulness of public space Downtown,
including streets, sidewalks, alleys, plazas, parks, and other civic spaces. Public investments in these
spaces should be directed in a way that supports Downtown development. Downtown public space
should be safe, comfortable, and well-maintained.
Program NH-1.6B: Transit Gateway Improvements. Create a new public space adjacent
to the SMART station that would provide an amenity for Downtown residents, workers,
visitors, and transit passengers. The space should create a welcoming “first impression” of
Downtown. Provisions for ongoing programming, maintenance, and safety should be
developed prior to construction.
Central San Rafael
Policy NH-2.8: Sun Valley Development - Ensure that new development and significant
remodels retain neighborhood character, especially in areas of smaller or historic homes.
Development should support the City’s sustainability and wildfire prevention goals.
Program NH-2.8A: Camgros/Duca Properties. Ensure that any future use on these
properties supports and sustains neighborhood character. The neighborhood has expressed
that it supports acquisition of these sites for a neighborhood/community cultural center, or
dedication of land for such a site in future development. Such a center could also provide
for outdoor education, emergency response and training, community functions, and delivery
of local services. The potential for housing on this site also must be recognized. In the event
residential development is pursued, clustering of the allowable units should be encouraged to
preserve open space areas. Development should comply with the City’s Hillside Guidelines
and should establish a wildlife corridor and protected riparian area along a restored Mahon
Creek.
Policy NH-2.10: Sun Valley Gathering Places - Sustain existing neighborhood gathering places in
Sun Valley. Pursue opportunities to create new places where Sun Valley residents can meet, learn,
play, and build a stronger sense of community.
Program NH-2.10A: Community Center. Consider the feasibility of a community
cultural and environmental center in the Sun Valley area. In addition, strengthen the
function of Sun Valley School and Sun Valley Park as neighborhood gathering places. This
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includes continued agreements with the School for access to the school yard after hours as
well as access to the Dan Abraham Trail. These agreements could be expanded to allow for
community meetings, emergency response, and other activities on school property.
Policy NH-2.13: Lincoln Avenue Corridor - Allow higher density residential development along
Lincoln Avenue between Hammondale Court and Mission Avenue, recognizing the availability of
public transit along this corridor and the established pattern of development. Where development
occurs, landscaped setbacks and tree planting should be required to visually reduce the “wall effect”
along Lincoln Avenue. Underground parking should be encouraged to reduce overall building
height and mass. Consolidation of smaller lots into larger parcels should be encouraged, in order to
create more viable development sites, meet parking needs, and minimize the number of
ingress/egress points to Lincoln Avenue.
Program NH-2.13B: Lincoln/San Rafael Hill Park. Pursue opportunities to develop a
small neighborhood park in the northern part of the Lincoln/San Rafael neighborhood.
Policy NH-2.15: Dominican/Black Canyon Area Resources and Hazards - Proactively work
to conserve and restore natural resources and reduce environmental hazards in the
Dominican/Black Canyon area, including wildfire, landslide, and noise hazards.
Program NH-2.15C: Open Space Dedication. Consider offers to dedicate vacant sites,
including the 17.9-acre parcel at the end of Dominican Drive (also with frontage on Glen
Park Avenue), as public open space. If City ownership is infeasible, consider dedication to
Marin County Parks.
Policy NH-2.17: High School Campus Plans - Facilitate communication between San Rafael City
Schools and the neighborhood on issues related to traffic, parking, noise, operations, and
development on the high school campus.
Program NH-2.17A: Corporation Yard Reuse. Encourage relocation of the
bus/maintenance yard located on the northwest corner of the high school campus (Union
and Mission), thereby allowing for development of:
a). Affordable multi-family housing. To the extent feasible, housing on the site should serve
older adults and/or School District staff. Any development on this site should maintain,
enhance, and protect the view corridor down Fourth Street to the High School’s west
portico.
b). Montecito Neighborhood Park. A small neighborhood park and children’s playground
should be included in any plans to repurpose school property. In the event a park is
infeasible on the Union and Mission site, consider other locations on the campus where such
a facility is possible, including a joint use park on the field east of the corporation yard.
If any part of the high school campus is closed or sold before the horizon of the General
Plan, a priority should be placed on developing affordable housing or neighborhood
parkland.
Policy NH-2.22: Bret Harte Neighborhood - Maintain Bret Harte as a great neighborhood, with
continued efforts to reduce hazards, preserve open space, enhance public facilities and
infrastructure, and encourage reinvestment in the existing housing stock.
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Program NH-2.22A: Bret Harte Neighborhood Priorities. Recognize the following
neighborhood priorities in planning and development decisions for the Bret Harte area:
e). Continue improvements to Bret Harte Park, including hillside landscaping to prevent
erosion, community art projects, shade tree maintenance, completion of restroom
improvements, and replacement of the water tank while preserving the historic wooden
structure that surrounds it.
Policy NH-2.24: Natural Features - Protect and enhance important natural features in the Gerstle
Park area, including Mahon/San Rafael Creek, mature street trees, and community open spaces,
hillsides, and woodlands.
Southeast San Rafael/Canal
Policy NH-3.2: San Rafael Canal - Promote the San Rafael Canal as a community-wide asset for
public and marine-related uses. Public access and views of the water should be improved, and
sensitive wildlife habitat should be protected.
Program NH-3.2A: Design Plan and Vision for the Canalfront. Continue
implementation of the Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan, including circulation and access
improvements and development of a waterfront paseo.
Policy NH-3.7: Recreational Boat Facilities - Maintain existing recreational boat launch facilities
along the Canal unless the demand for such facilities no longer exists or adequate substitute space
can be provided. Encourage the addition of boat launch facilities, boat trailer parking, and sewage
pump out facilities where appropriate.
Program NH-3.7A: Public Boat Launching Facilities. Promote the addition of public
boat launching facilities for small non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks at Beach Park
and the Montecito Shopping Center.
Policy NH-3.13: Canal Public Safety - Work with the Canal community to identify and respond
to public safety needs. This should include capital improvements such as improved street lighting,
repaired sidewalks, a police sub-station, and better relationships between residents, businesses, and
law enforcement.
Policy NH-3.14: Public Facilities - Prioritize citywide public facility investment in the Canal
neighborhood, recognizing the greater needs for parks, child care, libraries, public safety, schools,
employment development, and social services in the community; its vulnerability to hazards, public
health emergencies, and economic stress; and its high concentration of children and very low
income and immigrant households.
Program NH-3.14A: Bellam/Windward Park. Pursue development of a neighborhood
park on publicly owned land at the southeast corner of Bellam Boulevard and Windward
Way, or on an equivalent publicly-owned property in this area.
Program NH-3.14B: Community Meeting Space. Meet the need for affordable meeting
and activity space, both at the Albert Boro Community Center and through the development
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of additional community facilities in new development. Incentives and density bonuses
should be provided for private/non-profit development that sets aside space for
neighborhood-based activities such as child care, education, and job training.
Policy NH-3.19: Libraries and Community Programs - Continue to invest in and expand library
facilities at the Albert J Boro Community Center. Support continuing programs at this facility and at
other facilities serving the Canal community, including bilingual and ESL classes, pre-school, and
after school programs.
Program NH-3.19A: Youth and Family Services. Prioritize additional programs for
youth and families in the Canal area, including child care and more activities for young
people.
Policy NH-3.24: Canalways - Recognize the potential for the Canalways site to achieve multiple
goals, including habitat conservation, wetland restoration, sea level rise adaptation, and provision of
affordable housing, along with creation of additional jobs, economic activity, and tax revenue. The
City supports a plan for the site that balances conservation and development objectives.
Development should be beneficial for the surrounding community, protect the site’s environmental
resources, and be responsive to natural hazards. In general, development should be located in
upland areas that are not critical habitat for endangered species.
Program NH-3.24A: Canalways Conservation and Development Plan. Encourage
preparation of a Canalways Conservation and Development Plan by the landowners. Such a
Plan could become the basis for defining the developable area and permitting and defining
additional land uses. The first step of this process should be a biological assessment and
updated delineation of wetlands.
North San Rafael
Policy NH-4.2: North San Rafael Town Center - Strengthen the role of the North San Rafael
Town Center as an attractive, thriving heart for the North San Rafael community: an economically
viable centerpiece of commerce and activity with diverse activities for persons of all ages.
Program NH-4.2B: Outdoor Gathering Places. Include outdoor public places that
support community activities and entertainment such as a public plaza for periodic arts and
cultural events, outdoor cafes with music, restaurants with sidewalk or patio dining,
children’s play areas, teen-centered spaces, and other uses that provide outdoor seating.
Design of retail spaces should be flexible enough to support these types of activities in the
future.
Policy NH-4.7: Terra Linda Community Improvements - Invest in upgraded community
facilities in Terra Linda, including places for youth, families, and older adults to gather and explore
their interests.
Program NH-4.7A: Community Improvements. Consider the following improvements
in the Terra Linda area:
a) Modernization of the Terra Linda Community Center to meet current and future needs
b) Additional recreation facilities for youth, such as a teen center or skate park
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c) Upgraded pocket parks along Freitas Parkway (Arbor, Munson, and Hillview), linked to a
broader effort to restore Gallinas Creek (see next policy)
e) Implementation of North San Rafael Promenade improvements, especially between the
Community Center and Freitas Parkway to encourage access by foot and bike
f) Improved pedestrian walkways connecting Terra Linda streets
g) Additional public recreational opportunities at School District-owned sports fields, such
as those at Santa Margarita School
h) Safety improvements to infrastructure
Policy NH-5.1: San Pedro Peninsula - Maintain the San Pedro Peninsula as an attractive,
residential area with scenic waterfront and open space amenities, quality community services and
facilities, protected environmental resources, and continued improvements to public safety and
emergency preparedness. Work with Marin County to address issues of mutual concern to the City,
County, and residents of incorporated and unincorporated areas, including flooding, speed
enforcement, and sidewalk and median maintenance on Point San Pedro Road.
Program NH-5.1B: Community Center. Explore opportunities to create a public
community center that can serve as a location for programs, recreational services,
community events, and emergency preparedness/response. This should include
opportunities created at such time that the San Rafael Rock Quarry/McNear Brickyard
ceases operations and is planned for reuse.
Policy NH-5.3: Maintenance of Public Facilities and Infrastructure - Maintain and enhance
City infrastructure and public facilities serving the Peacock Gap neighborhood.
Program NH-5.3A: Environmental Quality Improvements. Ensure that City properties
and infrastructure are maintained in a way th at protects environmental quality, reduces
hazards, and protects the quality of life. This should include maintenance of stormwater
pumps at Riviera Drive and Point San Pedro Road, implementing best practices for reducing
siltation and improving water quality in the Peacock Gap Lagoon, renovating and
maintaining Peacock and Riviera Parks, and continuing efforts to improve roads and other
infrastructure.
Policy NH-5.4: Loch Lomond Marina - Maintain and enhance the Loch Lomond Marina and
adjacent properties as a community asset, new neighborhood and commercial center, and gathering
place and recreational amenity for the San Pedro Peninsula. Conditions of approval and provisions
of the amended Master Plan for the Village at Loch Lomond Marina shall be honored as work on
the project continues.
Program NH-5.4A: Completion of Village Improvements. Pursue timely completion of
the Village at Loch Lomond Marina project consistent with approved plans, as amended.
This should include:
c) Completion of recreational improvements, including a kayak dock and launch ramp and
public access improvements in the center plaza.
e) Completion of the pedestrian access path.
g) Installation of a bird viewing area and interpretive signage.
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Program NH-5.4C: Common Area Maintenance. Continue to maintain publicly-
accessible parks, shoreline areas, and a marina green through a community facilities (Mello-
Roos) district.
Policy NH-5.7: San Rafael Rock Quarry and McNear Brickyard Long-Term Plans - If
operations cease during the timeframe of this Plan, consider annexation and redevelopment of the
San Rafael Rock Quarry and McNear Brickyard, taking into account the following:
d) Create a public use park band along the existing shoreline averaging at least 100 feet in width
linking McNears Beach with the public walkway along Point San Pedro Road, as approved by the
Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
e) Consider opportunities for multi-use community facilities serving residents of the San Pedro
Peninsula and beyond, such as a center for the arts, education, and the environment.
Program NH-5.7B: Shoreline Use. Use the development review process to establish a bay
frontage linear park that connects McNear Beach to the existing shoreline walkway along
Point San Pedro Road. The park should incorporate sea level rise adaptation measures.
Community Design and Preservation Element
The Community Design and Preservation Element of the General Plan 2040 analyzes the key characteristics
that contribute to San Rafael’s identity and image and provides goals, policies, and programs to guide the
City’s built form over the next 20 years. The City’s park and recreation network contributes to the City’s
image and livability. Of special interest to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Community
Design and Preservation Element discusses the opportunity to build upon historic designation and
preservation of historic parks in San Rafael, including Gerstle Park and Falkirk Cultural Grounds.
Goal CDP-1: A Beautiful City - Preserve and strengthen San Rafael’s natural and built features to enhance
the appearance and livability of the city.
Policy CDP-1.1: City Image - Reinforce San Rafael’s image by respecting the city’s natural features,
protecting its historic resources, and strengthening its focal points, gateways, corridors, and
neighborhoods.
Policy CDP-1.4: Waterfront Identity - Strengthen San Rafael’s identity as a waterfront city,
providing improved visual and physical access to San Pablo Bay, San Rafael Bay, and the San Rafael
Canal.
Program CDP-1.4A: Canalfront Design Plan. Implement the Canalfront Conceptual
Design Plan (2009) recommendations. Development near the shoreline should maximize
views to the water and public access to the shoreline.
Program CDP-1.4B: Canal Promenade. Pursue development of a continuous pathway or
promenade along the Canal waterfront.
Goal CDP-2: A Sense of Place - Strengthen San Rafael’s sense of place.
Policy CDP-2.1: Neighborhoods, Districts, and Centers - Strengthen San Rafael’s identity as a
community of unique centers, neighborhoods, corridors, and districts. Design decisions should
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maintain Downtown as a historic, walkable center; preserve the integrity and character of residential
neighborhoods; and improve the appearance and function of mixed use districts such as the North
San Rafael Town Center.
Policy CDP-2.3: Neighborhood Identity and Character - Recognize, preserve, and enhance the
positive qualities that shape neighborhood identity. Development standards should respect
neighborhood context and scale and preserve design elements that contribute to neighborhood
livability. Standards should also provide the flexibility for innovative design and new types of
construction. Code enforcement and City programs should maintain community standards and the
integrity of buildings and landscapes.
Program CDP-2.3A: Code Enforcement. Maintain code enforcement and nuisance
abatement programs to address litter, illegal dumping, unlawful storage, and property
maintenance issues.
Goal CDP-3: Attractive Streets and Public Spaces - Create streets, public spaces, and civic buildings
that add value to private property, promote environmental sustainability, and contribute to San Rafael’s
visual quality and identity.
Policy CDP-3.1: Plazas and Active Public Spaces - Encourage the integration of public space—
or private space that is available for public use—in larger-scale commercial, civic, and mixed use
development. Such spaces should be designed and operated so that they can be easily maintained,
remain safe and attractive, and contribute positively to the community.
Program CDP-3.1A: Activation of Public Space. Encourage activities such as farmers
markets and performances in public spaces to enhance their usefulness and role as
community gathering space.
Policy CDP-3.4: Landscape Maintenance - Prioritize landscape maintenance along the city’s
most heavily traveled roadways and gateways. Control costs by using low-maintenance materials,
removing litter, and avoiding deferred maintenance. Operational practices should support the City’s
commitment to water conservation, fire prevention, and reduced use of toxic materials.
Program CDP-3.4A: Landscape Stewardship. Encourage partnerships with
neighborhoods and civic organizations to maintain and improve the city’s landscaped areas.
Policy CDP-3.6: Wayfinding and Directional Signage - Encourage the use of consistent graphic
conventions and logos for City signs, including gateway signs and wayfinding signs.
Program CDP-3.6A: Downtown Wayfinding. Implement the signage recommendations
in the 2018 Downtown Parking and Wayfinding Study to direct people to historic and
cultural resources, public facilities, parks, shopping areas, parking, and key destinations.
Consider wayfinding signage in other parts of the city, such as Northgate, the Point San
Pedro area, and the Canal.
Goal CDP-5: Protection of Cultural Heritage - Protect and maintain San Rafael’s historic and
archaeological resources as visible reminders of the city’s cultural heritage.
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Policy CDP-5.1 Historic Buildings and Areas - Preserve buildings and areas with special and
recognized historic, architectural or aesthetic value, including but not limited to those on the San
Rafael Historical/Architectural Survey. New development and redevelopment should respect
architecturally and historically significant buildings and areas.
Policy CDP-5.2 Inventorying Historic Resources - Maintain and periodically update inventories
of local historic resources, using methods that are consistent with state and federal criteria. Balance
these criteria to reflect local values and avoid unreasonable constraints on property rights. Historic
resources may include sites associated with important historic events or people, archaeological
resources, and landscape elements, in addition to older buildings.
Program CDP-5.2B: Inventory Update. Regularly update the City’s
Historical/Architecture Survey, which is an inventory of buildings of architectural value,
historic buildings and/or districts and historic elements such as signs, monuments, and gates.
A priority should be placed on neighborhoods with large concentrations of older structures,
as well as areas most likely to experience development pressure in the future.
Policy CDP-5.3: Districts - Encourage the formation of historic or architectural conservation
districts in areas where important historic resources are concentrated and where there is property
owner and community support for such designations. Such districts should provide for preservation,
restoration, and greater awareness of the resources they contain, while providing financial and
property tax incentives for property owners.
Policy CDP-5.4: Preservation Incentives - Create innovative incentives that encourage
stewardship of San Rafael’s historic resources. Incentives should be enacted before (or concurrently
with) placing additional restrictions on historic properties, to ensure that preservation makes
economic sense.
Program CDP-5.4B: Local Financial Incentives. Pursue the following financial
incentives to support historic preservation activities:
(e) Establishment of a nonprofit trust whose function is to restore, maintain, and lease
publicly owned historic buildings (such as Falkirk Mansion and the Boyd Gatehouse).
Policy CDP-5.5: Adaptive Reuse - Encourage the adaptation and reuse of historic and older
buildings as a way to preserve San Rafael’s heritage, especially where the original use of the building
is no longer viable.
Program CDP-5.5A: California Historic Building Code. Use the State historic building
code to relieve historic buildings from modern code requirements, thus making it easier to
reuse the building. Explore other incentivizes or code changes that allow interior spaces in
older buildings to be more easily and affordably updated.
Policy CDP-5.6: Protecting the Integrity of Historic Properties - Ensure that modifications to
designated historic properties, including additions, alterations, and new structures, are visually
compatible with the property’s contributing features, as defined by the San Rafael Municipal Code.
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Program CDP-5.6C: Landscapes and Natural Features. Consider landscapes, gardens,
mature trees, and natural features as contextually relevant when defining historic value.
Encourage the preservation of such features when they are determined to be significant.
Policy CDP-5.7: Maintenance of Historic Properties - Strongly support the maintenance of
historic properties and avoid their deterioration to the point where rehabilitation is no longer
feasible (e.g., “demolition by neglect”).
Policy CDP-5.8: Preservation Advocacy - Encourage local preservation efforts by community
organizations. Provide technical support to such groups and encourage their participation in City-
sponsored preservation activities.
Program CDP-5.8B: Volunteers. Engage volunteers in historic surveys and similar
activities to the greatest extent feasible, with professional assistance as needed.
Program CDP-5.8C: Public Events and Social Media. Encourage local preservation
advocacy organizations to produce events, publications, social media, and exhibits about the
historic resources that exist in San Rafael.
Policy CDP-5.9: Preservation Education - Encourage historic preservation activities and
programs that heighten awareness of historic resources and the ways that architecture and landscape
define the city’s character.
Program CDP-5.9A: Preservation Reference Materials. Support the efforts of local
organizations to maintain and expand collections of historic photographs, artifacts, books,
media, oral histories, and other resources, and to make these materials available through on-
line archives.
Conservation and Climate Change Element
The Conservation and Climate Change Element addresses management of the City’s natural resources and
prepares for San Rafael’s resource management through a changing climate. Of special interest to the
Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the Conservation and Climate Change Element promotes reduction
of water use, replacing inefficient irrigation systems, conserving energy in municipal buildings, and
promoting environmental education through programming and public events.
Goal C-1: Supporting Our Natural Communities - Protect, restore, and enhance San Rafael’s
environment and natural communities.
Policy C-3.8: Water Conservation - Encourage water conservation and increased use of recycled
water in businesses, homes, and institutions. Local development and building standards shall require
the efficient use of water.
Program C-3.8E: Reducing Municipal Water Use. Reduce water use for municipal
operations through water-efficient landscaping, maintenance of irrigation equipment,
replacement of inefficient plumbing fixtures, and using recycled water where available and
practical.
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Policy C-3.9: Water-Efficient Landscaping - Encourage—and where appropriate require—the
use of vegetation and water-efficient landscaping that is naturalized to the San Francisco Bay region
and compatible with water conservation, fire prevention and climate resilience goals.
Program C-3.9A: Demonstration Gardens. Maintain the Falkirk demonstration gardens
illustrating xeriscaping principles and drought-tolerant plant materials.
Policy C-4.1: Renewable Energy - Support increased use of renewable energy and remove
obstacles to its use.
Program C-4.1E: Municipal Buildings. Wherever feasible, incorporate renewable energy
technology such as solar, cogeneration, and fuel cells, in the construction or retrofitting of
City facilities. Continue use of MCE Deep Green (100% renewable) power.
Policy C-5.7: Climate Change Education - Continue community education and engagement in
climate and sustainability efforts.
Program C-5.7D: Promote Sustainability Efforts. Promote sustainability and climate
change awareness through education, publications, the City’s website, community
organizations, and special events such as Earth Day and an annual Green Festival.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element of the General Plan 2040 is a guiding factor for the Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The goals, policies, and programs put forth in this Element plan for the
future of the City’s recreation network and inform all aspects of the City’s first parks and recreation master
plan. Of interest to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, this element identifies service area gaps in
the provision of parks in the Montecito/Dominican, West End/Fairhills, and Lincoln/San Rafael Hill
neighborhoods. This element also identifies preliminary priorities to improve the City’s recreation network,
below:
• Update (or prepare) site master plans for all neighborhood and community parks.
• Continue park revitalization consistent with recent efforts at Albert Park and San Rafael
Community Center - Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to refurbish existing
community center and athletic fields; develop new Main Library; develop new recreational
facilities; improve habitat and bike/ped facilities along Mahon Creek
• Refurbish community center at Terra Linda Park
• Improve branch library, refurbish fields, shoreline path improvements, and provide sea level rise
adaptation strategies at Pickleweed Park and Albert J. Boro Community Center
• Pursue new uses for Boyd Gatehouse and park/trail improvements on site that continue up San
Rafael Hill at Boyd Memorial Park
• Continue to expand and improve shoreline path network and implement interpretative signage
plans at Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline
• Complete North San Rafael promenade improvements, including plans for Munson Park and
restoration of Gallinas Creek
• Improve access from Gerstle Park, Bret Harte Park, Russom Park and other parks adjacent to
open space areas for hiking
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• Consider additional opportunities for a public pool south of Puerto Suello Hill
• Extend trail network consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, including a
continuous north-south greenway
This Element additionally lists the following as potential locations for new public parks in the City:
• The City-owned site at the southeast corner of Bellam Boulevard and Windward Way in the
Canal neighborhood
• The corporation yard at the southern edge of the Montecito/Happy Valley neighborhood
• Partnership opportunities with Dominican University for a park provision in the
Dominican/Black Canyon neighborhood
• The Lincoln/San Rafael Hill neighborhood
The following goals, policies, and programs of the General Plan 2040 relate directly to the Citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
Goal PROS-1: Quality Parks for All to Enjoy - Sustain high quality parks that meet the recreational needs
of all those who live and work in San Rafael.
Policy PROS-1.1: Park Classification - Maintain a system of community, neighborhood, pocket,
and special use parks. These parks should be complemented by larger region-serving parks and
open spaces, and by school recreation areas.
Program PROS-1.1A: Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Prepare a Parks and
Recreation Master Plan, including citywide recommendations for park management,
operations, facility development, potential acquisition, and recreation service delivery, as well
as recommendations for each City-owned park.
Program PROS 1.1B: Capital Improvement Program. Use the Capital Improvement
Program to identify funding sources and timing of parks and recreation capital projects.
Policy PROS-1.2: Per Capita Acreage Standard - Maintain a citywide standard of 4.0 acres of
improved park and recreation land per 1,000 residents.
Program PROS-1.2A: Municipal Code Amendment. Modify Chapter 15.09 of the
Municipal Code to establish a general standard of 4.0 acres of improved parkland per 1,000.
Adjust the formulas for dedication of land to reflect this standard.
Program PROS-1.2B: Park In Lieu Fees. Periodically adjust park in-lieu fees to reflect
the prevailing costs of land and facilities. Any increases to existing fees should be developed
through a public process in which potential cost impacts on development feasibility are
disclosed and measures to offset impacts on housing costs are considered.
Policy PROS 1.3: Distribution of Parks - Strive for a balanced distribution of neighborhood and
community parks across the city. When planning new parks, prioritize areas that lack existing
parkland or outdoor space, and have higher needs due to higher housing densities and social and
economic conditions.
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Program PROS-1.3A: New Parks. Develop additional parks and playgrounds in areas with
unmet needs and in areas experiencing growth. Opportunities to create new parks within
new development and on underutilized public land should be pursued.
Program PROS-1.3B: Parks on Former School Sites. Work with San Rafael City Schools
and the Miller Creek School District to identify ways to acquire on-site recreational facilities
in the event that school properties are closed, leased, or offered for sale. (see also Policy LU-
1.16 on school site reuse)
Program PROS-1.3C: Adaptation Projects. Incorporate shoreline access and new
recreational amenities in sea level rise adaptation and flood risk reduction projects where
feasible.
Policy PROS-1.5: Park Image and Identity – Create a positive image of the City’s park and open
space system.
Program PROS-1.5A: Branding and Signage. Develop and implement consistent
branding, wayfinding, and interpretive signage for San Rafael’s parks that identify park and
open space properties and help the public locate, navigate, and understand them. Park
signage should be attractive, durable, and contribute to civic pride and identity.
Policy PROS-1.6: Park Improvements - Regularly upgrade and modernize San Rafael’s parks to
meet the recreational needs of the community and replace aging or deficient facilities.
Program PROS-1.6A: Needs Assessment. Conduct a needs assessment as part of a Parks
and Recreation Master Plan. Recreational facility needs should be periodically reevaluated in
response to trends, demographics, and changing conditions.
Program PROS-1.6B Park Improvements. As part of the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan, prepare plans to improve neighborhood and community park facilities. Seek funding to
implement these plans.
Policy PROS-1.7: Athletic Field Design - Encourage athletic field design which maximizes
versatility, cost-efficiency, and the ability to use fields year-round.
Program PROS-1.7A: Field Improvements. Evaluate local athletic fields as part of a
Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Develop design and capital facility recommendations for
athletic fields based on the findings.
Policy PROS-1.10: Historic Preservation and Parks - Incorporate historic and cultural resources
into the City park system, including publicly-owned historic homes and the grounds around them.
Where public operation of such properties is infeasible, encourage their management, operation, and
programming by non-profit organizations.
Policy PROS-1.12: Joint Use - Encourage formal agreements with the School Districts that allow
for the joint development, maintenance, and use of school facilities for recreational use when
schools are not in session. Agreements should also address access to school parking lots for
sporting events and other measures to minimize the impacts of joint use on nearby neighborhoods.
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Program PROS-1.12A: Joint Use Agreements. Work with San Rafael City Schools and
the Miller Creek School District to formalize joint use agreements for parks, playgrounds,
sports fields, and other school facilities.
Policy PROS-1.15: Park Maintenance - Provide a high level of maintenance that allows San
Rafael’s parks and open spaces to fully meet recreational needs and serve as valued community
assets.
Program PROS-1.15A: Cost Considerations in New Projects. Consider maintenance
and long-term operating costs when developing any new facility or modernizing an existing
facility. Funding mechanisms for maintenance should be identified for every capital project.
Program PROS-1.15B: Park Stewardship. Encourage “adopt a park” programs and other
stewardship initiatives that engage volunteers in park clean-up, maintenance, invasive plant
removal, and other improvements. Explore agreements with the Downtown Streets Team
and similar organizations to maintain park and open space areas.
Policy PROS-1.16: Funding - Pursue diverse funding sources for park improvement and
maintenance.
Program PROS-1.16A: Park Funding Strategy. Seek new and ongoing sources
of funds for park development and maintenance, including grants, foundations,
bonds, taxes and assessment districts, impact fees, contributions from “Friends”
organizations, renewal of Measure A, private donations and land dedications, public/private
joint ventures, the Capital Improvement Program, and all other available means.
Program PROS-1.16B: Naming Rights and Sponsorships. Explore opportunities to
generate revenue through naming rights, sponsorships, and charitable giving.
Program PROS-1.6C: Sale, Lease, or Contractual Agreements. In the event City-owned
park or open space land is sold or leased in the future, require that the proceeds are
appropriately used to support park improvements, maintenance, or operating costs.
Policy PROS-1.17: Public-Private Partnerships - Consider the use of public-private partnerships
to rehabilitate, activate, and expand parks and community facility space. Where appropriate and
consistent with the community’s vision, this could include more intensive and varied uses of
parkland, provided that the integrity of the open space is retained.
Policy PROS-1.18 Sustainable Park Operations - Encourage sustainable park management and
operations that enhance the role of parks as green infrastructure and part of the City’s climate
resilience strategy. Parks should be managed to enhance their value as biological resources, natural
habitat, and part of San Rafael’s urban forest.
Program PROS-1.18A: Sustainable Design. Incorporate sustainability principles such as
reduced water and energy, use of recycled and non-toxic materials, stormwater capture, and
carbon sequestration, in the design and construction of park facilities and grounds. Where
feasible, parks should also support the City’s wildfire prevention and sea level rise adaptation
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strategies, and be designed to maximize accessibility by pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit
users.
Goal PROS-2: Excellence in Recreational Programming - Provide accessible, affordable recreation
programming that is responsive to public needs, activates parks for safe and inclusive community use, and
promotes fitness, health, knowledge, and cultural understanding.
Policy PROS-2.1: Meeting Diverse Needs - Ensure that recreational programs and facilities meet
the needs of all San Rafael residents, but most particularly young children, youth, and older adults.
Program PROS-2.1A: Age-Specific Programs. Provide facilities and programs that are
specifically designed to meet the needs of children, teens, and older adults, as well as
those designed for intergenerational participants.
Program PROS-2.1B: Cultural Competency. Provide culturally competent and inclusive
programming that reflects the diversity of San Rafael’s population.
Policy PROS-2.2: Responding to Changing Community Needs - Continually adapt recreational
programs to meet changing community needs and interests.
Program PROS-2.2A: Program Evaluations. Monitor and evaluate participation in the
City’s recreational programs and use this information when developing new programs.
Program PROS-2.2B: Surveys. Conduct periodic surveys in multiple languages to evaluate
recreational needs in neighborhoods and the city as a whole (see also Program EDI-1.3B on
multi-lingual, culturally competent surveys).
Policy PROS-2.3: Coordinated Programming - Work with local public schools, the County of
Marin, sports leagues and athletic associations, community service organizations, and other agencies
to provide complementary and mutually supportive programming. Joint ventures with other service
providers should be encouraged where appropriate.
Policy PROS-2.4: Social Services - Enhance, and where feasible expand, child care and social
services for older adults through the City’s parks, schools, and community centers.
Program PROS-2.4A: Operating Hours. Maintain operating hours that meet public
needs and accommodate activities such as child care and after school care.
Policy PROS-2.5: Recreation and Health - Provide programs and activities that contribute to
physical and mental health, personal growth, and the leisure time needs of San Rafael residents.
Policy PROS-2.6: Local Partners - Engage local artists, athletes, craftspeople, health and fitness
workers, creative professionals, and others in the delivery of recreational classes and programs.
Program PROS-2.6A: User Fees. Recover a portion of recreational program costs
through user fees, facility rentals, and other direct charges for public use. Provisions to
reduce fees for non-profit organizations and low income and special needs patrons should
be included.
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Policy PROS-2.7: Community Events - Encourage special events, festivals, street fairs, and
community programs that build civic unity and bring residents of different backgrounds together.
Policy PROS-2.8: Community Gardens - Continue to support and maintain community gardens
and look for ways to sustain such gardens such as providing recycled water, compost, tools, and
storage sheds.
Policy PROS-2.9: Environmental Education - Pursue opportunities for environmental education
in parks and open spaces, including classes and programs, interpretive trails and boardwalks, and
plaques and markers that raise awareness of nature and climate change.
Policy PROS-2.10: Community Centers - Recognize the role of parks and community centers in
supporting community resilience and emergency preparedness.
Goal PROS-3: Protected, Well Managed Open Space - Manage San Rafael’s open spaces for all to enjoy.
Policy PROS-3.8: Trails - Encourage the development and maintenance of trails within and
between open space areas. Trails should be designed and maintained in an environmentally sensitive
manner and should provide safe and secure routes for a variety of users.
Program PROS-3.8B: Trails Master Plan. Pursue grant funding and develop a Trails
Master Plan, including provisions to improve access and signage to park and open space
areas from San Rafael neighborhoods and balance the needs of different trail user groups.
The Master Plan should include recommendations for new and enhanced trails, minimizing
wildlife and habitat impacts, use guidelines for a variety of users, signage, surface materials,
maintenance, compliance with trail rules, and staging areas. The Plan should incorporate the
“greenway” improvements from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, as well as plans for
the Bay Trail, Canal walkway, North San Rafael promenade, and “water” trails for kayaks in
San Francisco Bay. San Rafael’s network of neighborhood paths, stairways, and mid-block
walkways also should be included.
Safety and Resilience Element
The Safety and Resilience Element of the General Plan 2040 touches on the protection of life and property
from hazards. These hazards include natural hazards such as earthquakes and wildfire, and human-caused
hazards such as those related to hazardous materials and their transport and disposal. This Element also
addresses hazards related to climate change and emergency preparedness. Regarding the Citywide Parks and
Recreation Master Plan, this element supports the safety and resilience of the City’s recreation facility buildings.
Goal S-2: Resilience to Geologic Hazards - Minimize potential risks associated with geologic hazards,
including earthquake-induced ground shaking and liquefaction, landslides, mudslides, erosion,
sedimentation, and settlement.
Policy S-2.3: Seismic Safety of Existing Buildings - Encourage the rehabilitation or elimination
of structures susceptible to collapse or failure in an earthquake. Historic buildings shall be treated in
accordance with the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Historic Building Code.
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Program S-2.3A: Seismic Safety Building Reinforcement. Enforce State and local
requirements for reinforcement of existing buildings, including the city’s remaining
unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings.
Mobility Element
The Mobility Element plans for a “balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of all
users of streets, roads and highways” in alignment with the California Government Code (Section 65302(b)).
This element identifies the general location of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation
routes, terminals, airports, and ports, and plans for a transportation network that supports San Rafael’s
community. Related to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, this element supports pedestrian mobility and
trail networks – an identified priority. The goals, policies, and programs that relate directly to the Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan follow.
Goal M-3: Cleaner Transportation - Coordinate transportation, land use, community design, and
economic development decisions in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution,
noise, and other environmental impacts related to transportation.
Policy M-3.7: Design Features that Support Transit - For projects located in or near transit hubs
such as Downtown San Rafael, incorporate design features that facilitate walking, cycling, and easy
access to transit.
Goal M-6: Safe Walking and Cycling - Encourage walking and bicycling as safe, pleasurable, healthful
ways to travel.
Policy M-6.1: Encouraging Walking and Cycling - Wherever feasible, encourage walking and
cycling as the travel mode of choice for short trips, such as trips to school, parks, transit stops, and
neighborhood services. Safe, walkable neighborhoods with pleasant, attractive streets, bike lanes,
public stairways, paths, and sidewalks should be part of San Rafael’s identity.
Program M-6.1A: Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Implementation. Maintain San
Rafael’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (BPMP) and update the Plan as required to
ensure eligibility for grant funding. The BPMP should be a guide for investment in
pedestrian and bicycle infra-structure, and for programs to make walking and cycling a safer,
more convenient way to travel.
Policy M-6.2: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety - Identify, prioritize, and implement pedestrian and
bicycle safety improvements to reduce collisions and injuries, and eliminate fatalities.
Program M-6.2D: Safe Routes Programs. Work collaboratively with local schools to
implement Safe Routes to School programs. Explore similar programs to promote safe
routes to parks, work, services, and transit, as well as safe routes for seniors.
Policy M-6.3: Connectivity - Develop pedestrian and bicycle networks that connect residents and
visitors to major activity and shopping centers, existing and planned transit, schools, and other
neighborhoods. Work to close gaps between existing facilities. Funding and prioritization for
projects should consider relative costs and benefits, including such factors as safety, number of
potential users, and impacts on parking.
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Program M-6.3A: Implementation of Pathway Improvements. Implement the major
pedestrian and bicycle pathway, intersection, and lane improvements included in adopted
City plans, including:
• Restoration of pedestrian paths, stairways, and rights-of-way, particularly in the “inner
ring” neighborhoods around downtown
Policy M-6.4: Urban Trails Network - Identify, renovate, improve, and maintain an urban trails
network to encourage walking and appreciation of historical and new pathways.
Program M-6.4A: Urban Trails Master Plan. As part of a citywide Trails Master Plan,
include an “urban trails” component with maps and descriptions of existing and potential
urban trails in San Rafael. Urban trails to be identified include, but are not limited to, historic
neighborhood stairways and walkways, downtown alleyways, park pathways, and creekside
paths. Identify potential funding sources for projects identified in the Plan and include the
projects in the Capital Improvements Program.
Policy M-6.7: Universal Design - Design and construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities to serve
people of all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, families, and people with limited mobility.
Program M-6.7A: ADA Compliance. Continue efforts to improve access for those with
disabilities, including compliance with Federal and State accessibility requirements.
Policy M-6.8: Pedestrian and Bicycle Programming - Continue programs and activities to
encourage walking and cycling.
Program M-6.8C: Maintenance of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities. Develop a
program for prioritizing and funding the maintenance of existing pedestrian and bicycle
facilities based on use, connectivity, and facility conditions.
Community Services and Infrastructure Element
The Community Services and Infrastructure Element of the General Plan 2040 addresses systems vital to San
Rafael’s future – schools, libraries, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, water, sewer,
storm drainage, solid waste, energy, and telecommunication facilities in the City. The City must provide
high-quality community services and well operated and maintained infrastructure, including those within the
City’s park, recreation, and recreation facility network and programming provisions. The following goals,
policies, and programs of this element relate to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Goal CSI-1: Educational Excellence - Promote excellent schools and high-quality, equitable education.
Policy CSI-1.1: Educational Programs - Collaborate with schools to foster educational programs
and opportunities that benefit the community.
Program CSI-1.1A: Communication. Maintain regular communications with the School
Districts, including periodic joint City Council/School Board meetings, to foster
collaboration and address issues of mutual interest.
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Program CSI-1.1B: Partnerships with Schools. Participate in public and private school
initiatives to educate students about local issues and City government.
Program CSI-1.1C: Higher Education. Expand partnerships with Dominican University,
the College of Marin, and other nearby colleges and universities to support local education
and lifelong learning.
Policy CSI-1.2: Schools as Community Hubs - Collaborate with schools to provide greater public
access to school facilities for neighborhood and community activities.
Program CSI-1.2A: Joint Use Agreements. Develop joint use agreements with the School
Districts and other local academic institutions to improve community access to facilities for
recreation, child care, and/or community events.
Policy CSI-1.4: Lifelong Learning - Offer programs and classes that provide the whole
community with opportunities for lifelong learning (i.e., opportunities to continue learning beyond
formal education and job training).
Program CSI-1.4A: City Programs and Classes. Continue to offer a variety of City-
sponsored leisure, recreation, education, and personal enhancement courses and programs
for all age groups. Regularly assess participation and public opinion to determine interest
and support.
Goal CSI-2: Modern, Welcoming Libraries that Meet Community Needs - Enhance library services
and facilities to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community.
Policy CSI-2.1: Library Facilities - Improve library facilities to meet current and future needs and
recognize the changing role of libraries in community life.
Program CSI-2.1A: New Main Library. Fund, develop, and construct a new Main Library
designed to provide adequate space for collection materials, City programs, public meeting
rooms and technology, seating for visitors, and services for special user groups such as
children and teens. Develop adaptive reuse plans for the historic Carnegie Library as part of
library planning.
Policy CSI-2.4: Libraries as Community Centers - Promote programs and events that affirm the
role of the City’s libraries as community gathering places and a setting for the open exchange of
ideas and information. When planning for library modernization or replacement, include dedicated
space for community activities and opportunities for complementary uses such as child care.
Program CSI-2.4A: Focused Services. Provide dedicated library programs for children,
youth, older adults, and Spanish-speaking residents. Provide other services, such as free
internet access and electrical power during an emergency.
Goal CSI-4: Reliable, Efficiently Managed Infrastructure - Support reliable, cost-effective, well-
maintained, safe and resilient infrastructure and utility services.
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Policy CSI-4.1: Capital Investment - Provide for ongoing, preventative maintenance of
infrastructure and timely replacement, repair, and upgrading of City equipment.
Program CSI-4.1A: Capital Improvement Programming. Maintain and regularly update
a multi-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) covering City owned and operated
infrastructure and public facilities. Seek the input of other local service providers (MMWD,
LGVSD, etc.) when preparing the City’s CIP and encourage these agencies to seek City input
as they prepare their own CIPs.
Program CSI-4.1B: Funding for Maintenance and Capital Costs. Consider ways to
improve the reliability of maintenance funding, such as establishing a reserve fund or voter-
approved parcel taxes and special assessments. Identify potential funding sources for unmet
and anticipated future capital project needs, such as grants, bond measures, and impact fees.
Program CSI-4.1C: Community-Supported Services. Consider community-supported
(e.g., cooperative) services as an alternative to bring fundamental service upgrades to
neighborhoods and managing capital costs.
Goal CSI-5: Sound Municipal Financial Practices - Maintain sound financial practices and sufficient
revenue sources to provide high quality City services.
Policy CSI-5.6: Public-Private Partnerships - Explore public-private partnerships as a way to
develop community facilities or achieve other community benefits (for example, public parking,
affordable housing, pedestrian paths, and child care in new development projects).
Arts and Culture Element
The arts are an essential part of San Rafael’s identity, making the City an interesting and livable community.
The Arts and Culture Element of the General Plan 2040 sustains the arts as an integral part of life in San
Rafael and recognizes the power of the arts to connect people, promote cultural inclusion and diversity,
create civic pride and a sense of community, stimulate the local economy, and inspire the creative spirit of
San Rafael residents. In relations to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, this element promotes City
recreation programming in the arts as well as enhanced partnership between the City and arts organizations.
Goal AC-1: Arts and Culture that Enrich Community Life - Recognize the potential for the arts to
enrich and inspire residents, build a sense of community, bridge differences and forge unity, attract visitors,
revitalize the city, and provide economic benefit.
Policy AC-1.1: Cultural Center of Marin - Continue to promote San Rafael as the hub of arts and
culture in Marin County.
Program AC-1.1B: Arts Facilities. Support and encourage efforts to improve and sustain
local arts facilities, including those operated by government, non-profits, and other
organizations, and recognize their role in making San Rafael a regional arts hub.
Program AC-1.2A: Falkirk Cultural Center. Promote the Falkirk Cultural Center as a
venue to support and foster the arts and celebrate local culture. Seek funding to rehabilitate
and improve the mansion and sustain programs through income-producing activities.
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Program AC-1.1C: Arts and Culture Master Plan. Build on the work done by the County
of Marin and San Rafael-based arts organizations to create a San Rafael Arts and Culture
Master Plan. All segments of the community, including residents and workers, should be
encouraged to participate in this process. The Plan should promote participation of the arts
community in civic life, enhance arts programming, promote cultural inclusion, and
maximize opportunities for arts events. Potential funding sources for a Master Plan and its
implementation should be explored. As part of this process, options for ongoing leadership
and arts advocacy should be considered, potentially including an Arts Council, Commission,
or similar organization.
Policy AC-1.2: Arts Programming - Encourage and support an array of cultural arts programs and
activities addressing the needs and interests of the whole community.
Program AC-1.2A: City Activities. Continue to provide City-sponsored arts classes and
cultural activities, including arts programs at San Rafael’s community centers. Programs
should be equitably distributed around the city so that they can be accessed by all residents.
Program AC-1.2B: Programs for Diverse Populations. Encourage additional inclusive
arts programming for the general public, including persons of all socio-economic means,
ages, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. Special emphasis should be placed on programs for
youth, children, and older adults.
Policy AC-1.3: Partnerships - Promote and strengthen partnerships and collaborative arts
programming with local artists, schools and institutions of higher learning, community-based
organizations, the County of Marin, the private sector, and non-profit arts organizations.
Program AC-1.3A: Venues. Encourage arts groups, schools, and businesses to conduct
programs in City venues. Seek opportunities for the City to use County, institutional, and
private space for its arts activities.
Policy AC-1.4: Inclusive Activities - Encourage activities, entertainment and events that reflect
San Rafael’s diverse cultural heritage and population. Programming should be inclusive of all ages,
ethnicities, genders, abilities, and socio-economic groups. Participation in the arts should be
supported as a way to promote intercultural understanding, and to bridge differences and forge
unity. All residents should have access to arts and cultural activities.
Program AC-1.4A: Equitable Programming. Improve cultural equity and access to arts
programming among lower income and non-English speaking residents (for example,
through new partnerships, training, outreach strategies, multi-lingual initiatives, and reduced
fees for qualifying residents).
Policy AC-1.6: Space for the Arts - Encourage and promote the creation of public and private arts
and cultural space in the city, such as galleries, theaters, indoor and outdoor performance spaces,
music venues, and cultural centers.
Program AC-1.6C: Central Performance Spaces. Prioritize creation of central outdoor
spaces suitable for community-wide events and performances in Downtown San Rafael, the
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Canal neighborhood, and in the North San Rafael Town Center (for example, at Northgate
Mall). Provide the necessary infrastructure (electric power, etc.) for these spaces to serve
their intended purpose.
Policy AC-1.7: Event Participation - Encourage public and private participation in support of arts
and cultural events, including neighborhood fairs and gatherings.
Program AC-1.7A: Sponsorship of Events. Support special events that provide quality
arts, cultural, and enrichment activities in locations throughout the community.
Policy AC-1.9: Arts-Supportive Environment - Create an environment that is supportive to arts
professionals.
Program AC-1.9C: Showcasing Local Artists. Consider artist in residence programs, poet
laureates, City-sponsored lunch concerts and similar events showcasing the work of local
artists and performers.
Economic Vitality Element
The City of San Rafael offers an array of goods and services, convenient shopping, restaurants, health care,
and entertainment, which create an environment that attracts new residents and new jobs. The Economic
Vitality Element of the General Plan 2040 guides the City toward a healthy and resilient economy. The
following goals, policies, and programs of this element relate to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Goal EV-1: A Healthy and Resilient Economy - Maintain a healthy and resilient local economy that
attracts investment, creates jobs, and provides services for residents and visitors.
Policy EV-1.1: Quality of Life - Recognize the importance of a healthy economy to the quality of
life, especially the ability to provide excellent schools, public safety services, public works, recreation,
housing programs, and other government services.
Goal EV-2: A Diverse and Balanced Business Mix - Sustain a diverse and balanced local economy that
provides a wide range of goods, services, and opportunities.
Policy EV-2.5: Tourism and Hospitality - Recognize and support tourism and hospitality as a
significant contributor to San Rafael’s economy.
Program EV-2.5C: Special Events. Encourage special events and festivals that draw
visitors to San Rafael, showcase its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and have net positive
effects on local businesses and City revenues. Work with local retailers to ensure they can
remain open and easily accessible when these events take place.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Element
The Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Element recognizes environmental justice and social equity as
important issues in San Rafael and outlines the City’s commitment to work toward a more just and equitable
future for all residents. This element supports planning with an ‘equity lens’ where decisions about the
allocation of future resources considers historic advantages or disadvantages that have affected residents.
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This element takes a particular look at the Canal community, or Census Tracts 1122.01 and 1122.02, as it
compares to other neighborhoods in the City and acknowledges that this community has a disproportionate
concentration of households facing significant socioeconomic disadvantages. In addition to addressing the
Canal community, this element supports the equitable provision of park and recreation services for all
community members.
Goal EDI-2: Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice - Support public health and wellness
through community design in all parts of the city.
Policy EDI-2.1: Neighborhood Design for Active Living - Improve the design of San Rafael’s
neighborhoods to promote physical activity for all residents, including opportunities for safe walking
and cycling, and walkable access to goods and services.
Program EDI-2.1A: Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements. Implement pedestrian and
bicycle improvements, as described in the General Plan Land Use and Mobility Elements
and the San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This should include improved safety
features, streetscape and landscape improvements, and other improvements that make it
safer, easier, and more comfortable to be physically active in San Rafael, particularly in
neighborhoods with less access to these features today.
Program EDI-2.1B: Public Health as an Evaluation Metric. Consider public health data
such as rates of asthma, heart disease, and obesity when prioritizing capital improvements
such as bike lanes, new parks, and sidewalk improvements.
Policy EDI-2.2: Safe Space for Physical Activity - Provide safe physical spaces for children and
families to play and be physically active in all neighborhoods, particularly in the Canal area and
other neighborhoods where many homes lack outdoor living space.
Program EDI-2.2A: Increasing Usable Public Space. Pursue opportunities for
additional programmed public outdoor space, with a priority on higher density
neighborhoods. Consider the use of City-owned vacant lots or rights-of-way as improved
open space.
Policy EDI-2.3: Community Health - Increase community awareness about best practices for
maintaining physical and mental health. Incorporate such practices in City-sponsored activities and
programs.
Program EDI-2.3A: HEAL Campaign. Participate in the Marin Countywide Healthy
Eating Active Living (HEAL) campaign, supporting actions that transform the physical
environment to improve health, well-being, and physical activity.
Program EDI-2.3B: Health Fairs. Encourage multilingual community health fairs and
other events that raise awareness of public health among all residents. Demonstrate best
practices for public health and wellness at City-sponsored activities, such as serving healthy
foods and encouraging walking and bicycling to the event.
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Policy EDI-2.8: Food Access - Expand access to healthy food and nutritional choices in San
Rafael through conveniently located grocery stores, small markets, farmers markets, and community
gardens, particularly in lower income areas where existing fresh food options are limited.
Policy EDI-2.9: Urban Agriculture - Promote and support small-scale, neighborhood-based, food
production, urban agriculture, and reliable food supply lines from regional growers.
Goal EDI-4: Equitable Service Delivery - Improve self-sufficiency and empowerment among lower
income and immigrant communities through equitable access to education, health care, public safety,
transportation, and social services.
Policy EDI-4.1: Prioritizing Public Investment in Disadvantaged Communities - Prioritize
public investment in capital projects and public facilities that meet the needs of disadvantaged
communities.
Policy EDI-4.2: Equitable Maintenance of Streets and Public Space - Ensure that street
cleaning, litter removal, abatement of illegal dumping, and the repair of roads, sidewalks, streetlights
and public facilities, is performed equitably across the city. Responses to reports of nuisances and
violations should be performed without regard to income or tenure.
Program EDI-4.2A: Nuisance Reporting Systems. Support programs that allow
residents and businesses to easily report incidences of illegal dumping, roadside garbage and
litter, vandalism, graffiti, noise, smoke and fumes, and other nuisances. Maintain data on
calls, responses, and follow-up activities.
Program EDI-4.2B: Security and Safety Improvements. Pursue public safety
improvements, including street lighting, security cameras, better wayfinding signage, and
improved sidewalk conditions, with a focus on neighborhoods with higher levels of need
and fewer available resources.
Policy EDI-4.4: Public Health Equity - Promote community health services, programs, and
partnerships that improve outcomes for economically disadvantaged residents, including better
access to medical, mental health, and social services.
Program EDI-4.4A: Mobile Health Care. Facilitate the use of public buildings such as
libraries and community centers for “pop up” health services and other activities that
promote wellness.
Goal EDI-5: Access to Education and Economic Opportunity - Reduce barriers to education and
economic mobility for all San Rafael residents.
Policy EDI-5.1: Child Care and Early Childhood Development - Support expanded capacity for
affordable childcare and early childhood development centers in San Rafael, including City-
sponsored programs.
Policy EDI-5.2: After School Activities - Provide safe, affordable after-school opportunities for
children and teens, along with information on programs for members of the community who may
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be unaware of these opportunities. Work with the community to identify gaps and unmet needs,
such as extended hours and weekend activities, and to increase access to services.
Goal EDI-6: An Age-Friendly Community - Enhance the quality of life for older adults in San Rafael.
Policy EDI-6.1: Planning for an Aging Population - Proactively address the needs of San
Rafael’s aging population through collaboration, planning, and programs. Monitor trends and data
so that services are responsive to needs.
Program EDI-6.1A: Age Friendly Plan. Prepare an Age-Friendly Strategic Plan for San
Rafael that identifies specific and culturally responsive actions to ensure that older adults
may thrive in the community. Periodically monitor progress on Plan implementation,
consistent with WHO Age-Friendly Global Network guidelines.
Policy EDI-6.3: Mobility for Older Adults - Maintain mobility options for San Rafael’s older
adults by providing safe streets and flexible, responsive public and private transportation services,
including services specifically designed for those with mobility limitations.
Program EDI-6.3B: Universal Access. Incorporate principles of universal access in the
design of public facilities, sidewalks, and outdoor spaces and buildings. Reduce risks
associated with falling and improve lighting and sidewalk conditions in areas where hazards
may exist.
Policy EDI-6.4: Accessible Community Services - Provide a range of convenient and accessible
services for San Rafael’s older adults, including health and wellness, caregiving, recreation and fitness
activities, age-friendly technology, and social services.
Program EDI-6.4A: Access to Resources. Improve access to community programs and
resources for older adults, including increased on-line services and technology training and
partnerships with Marin County In-Home Supportive Services.
Policy EDI-6.6: Social Connections - Strengthen social connections for older adults living alone
by providing accessible community activities, programs that avoid loneliness and social isolation, and
demonstrating respect and value for each individual.
Program EDI-6.6A: Inclusion and Participation Initiatives. Provide opportunities for
social connections, including discounted or free community events, intergenerational
programs (for example, pairings of students and older adults), mental health services,
multicultural programs, and working with organizations such as Marin Villages to engage and
empower older adults.
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II. DOWNTOWN PRECISE PLAN, 2021
Introduction
The San Rafael Downtown Precise Plan, adopted in 2021, provides a 20-year roadmap for the City to achieve
goals of increasing housing diversity and equity, improving walkability and transportation options, and
advancing resiliency to climate change, within the City’s downtown planning area. This Precise Plan
implements the community’s vision to create opportunities for reinvestment and future development that is
feasible, predictable, and consistent within the downtown San Rafael.
Related to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Albert Park and Boyd Memorial Park are included
within the limits of the Downtown Precise Plan as well as topics of pedestrian mobility that are in alignment
with the City’s recreation interests. San Rafael’s downtown area provides a central location and an
established regional center with a walkable downtown and access to nature – key opportunities identified in
the Precise Plan that relate to the City’s recreation network.
Design Principles and Guiding Policies
The Downtown Precise Plan develops design principles and guiding policies to provide guidance of future
development in the downtown area. The following design principles and guiding policies inform the Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Principle 4: Establish a network of attractive and welcoming streets and civic spaces.
Policy 4A. Improve existing civic spaces such as Courthouse Square, Boyd Park, and Albert
Park through design improvements and programming.
Policy 4B. Create new civic spaces as feasible, focusing on Fourth Street, and use underutilized and
vacant City-owned parcels to create short-term civic spaces.
Policy 4C. Incentivize private developers to provide and maintain new publicly accessible spaces.
Policy 4D. Improve access to the San Rafael Canal waterfront and Downtown creeks.
Policy 4E. Employ "best practices" design and community surveillance strategies to ensure
that civic spaces are well-maintained, safe, and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
Policy 4F. Support existing Downtown activities and events and introduce new ones to attract
residents and visitors.
Policy 4G. Include public art and signage in civic spaces and streetscapes to strengthen identity,
improve wayfinding, and highlight community landmarks. Develop incentives for public art as part
of private development.
Principle 6: Reinforce Downtown's eclectic character with historic preservation and new context-sensitive
development.
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Policy 6A. Protect historic and cultural landmarks and celebrate them in the design of the built form
and public realm.
Policy 6B. Use appropriate historic preservation tools to safeguard the built character of historic
resources while accommodating sensitive modifications and additions as needed.
Policy 6E. Utilize preservation and adaptive use strategies, and incentivize private developers to
reinvest in existing buildings and redevelop sites with historic or cultural resources.
Policy 6F. Plan activities and events focused on raising awareness about Downtown's history and
cultural heritage.
Planning Sub-Areas
In the Downtown Precise Plan’s Design Vision the City’s downtown is divided into 4 sub-areas for planning
purposes – Downtown Gateway, Downtown Core, West End Village, and Montecito Commercial. Within
these sub-areas, several parks, plazas, and civic spaces are proposed that are considered in the Citywide Parks
and Recreation Master Plan.
In the illustrative vision for the Downtown Gateway sub-area, the opportunity to create a public plaza at the
proposed SMART Transit Station, between Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue, is designated a potential built
outcome. This transit plaza is also designated a high priority and near-term (completed 2021-2025) project
in the Downtown Precise Plan’s priority project for transportation and public realm improvements.
The Downtown Core sub-area includes Albert and Boyd Memorial Parks. In the illustrative vision for the
Downtown Core a new main library and refurbished community center, as well as the potential to revitalize
Albert and Boyd parks through public-private partnerships, are noted as potential built outcomes in the
Downtown Precise Plan. Within the Downtown Core sub-area, a multi-use path along the north and east sides
of Albert Park is also proposed, as part of the Precise Plan’s bicycle priorities. Additionally, Boyd Memorial
Park’s Gate House is a designated historic building within the Downtown Core sub-area that is identified as
a resource to be supported and protected.
The illustrative vision for the West End Village sub-area includes a proposed new, neighborhood-scale
pocket park created from redevelopment for enhanced civic space along the Fourth Street corridor. This
pocket park project is designated a medium priority and long-term project in the Downtown Precise Plan’s
priority project for transportation and public realm improvements.
In the Montecito Commercial sub-area, the illustrative vision includes a waterfront promenade along the
San Rafael Creek canal connecting the area to Downtown, Albert Park, and the Tamalpais Greenway. The
Montecito promenade is designated a high priority and near to long-term project in the Downtown Precise
Plan’s priority projects for transportation and public realm improvements. Beach Park is located across the
Canal from the Montecito Commercial sub-area and may support a pedestrian connection in the long-term.
Economic Development Strategy
Beyond parks, plazas, and civic spaces the Downtown Precise Plan also presents an economic development
strategy aimed at strengthening the Downtown’s role as a regional center and ensuring a high quality of life
for San Rafael’s residents and workers. The following economic development strategies relate to the Citywide
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Parks and Recreation Master Plan, with action items noted under Strategy 4 being the responsibility of the San
Rafael Library and Recreation Department.
Strategy 2: Maintain and enhance Downtown’s contribution to the City’s fiscal vitality
Action 8B.2.9. Work with Downtown stakeholders and create regular opportunities for community
events on Fourth Street including street closures to encourage outdoor dining, shopping and
recreation.
Strategy 4: Strengthen Downtown as a community and regional destination.
Action 8B.4.1. Build on the California Arts and Cultural District designation with expanded
programming in partnership with local and regional arts and cultural organizations.
Action 8B.4.3. Continue to provide high quality public services and facilities Downtown, including
recreational and cultural amenities.
III. CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN 2030, 2019
Introduction
The 2019 Climate Change Action Plan 2030 is a planning document to guide the City of San Rafael in
developing programing and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – pollutants that cause climate
change. Recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are provided for both the community of San
Rafael as well as well as for government operations. The City’s park and recreation network supports the
City’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through educational programming and the provision of
energy and resource efficient operational services.
Measures
The following measures identified in the Climate Change Action Plan 2030 are relevant to the City’s Park and
Recreation Master Plan.
Low Carbon Transportation Measures to Reduce Community Emissions
LCT-C2: Bicycling
Encourage bicycling as an alternative to vehicular travel through outreach channels and partner
agencies. Establish and maintain a system of bicycle facilities that are consistent with the City’s
Bicycle and Master Pedestrian Plan and Complete Streets policies.
a. Provide bicycle racks and lockers for public use.
b. Participate in a bike share program.
LCT-C3: Walking
Encourage walking as an alternative to vehicular travel through outreach channels and partner
agencies. Establish and maintain a system of pedestrian facilities that are consistent with the City’s
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Complete Streets policies.
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LCT-C4: Safe Routes to School
Continue to support the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, walking,
carpooling, and taking public transit to school.
b. Identify issues associated with unsafe bicycle and pedestrian facilities between neighborhoods
and schools, apply for Safe Routes to School grants, and execute plans to improve pedestrian
and bicycle facilities.
Low Carbon Transportation Measures to Reduce Government Emissions
LCT-M4: Municipal Electric Landscape Equipment
Replace gas-powered leaf blowers and other landscape equipment with electric models.
Energy Efficiency Measures to Reduce Government Emissions
EE-M3: Energy Conservation
Reduce energy consumption through behavioral and operational changes.
a. Establish energy efficiency protocols for building custodial and cleaning services and other
employees, including efficient use of facilities, such as turning off lights and computers,
thermostat use, etc.
b. Incorporate energy management software, electricity monitors, or other methods to monitor
energy use in municipal buildings.
c. Investigate 9/80 work schedule for City facilities where feasible and where facilities can be shut
down entirely.
Renewable Energy Measures to Reduce Government Emissions
RE-M1: Solar Energy Systems for Municipal Buildings
Install solar energy systems at municipal buildings and facilities where feasible and investigate and
pursue innovative technologies such as battery storage and demand response programs.
Water Conservation Measures to Reduce Government Operations Emissions
WC-MC1: Municipal Water Use
Reduce indoor and outdoor water use in municipal facilities and operations.
d. Replace high water use plants and inefficient irrigation systems with water-efficient landscaping.
e. Investigate synthetic turf that uses organic infill for ball fields and parks to reduce water,
herbicide use, and maintenance costs, while increasing field use throughout the year.
f. Replace inefficient plumbing fixtures with high-efficiency fixtures.
g. Use recycled water as available and practicable.
Sequestration and Adaptation Measures to Reduce Community Emissions
SA-C1: Urban Forest
Increase carbon sequestration and improve air quality and natural cooling through increasing tree
cover in San Rafael.
f. Encourage the creation of community gardens on public and private lands by community
groups.
h. Manage trees and invasive species in the open space for forest health and reduction of fuel
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load.
SA-C2: Carbon Sequestration
Increase carbon sequestration in the built environment, developed landscapes, and natural areas.
c. Manage parks and open spaces to steadily increase carbon in vegetation and soil.
Community Engagement Measures to Reduce Community Emissions
CE-C2: Community Engagement
Implement a communitywide public outreach and behavior change campaign to engage residents,
businesses, and consumers around the impacts of climate change and the ways individuals and
organizations can reduce their GHG emissions and create a more sustainable, resilient, and healthier
community. Create an overarching theme to articulate a long-term goal, motivate community
members, and brand a comprehensive suite of GHG-reduction programs. Prioritize promotion of
programs that have the greatest greenhouse gas reduction potential while utilizing the latest social
science on behavior change. Emphasize and encourage citizens' involvement in reaching the
community's climate goals, including innovative means of tracking milestones and comparing San
Rafael's performance with other communities and with state, national and global benchmarks.
j. Use creative methods to engage the public, such as games, giveaways, prizes, contests, simple
surveys, digital tools, and “pop-up” events.
k. Develop pilot programs using community-based social marketing and other social science-based
techniques to effect behavior change.
IV. SAN RAFAEL BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN, 2018
Introduction
The 2018 San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, an update to the 2011 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan,
documents conditions for bicycling and walking in San Rafael and outlines steps to improve safety, act on
community needs, and improve mobility options for the San Rafael community. Pedestrian mobility is a key
component of the City’s recreation network, with the 2017 pedestrian and bicyclist survey finding that
71% of respondents listed parks and trails as their top bike destinations.
Proposed Projects
While the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan does not propose pedestrian projects within the City’s parks, it
does provide recommendations for mobility improvements adjacent to some City recreation amenities. The
Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan will continue to support bike and pedestrian mobility throughout the
City. Below are proposed projects relevant to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Projects are
organized into 7 geographic groups within the City, numerated A through G.
Group D – Central San Rafael Connections
D-7: Albert Park Path Connection – First Street to Albert Park Path
Notes: Fairfax to San Rafael Cross Marin Bikeway Feasibility Study: Create Class I multi-use
path along the south side of the Safeway property and the north side of the San Rafael
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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Community Center property that connects to the existing Albert Park Path with a transition
to the existing Class II bicycle lanes on Andersen Drive.
D-11: First Street – B Street
Notes: Study bicycle and pedestrian intersection treatments to improve transition from
proposed Class III bicycle boulevard on First Street to proposed Class I multi-use path
(Albert Park Path Connection).
D-12: Andersen Drive – Albert Park Path to Mahon Creek Connector
Notes: Fairfax to San Rafael Cross Marin Bikeway Feasibility Study: Extend Class I multi-use
path along Andersen Drive from Albert Park Path to Mahon Creek Connector. May require
the removal of on-street motor vehicle parking on the south side of Andersen Drive, the
relocation of trees and/or utility poles, and the relocation of existing center median and turn
lanes.
D-13: Andersen Drive – Lindaro Street
Notes: Fairfax to San Rafael Cross Marin Bikeway Feasibility Study: Create diagonal path
through intersection to connect the Mahon Creek Connector to the Albert Park Path; create
bicycle- and pedestrian-specific traffic signal phasing; improve transition between path and
roadway.
Group F – Canal Connections
F-6: Yacht Club Drive – Francisco Boulevard East to Yacht Club Drive North terminus/Beach
Park
Notes: Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan (2009): Study improved bicycle access from
Canal neighborhood to Beach Park via Class III bicycle route and addition of short-term
bicycle parking at Beach Park; alternative route: Class I multi-use path from Grand Avenue
to north terminus of Yacht Club Drive.
F-9: Canal Street – Harbor Street to Pickleweed Community Center entrance
Notes: Study upgrade of existing Class III bicycle route to Class III bicycle boulevard, Class
II bicycle lanes (as noted in the Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan), or advisory bicycle
lanes [part of SF Bay Trail alignment].
F-10: Canal Street – Sorrento Way to Schoen Park (east end)
Notes: The San Francisco Bay Trail Project: Gap Analysis Study (2005): Part 1 - Close gap
between Class III bicycle route on Canal Street at Sorrento Way and existing Class I multi-
use path at entrance to Pickleweed Park (Note: Project has environmental considerations).
Part 2 - Pave existing unpaved segments of Class I multi-use Path in Pickleweed Park from
northwest corner of playing field to northeast corner of playing field. Part 3 - Close gap
between existing Class I multi-use path in SE corner of playing field of Pickleweed Park and
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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the existing Class I multi-use path terminus on east end of Schoen Park [part of SF Bay Trail
alignment].
V. CANALFRONT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PLAN AND DESIGN
GUIDELINES, 2009
Introduction
The Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan develops an outline for creating a promenade connecting Starkweather
Shoreline Park through the Canal neighborhood and across the canal waterway east toward China Camp
State Park. The Canalfront Design Guidelines is a companion document to the Design Plan, providing guidelines
for building design in the plan area and desired recreation amenities. The recommendations set forth in
these plans inform the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan, particularly in areas serving the canal
community, providing recreational shoreline access, developing new mini-parks at the San Rafael Yacht
Harbor, and the City’s Beach Park property. The Design Plan addresses 4 goals:
• Define access points to and along the Canal waterfront
• Identify the most appropriate location and type of a Canal crossing improvement(s)
• Serve as a foundation for completing the Bay Trail from Pickleweed Community Center to Pt. San
Pedro Road
• Provide design guidelines to maximize waterfront amenities through redevelopment opportunities
along the Canalfront
Area-Wide Design Guidelines
The Canalfront Design Guidelines document provides design guidelines that apply to the entire area defined as
the San Rafael Canalfront planning area. These guidelines promote quality of life for the Canal community
as well as visitors. In applying area-wide guidelines, the planning areas benefit from establishing a common
identity for projects related to the Canal. The following area-wide design guidelines inform the Citywide
Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Water’s Edge – Paseo, Boardwalk or Pathway
• Provide public access to maritime uses of the Canal in the form of kayak launches, boat docks,
public boat tie ups, etc. as is appropriate per the San Rafael Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan.
• New public amenities along the water’s edge should be designed with maritime uses, both
commercial and recreational, in mind. For example, where appropriate, new development should
accommodate and encourage recreational boat traffic (canoes, paddle boats, sail boats, etc.) along
the Canal.
• Public boat docks and launches for small, non-motorized personal watercraft such as kayaks, canoes
and sail boats are strongly encouraged.
Public Open Spaces
• Providing outdoor spaces, such as plazas and courtyards, is encouraged as part of any new public
and private development in the area, particularly along the canalfront. Due to high vehicular traffic
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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volumes in this area, consider including interior courtyards or canalfront patios as part of any new
retail development including restaurants. Outdoor spaces should include access to power, water,
and other utilities as may be necessary to support public events.
• Public and recreational uses of City-owned or controlled outdoor spaces, particularly those that
encourage connectivity within the canalfront area or to adjacent City neighborhoods, is encouraged.
One example is the area under Highway 101 where improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access
would be beneficial for safety reasons as well as to strengthen the connection between the canalfront
and downtown San Rafael.
• Provisions for public access to and along the water’s edge is strongly encouraged whenever possible,
as is connecting to other City trails in the area such as along Mahon Creek.
• The inclusion of family-friendly and multi-generational amenities in public parks and open spaces in
the Canal Neighborhood is strongly encouraged.
The Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan divides the planning area into four sub-areas - Transit Center Area,
West Canal Area, Canal Street Area, and Pickleweed Park. The following are design recommendations and
guidelines, per sub-areas, that relate to the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Sub-Area Recommendations and Design Guidelines
In addition to the area-wide design guidelines, the Canalfront Design Guidelines provides direction specific to
sub-areas within the Canalfront. These guidelines recognize that each planning sub-area maintains unique
qualities for development consideration.
Area 1 : Transit Center Area and Vicinity
Recommendations
• Explore the feasibility of a pedestrian and bicycle connection from the Canal Paseo under
Highway 101 to connect to the Mahon Creek path.
• Study opportunities to improve the open areas under 101 with other uses, such as recreational
amenities or exercise stations.
Design Guidelines
A1: Public Open Space
Improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access under Highway 101 should be
explored for safety reasons as well as to strengthen the connection between the
Canal and Montecito neighborhoods and downtown San Rafael.
An accessible and welcoming park-like setting would be ideal in the open space
under the freeway.
Area 2: West Canal Area
Recommendations
• Study the possibility of a publicly accessible boat dock along the north waterfront.
• Create connections from Mary and Union streets to the Canal. Encourage visual and pedestrian
access to the paseo. Future development of adjacent areas should extend pedestrian corridors
and alleys to the Canalfront walkway.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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• Redesign and revitalize Beach Park and Yacht Club Drive to incorporate better access areas such
as viewing terraces and picnic areas, enhanced marine uses (i.e. a non-motorized small boat
launch), beach volleyball or other recreation, and a children’s area with a marine theme.
Encourage water-related concessions in the park such as a kayak launch, a canoe school, or
sailboat rentals.
• Investigate the acquisition of a parcel of land at the southeast corner of the intersection of
Second Street and Grand Avenue for a public park/plaza, and entryway to the Canal waterfront.
Design Guidelines
A2: Marine Related Amenities
A publicly accessible boat dock at or near the Montecito Shopping Center is
encouraged so that boaters could access the businesses and restaurants.
A concession for boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, peddle boats, etc.) is also encouraged
in this location.
A2: Public Open Spaces
The improvement of Beach Park is envisioned as part of the San Rafael Canalfront
Conceptual Design Plan. Together with the adjacent City-owned land that fronts the
Turning Basin, Beach Park has the potential to be a key public gateway to the
Canalfront.
o The unique setting of the park will draw local residents as well as visitors
from other City neighborhoods, and the amenities should be designed with
this in mind.
o Conceptually the park design should acknowledge the cultural history and/or
natural environment unique to the Canal. Interpretation of such themes is
encouraged.
o The park itself should “face” and safely engage the water’s edge. This edge
should not be considered the “back” of the park.
o A boat launch is strongly encouraged. The inclusion of additional amenities
such as a public boat dock and/or ramp should be studied.
o The facilities currently used by San Rafael High School’s sailing club should
be maintained for that use if appropriate and feasible.
o Connecting and utilizing all of the City-owned property to create one park
parcel is encouraged.
o Picnic areas and other family-friendly activities such as a safe play area for
young children are encouraged.
o Appropriate themes for play areas and activities may relate to water, the
Canal and the bay; native flora and fauna; boats and ships, etc.
o The park has hosted beach volleyball and bocce ball in the past; the
community should be surveyed to see if these uses are still pertinent and
desirable.
o Amenities such as permanent rest rooms and parking are encouraged.
o Careful attention to lighting design and safety should be paid.
Encourage retail businesses, restaurants and/or other private concessions to locate
near Beach Park. This will draw people to the canalfront and support the creation of
lively and active public spaces in the area.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
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The renovation of the mini-park at the end of Canal Street is envisioned as part of
the San Rafael Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan.
o Although small, this public space has a unique setting at the mouth of San
Rafael Yacht Harbor that should be highlighted as much as possible.
o This mini-park would function best as a primarily paved, multi-use, flexible
gathering area.
o Public art, related to the culturally diverse history of the neighborhood, is
encouraged.
o Picnic tables, seating for small groups and game tables could be appropriate.
o The view toward the Canal should be open and free from obstructions as
much as possible.
o The water’s edge may include a boat launch area, but should be made safe for
visitors.
o Night time lighting, if desired, should be carefully designed to emphasize
safety.
The City-owned property at the end of Mill Street should become a public mini-park
where local residents and people who work in the area could come for fresh air or to
eat their lunch.
o Ideally, visual access to the water’s edge along the San Rafael Yacht Harbor
should be included.
o The mini-park should be primarily paved and very simply designed with basic
site amenities such as benches, trash and recycling receptacles, bicycle racks,
etc.
o Shade could be provided by a trellis, arbor, structure or trees.
o Parking should be removed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to inhabit the
space.
The City-owned property at the end of Front Street should become a public mini-
park and water access point for boaters and kayakers.
o Visual and physical access for boats and kayaks to the water’s edge should be
maintained and improved for functionality and safety. The design of the
mini-park should largely be informed by this use.
o The mini-park should be primarily paved and very simply designed with basic
site amenities such as benches, trash and recycling receptacles, bicycle racks,
etc.
o Shade could be provided by a trellis, arbor, structure or trees if appropriate.
o The design should also encourage coordinated uses with the adjacent
restaurant(s) as much as possible.
Area 3: Canal Street Area
Recommendations
• Develop a continuous publicly accessible pedestrian walkway on the waterfront as opportunity
arises.
Design Guidelines
A3: Marine Related Amenities
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
Document Review
Public access to the water should be planned and provided at key points along the
Canalfront and accessed easily from Canal Street. Public boat docks and boat
launches are encouraged where appropriate and possible. A minimum of one of
each is suggested for this area.
Area 4: Pickleweed Park Area
Recommendations
• Study the area in front of the Pickleweed Community Center to incorporate a Class II bicycle
route from the existing Starkweather Shoreline Bay Trail.
• Design a small non-motorized personal watercraft launch area at the northern end of Pickleweed
Park and evaluate the area west of the Pickleweed Community Center for ways to transport
watercraft from the parking lot to the launch area.
• Provide a path accessible for maintenance vehicles and pedestrians around the perimeter of
Pickleweed Park, while also maintaining the natural character of the existing trail.
• Provide seating areas for wildlife observation in Pickleweed Park.
• Enhance habitat along the shoreline and within the park where possible.
• Provide interpretive signage along the Bay Trail path around the waterfront edge of Pickleweed
Park.
A4: Public Open Spaces
Any proposed changes or improvements to Pickleweed Park should align with the
park’s adopted master plan under the guidance of the City’s Community Services
Department.
-
Landscape
Architecture
& Planning
City of San Rafael
CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTER PLAN
Park Inventory and Assessment
2022-08-12
APPENDIX E
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3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Park and Recreation Facilities Map .................................................................5
Albert Park ..........................................................................................................7
Arbor Park .........................................................................................................11
Beach Park .........................................................................................................13
Bernard Hoffman Field ...................................................................................15
Boyd Memorial Park ........................................................................................17
Bret Harte Park .................................................................................................21
Canal Community Garden ..............................................................................23
Falkirk Cultural Center Grounds ...................................................................25
Freitas Park ........................................................................................................27
Gerstle Park.......................................................................................................31
Hillview Park .....................................................................................................35
Jean and John Starkweather Park ...................................................................37
Loch Lomond Park ..........................................................................................39
Los Ranchitos Park ..........................................................................................41
Munson Park .....................................................................................................43
Oleander Park ...................................................................................................45
Oliver Hartzell Park .........................................................................................47
Peacock Gap Park ...........................................................................................49
Pickleweed Park ................................................................................................51
Riviera Park .......................................................................................................53
Santa Margarita Valley Park ............................................................................55
Sun Valley Park .................................................................................................57
Terra Linda Community Garden ...................................................................59
Terra Linda Park ...............................................................................................61
Victor Jones Park .............................................................................................63
INTRODUCTION
An inventory and assessment of San Rafael’s parks was conducted by
members of the Consultant team with assistance from City staff. This
assessment reviews how each park asset currently serves the community
and where they hold potential for site improvement and recreation
opportunities. Each City-owned park was inventoried for the following
information:
Location – Address or intersection
Size – Site acreage
Park Type – Pocket Park, Neighborhood Park, Community Park, Special-
Use Park, Community Garden
History – Construction date (if known) and development over time
Current Condition – Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor
• Excellent – highly functional, new, or recently replaced
• Good – very functional, new, or recently replaced with minimal wear
• Fair – functional but nearing end of useful life and replacement
• Poor – not functional, at the end of useful life, and requiring
replacement
Amenity, Furnishings, and Facility Inventory – Site amenities such as
sport courts, picnic tables, seating, restrooms, etc.
Recreation Provided – Capacity for various recreation activities such as
organized sports and play areas
Constraints – Observed features that limit the site’s recreation potential
Estimated Maintenance – Observed maintenance issues and current
practices
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PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES MAP
6
ALBERT PARK
1” = 200’
7
ALBERT PARK
LOCATION: 151 Andersen Drive
SIZE: 13.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Community Park1
HISTORY:
• 1937 – Albert family convey 9 acres of property to City of San Rafael
for neighborhood park
• 1950 – Albert Stadium completed
• 1978 - Master Plan developed
• 1993 - Albert Park Master Plan Renovation Plan
• 1994 - Agreement with Marin Bocce to build publicly accessible bocce
ball facility and formal garden
• 1997 - Bocce court expansion
• 2001 – Parkside Children’s Center completed
• 2019 – Playground replacement completed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Baseball/Softball field, lit
Bocce courts (8) Outdoor, (2) Indoor – Marin Bocce
Federation
Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete and asphalt
Playground – school and tot age
Rose Garden – Marin Bocce Federation
Tennis courts (4), lit – (1) with pickleball striping
FURNISHINGS Benches
Bike parking
Drinking fountains
Picnic table
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Albert Park Stadium
Marin Bocce Federation
Parkside Children’s Center
San Rafael Community Center
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Baseball/softball rentals - Marin Catholic, Dominican College, San
Rafael High School, MCLA Championship, Marin Baseball, San Rafael
Little League, Marin Academy, Bee Stings
• City programming at baseball/softball field
• Tennis and pickleball
• Bocce – Marin Bocce Federation
• Rose Garden – public access and rentable for events, managed by
Marin Bocce
• Passive play and recreation – playground, lawn
• Childcare – preschool and school age
CONSTRAINTS
• Mahon Creek along Albert Park Lane – potential flood control
challenge
• Homelessness and safety - greater homelessness presence prior to
playground replacement, however homeless community remain close
to San Rafael Community Center
• High-use tennis courts
• Baseball/softball field maintenance
8
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• High-use tennis courts
• Baseball/softball field maintenance
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• High amounts of garbage from homeless population and illegal
dumping
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Albert Park is a heavily used community park
• 2019 playground replacement eased undesirable activities such as
camping and illicit activities, although issues persist
• Agreement with Marin Bocce to build publicly accessible bocce ball
facility has been extended over time for Bocce improvements and
programming
• Large lawn is popular with dog owners
• No park restroom - restrooms are only provided within recreation
facilities
• Site has had major water leak challenges, possibly in both domestic
and irrigation lines
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
ALBERT PARK
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ARBOR PARK
1” = 200’
11
ARBOR PARK
LOCATION: Manuel T. Freitas Parkway at Las Gallinas Avenue
SIZE: 0.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – late 1950s or early 1960s based on
adjacent developments
• 2017 – Freitas Parkway and Las Gallinas Ave intersection
Improvements
• 2021 – San Rafael Social Justice Community Art Group develops
‘Regeneration’ mural
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt, concrete
FURNISHINGS Arbor
Benches
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Trash receptacle
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive recreation – seating, pathway
CONSTRAINTS
• Long roadway frontage with limited visibility at portions of Manuel T.
Freitas Parkway
• Limited parking to support park programing
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Vandalism – graffiti removal on furnishings
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Occasional homeless camping observed
• Park is recently renovated with new enhancements expected
• San Rafael Social Justice Community Art Group developing
‘Regeneration’ mural with ADA accessible viewing area, benches, and
drought tolerant plants to be installed 2022
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
12
BEACH PARK
1” = 200’
13
LOCATION: 200 Yacht Club Drive
SIZE: 0.4 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• 1974 – Constructed with picnic tables, play areas, and volleyball courts
• 1997 – Leased to Herbert Crocker and William McDevitt (adjacent
restaurant)
• 2014 – Leased to Terrapin Crossroads, LLP (adjacent restaurant)
• 2015 – Redesign of park under Terrapin Crossroads
• 2020 – Terrapin Crossroads partnership ends, park is closed to public
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Artificial turf
Boat launch
Bocce courts
Fire pits
Paving – decomposed granite
FURNISHINGS Stage – paved performance space with large shelter
RECREATION PROVIDED
• None – formerly provided volleyball courts and passive play
CONSTRAINTS
• No restroom
• Undesirable activities – isolated location, loitering, littering, sanitation
issues, vandalism
• Location along San Rafael Canal - eroding Canal piers and sensitive
environment
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Not actively maintained - locked and not used
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Beach Park has operated as a civic/private partnership between the
City of San Rafael and Terrapin Crossroads and offered bocce ball
courts, picnic tables and a play area as well as a music venue
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
BEACH PARK
14
BERNARD HOFFMAN FIELD
1” = 200’
15
LOCATION: 452 Las Colindas Road
SIZE: 3.8 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• Construction date unknown – mid 1950s based on adjacent
development
• 1997 – City of San Rafael purchases Bernard Hoffman Field from
Miller Creek School District (then Dixie School District) and City
enters agreement with San Rafael Girls Softball for priority use in
return for maintenance by San Rafael Girls Softball
• 2008 – Tire swing installed
• 2017 – Playground equipment removed due to safety concerns
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paving – concrete and decomposed granite
Playground – tire swing
Softball field – (2) softball diamonds with backstops,
bleachers, and storage
FURNISHINGS Bike parking
Drinking fountains
Picnic tables
Park sign
Trash receptacles
RECREATION PROVIDED
• San Rafael Girls’ Softball
• Passive play and recreation – playground, grass lawn, picnic tables
CONSTRAINTS
• No park lighting
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• San Rafael Girls Softball manages skimming while City maintains
mowing, irrigation, and weed/fire abatement
• Site has major irrigation leaks
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
BERNARD HOFFMAN FIELD
16
BOYD MEMORIAL PARK
1” = 200’
17
LOCATION: 341 Laurel Place
SIZE: 1.75 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Special Use Park1
HISTORY
• 1905 - Dedicated to the City of San Rafael by Boyd family
• 1974 – Documented as Historic Landmark
• 1996 – Boyd Park/Museum Master Plan
• 1999 – Playground structure installed
• 2008 – Playground structure renovated with wood fibar resurfacing
• 2015 – Closed to public from January-April as an emergency measure
and City cleaned/refurbished the park. Reopened with active
community programming to deter former unwanted activities
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Nature trails - unpaved
Paved paths – asphalt, concrete
Playground – school and tot age
Tennis court (1) - closed
Water feature – rock-lined channel from drainage
pond at upper end of property
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountains
Historic memorial plaque with drinking fountain –
Boyd family dedication in 1905
Park sign
Picnic tables
Portable restroom
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Drainage pond – Old Mission Spring
Boyd Gatehouse - Marin History Museum
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation - playground, trails, water feature, picnic
tables, benches
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility – no accessible entry from Mission Avenue, no accessible
route to tennis court, no accessible route along drainage channel water
feature at upper park
• Homelessness and safety - homeless encampments and transients
have occupied park, City efforts to deter camping with boulders and
removing picnic tables from the park, frequent graffiti and vandalism
• Aging infrastructure - drainage pond system leaks water, affecting
the lower retaining walls and ground surfacing, tennis court closed to
public
• Limited parking
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc.
• Drainage pond maintenance
BOYD MEMORIAL PARK
18
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Tennis court has been programmed without City consent by private
contractors
• The building that once held the public restrooms on site was burned
down in years prior. Park closure has occurred recently to monitor
illicit activity and homelessness on site
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
BOYD MEMORIAL PARK
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BRET HARTE PARK
1” = 200’
21
BRET HARTE PARK
LOCATION: 430 Irwin Street
SIZE: 0.5 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – early 1950s based on adjacent
developments
• 1995 – Tot lot installed
• 2003 – Playground renovation
• 2019 – New restroom and shade structure installed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court – (1) full
Paving – asphalt, concrete
Playground – school and tot age
FURNISHINGS Benches
Bike parking
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Picnic tables
Shade structure
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation - playground, picnic tables, benches,
basketball court
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility - school age playground does not have accessible entry
• Aging infrastructure - asphalt basketball court has significant cracking,
drainage issues at school age playground
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – weed abatement, irrigation, trash, blowing
• Court surface maintenance – soil erosion from adjacent sloped
landscaping
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
22
CANAL COMMUNITY GARDEN
1” = 200’
23
CANAL COMMUNITY GARDEN
LOCATION: 5 Windward Way
SIZE: 0.35 acres1
PARK TYPE: Special Use Park1
HISTORY
• 1984 – Site deeded to City by the San Rafael Sanitary District
• 2007 – Site selected for displaced community garden, previously at
Albert J. Boro Community Center
• 2010 – Partnership between The Canal Alliance and Trust for Public
Land (TPL) for concept design and program operation
• 2013 – Constructed
• 2017 – The Canal Alliance requests that the City takes over full
operations of the community garden
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES 92 raised gardens beds - 32 full plots, 48 half plots,
12 ADA accessible raised plots
Paved paths – concrete, decomposed granite
FURNISHINGS Arbor
Benches
Bike parking
Composting bins
Entry sign
Picnic tables
FACILITIES Greenhouse
Storage/Tool shed
RECREATION PROVIDED
• San Rafael residents apply for garden plots and pay for privileges on
an annual basis with no time limit of keeping the plot – there is a
current waiting list to join the Canal Community Garden
• Community-based individuals and groups program and use the garden
CONSTRAINTS
• Waitlist to join the Canal Community Garden
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• City staff maintain only water and irrigation; recreation division
contracts for additional maintenance needs
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• The Canal Community Garden is a valuable community, outdoor
space in the Canal neighborhood
• There is some partnership for maintenance and restroom access with
the neighboring Picante restaurant
• The Canal Community Garden was formed in partnership with the
The Canal Alliance, Canal community, and Trust for Public Lands
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
24
FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER GROUNDS
..\..\..\..\..\Graphics\Aerials\Parks Aerials\falkirk-cultural-center-landscape-master-plan-donald-l-blayney-img_63312adb0c757f1c_9-9248-1-44113cf.jpg1” = 200’
25
FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER GROUNDS
LOCATION: 1408 Mission Avenue
SIZE: 3.6 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Special Use Park1
HISTORY
• 1888 – Home and grounds constructed
• 1974 – Purchased by City of San Rafael
• 1995 – Site Development Master Plan for Falkirk Cultural Center
• 2009 – City of San Rafael and Regents of the University of
California entered formal agreement for Marin Master Gardeners
to access grounds and landscape facilities – created Succulent and
Mediterranean Gardens
• 2012 - City of San Rafael and Regents of the University of California
entered formal agreement for Marin Master Gardeners to perform
installations, maintain landscape improvements, and provide public
programming
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Demonstration gardens – Succulent Garden, Medi-
terranean Garden
Water feature/pond
Wedding and event venues – Artificial Turf Wed-
ding Lawn, Rose Garden
FURNISHINGS Benches, seating
Interpretive signage
FACILITIES Falkirk Cultural Center
Greenhouse
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive and active recreation - venue grounds are rented for private
events as well as City programming, primarily focused in the arts
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility - ADA access to 2nd floor is limited to an exterior,
ramped entrance. No interior, ADA access to 2nd floor
• Aging infrastructure - aged irrigation system leaks and poor site
drainage
• Adjacent open space – grounds are not fenced with continuous access
to adjacent open space with homeless encampments reported
• Mature trees - aging trees require attention for health and safety
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• City maintains only the lawn and weed abatement
• Shrub maintenance around building
• Litter removal and clean-up of homeless debris
• Blowing/cleaning of deck, entryways, and other hard surfaces
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
26
FREITAS PARK
1” = 200’
27
FREITAS PARK
LOCATION: 371 Montecillo Road
SIZE: 2.7 acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• Construction date unknown – early 1960s based on adjacent
development
• 1973 – City enters into agreement with the Miller Creek (formerly
Dixie) School District for the construction and operation of the tennis
courts
• 1999 – Renovations for accessibility completed
• 2010 – Design for Freitas Park Renovation Project Phase II (play area)
completed
• 2011 – New play area constructed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete and asphalt
Playground – school age
Splash pad – school age and tot age
Tennis courts (2), lit
FURNISHINGS Benches
Bike parking
Chess tables
Drinking fountains
Park sign
Picnic tables
Shade structure
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation - playground, chess tables, splash pad,
picnic tables, benches, tennis courts
CONSTRAINTS
• Location of tennis courts is removed from park with limited access
from the park and road.
• Undesirable activities - Location near Terra Linda High School attracts
illicit behavior
o Graffiti; vandalism of furnishings and trash receptacles; tunnel
connecting park to Mark Day School attracts loitering; park is
set back from street with low visibility
• Water use - splash pad may be open from May through October but
currently closed due to drought
• Limited site parking - especially difficult for tennis users
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Freitas Park is divided by Montecillo Road
o To the north of Montecillo is a portion of the park that
formerly held a children’s play area, now removed. Also, to the
north of Montecillo Road, across from the Kaiser Permanente
San Rafael Medical Center, are the Freitas tennis courts. South
of Montecillo, is the more active portion of Freitas Park with
picnic and playground
28
• South part of park has significant elevation change – stairs and an
accessible ramp provide access from the lower entrance to the upper
restroom and playground
• Some original design features remain with an east-Asian aesthetic of
accent wood, Zen Garden sculptures, and painted pergolas
• Painted ceramic tiles from youth events are featured in and around the
park
• Popular lunch spot for Kaiser employees and Terra Linda High School
students
• Bio-preventative pest management practices have been implemented
through the installation of raptor resting post and owl box
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
FREITAS PARK
29
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30
GERSTLE PARK
1” = 200’
31
GERSTLE PARK
LOCATION: 239 San Rafael Avenue
SIZE: 6.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 1882 – Gerstle family purchase and develop property
• 1930 – Gerstle family donates park to the City of San Rafael
• 2003 - Tot lot and restroom renovation
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court - full
Grass lawns
Paved paths – concrete and asphalt
Playground – school and tot age
Tennis court (1), with pickleball striping – closed
FURNISHINGS Arbor (2)
Benches
Drinking fountains
Park sign
Picnic tables – (3) reservable areas, including Red-
wood Grove
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Irrigation control shed with historic fire trucks
Pit toilet (2) - closed
Restroom (3)
Storage shed (2)
Water tank and well
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic areas and rentals,
grass lawn, basketball
• City occasionally programs park for outdoor recreation programs –
Movies in the Park
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility - no ADA accessible route to tennis court, trails and
pathways are not consistently accessible
• Aging infrastructure – tennis courts need to be resurfaced to be
useable, poor electrical and lighting at Redwood Grove, storage sheds
roof failure, pit toilets closed to public, drinking fountains out of
order
• Homelessness and safety - homeless encampments and transients
have occupied park (key is required at upper restrooms for access with
picnic reservations), tennis court’s location away from view attracts
unwanted uses, graffiti, and vandalism
• Mature trees - aging trees require attention for health and safety
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc.
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Gerstle Park neighborhood community is invested in Gerstle Park’s
improvement and programming
• Park landscape features include rare and unique heritage trees and
shrubs - Empress tree, Camperdown Elm, and a Cockspur Coral Tree.
However, as species fail, they are not replaced with originally planted
species – changing landscape.
32
• Some tension exists between park users and park users with off-leash
dogs - lawn is popular for dog owners
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
GERSTLE PARK
33
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34
HILLVIEW PARK
1” = 200’
35
HILLVIEW PARK
LOCATION: Manuel T. Freitas Parkway at Las Pavadas Avenue
SIZE: 0.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – late 1950s or early 1960s based on
adjacent developments
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved path – concrete
Park sign
FURNISHINGS Arbor
Benches
Drinking fountain
Trash receptacle
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive recreation – seating and pathway
CONSTRAINTS
• Long roadway frontage
• Limited parking support park programming
• No accessible path to the seating area
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Typical maintenance – lawn, irrigation, trash
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Park appears recently renovated with new benches and arbor
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
36
JEAN AND JOHN STARKWEATHER SHORELINE PARK
NTS
37
JEAN AND JOHN STARKWEATHER PARK
LOCATION: Baypoint Village Drive at Baypoint Drive
SIZE: 23.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Special Use Park1
HISTORY
• 1989 – San Rafael Shoreline Park Master Plan
• 1991 – Shoreline Enhancement Plan
• 2007 – Shoreline Park Interpretive Signage Master Plan
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Paved paths – asphalt, gravel
Shoreline access
FURNISHINGS Benches
Interpretive signage
Park signs
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive recreation - biking, walking, shoreline access (fishing, water
sports launch, etc.)
• Youth fishing camps have been held at gathering points along the
shoreline park
CONSTRAINTS
• Homelessness and safety - restroom currently closed for safety, no
lighting, prohibited activities reported such as fire ignition, litter,
camping, loitering, and vandalism
• Shoreline location - sensitive shoreline ecosystem and habitat,
environmental easements to be considered
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• City annually clears vegetation against private properties, repair fences,
and provide weed abatement
• Maintenance of invasive plant species
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Shoreline Park connects to Pickleweed Park and Albert J. Boro
Community Center
• Park is often used by residents for passive recreation activities and by
local employees during their break periods
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
38
LOCH LOMOND PARK
NTS
39
LOCH LOMOND PARK
LOCATION: 110 Loch Lomond Drive
SIZE: 3.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 2007 – Village at Loch Lomond Marina Master Plan
• 2020 – Constructed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt, concrete, decomposed granite
Playground – school age
Shoreline access
FURNISHINGS Benches
Bike parking
Drinking fountains
Park sign
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restrooms (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation - playground, picnic tables, benches,
shoreline access (fishing, water sports launch, etc.)
CONSTRAINTS
• Shoreline location - sensitive shoreline ecosystem and habitat
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Developer-driven park that is privately owned but publicly accessible
and partially maintained by the City
• Park has flooding challenges due to existing elevations – Developer is
currently planning to raise the finished grades
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
40
LOS RANCHITOS PARK
1” = 200’
41
LOS RANCHITOS PARK
LOCATION: 20 Sequoia Road
SIZE: 3.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 2004 – Constructed as part of the adjacent neighborhood
development project
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court - full
Grass lawn
Handball court
Paved paths – concrete and brick
Playground – school age and tot lot
FURNISHINGS Benches
Bike parking
Drinking fountains
Park sign
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, grass lawn, sport courts
CONSTRAINTS
• NA
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Cleaning shade structure over playground
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Restroom uses reclaimed water for toilets
• Los Ranchitos Park is one of the City’s newest parks
• Some tension exists between park users and park users with off-leash
dogs - lawn is popular for dog owners
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
42
MUNSON PARK
1” = 200’
43
MUNSON PARK
LOCATION: Hickory Lane at Hyacinth Way
SIZE: 1.5 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – mid 1950s based on adjacent
developments
• 2018 – Pedestrian path realignment and drinking fountain installation
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved path – concrete
FURNISHINGS Bench
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Picnic tables
Trash receptacle
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive recreation – picnic table, bench, grass lawn, pathway
CONSTRAINTS
• Long roadway frontage
• Limited parking to support park programing
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Rodent management
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Neighbors use park for dogs
• Neighbors occasionally use park for volleyball
• There are frequent reports of people defecating in the shrubs –
runners, rather than homeless
• Garbage company drives on to lawn to remove trash
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
44
OLEANDER PARK
1” = 200’
45
OLEANDER PARK
LOCATION: Oleander Drive at Orange Blossom Lane
SIZE: 2.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – mid 1950s based on adjacent
developments
• 1993 – Playground and swing set installed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt and concrete
Playground – school and tot age
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Storage shed with irrigation controllers
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic tables, lawn
CONSTRAINTS
• Location of play area under Monterey pines causes excessive
maintenance to address tree litter
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• According to long-time resident, this park was historically used for
informal boxing events
• While on site for inventory, local community members were observed
doing group exercise
• Grass lawn is popular with dog owners
• Monterey pine trees removed due to bark beetle pest infestation
• Bio-preventative pest management practices have been implemented
through the installation of raptor resting posts and owl boxes
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
46
OLIVER HARTZELL PARK
1” = 200’
47
OLIVER HARTZELL PARK
LOCATION: 62 Golden Hinde Boulevard
SIZE: 0.5 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• Construction date unknown – late 1980s based on adjacent
development
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete
Playground – school age
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation - playground, picnic tables, benches
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility – significant elevation changes limits accessibility to the
park
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Swings at swing frame have been removed
• Occasional complaints of smoking at park
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
48
PEACOCK GAP PARK
1” = 200’
49
PEACOCK GAP PARK
LOCATION: Peacock Drive
SIZE: 4.1 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 1984 – Park Master Plan approved
• 1984 – McNear family conveys site to City of San Rafael for
community park
• 1990 – Constructed
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Parcourse
Paved paths – asphalt, brick, concrete, gravel
Playground – school and tot age
Tennis courts (2)
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountains
Historic memorial plaque - McNear family dedica-
tion in 1984
Park signs
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom (2)
Water tank
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic tables, lawn, tennis
CONSTRAINTS
• Tennis courts adjacent to Peacock Gap Golf Club – potential golf ball
hazard
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc.
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Park is a heavily used neighborhood park
• Seasonal wetland occurs south of tot age play area
• Lawn is popular for off-leash dogs
• Soccer goals placed in park by local community
• While on site for inventory, local community members were observed
picking up trash and doing a group exercise class
• Teens have occasionally driven on to lawn
• Peacock Gap Park has original bricks from McNear family
construction efforts at the playground
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
50
PICKLEWEED PARK
1” = 200’
51
PICKLEWEED PARK
LOCATION: 50 Canal Street
SIZE: 17.6 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Community Park1
HISTORY
• 1994 – Constructed
• 2001 – Conceptual plan for Pickleweed Community Center
• 2006 – Albert J Boro Community Center (formerly Pickleweed
Community Center) renovated
• 2019 – Playground replacement completed
• 2022 – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant
consideration for Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete and asphalt
Playground – school and tot age
Sports field – soccer fields (2), baseball backstop
FURNISHINGS Arbor
Benches
Bike parking
Drinking fountains
Outdoor food preparation station – sink, grill, count-
er
Picnic tables – (1) reservable area
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Albert J. Boro Community Center
Restroom (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic areas
• Sports field rental – soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, San Rafael Jr.
Giants Baseball
• Programming from Albert J. Boro Community Center
• City occasionally programs park for outdoor recreation programs –
Movies in the Park, Dia de los Muertos
CONSTRAINTS
• Sport fields maintenance - fields closed approximately 6 months per
year, mid-December through mid-June, for turf restoration
• Undesirable activities and safety – gambling, gang presence, vandalism,
graffiti, northern portion of park has been used for homeless camping
• Shoreline location – sensitive shoreline habitat
• Severely limited parking
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc.
• Sport field maintenance – turf restoration
• Restroom maintenance – high frequency restroom use
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Pickleweed Park has the only City-owned sports field with soccer use
• Local community members visit park for use of the public restrooms
• Sports field has been used for off-leash dogs
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
52
RIVIERA PARK
1” = 200’
53
RIVIERA PARK
LOCATION: 452 Riviera Drive
SIZE: 0.3 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Pocket Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – mid 1980s based on adjacent
developments
• 1984 – Playground installed
• 2020 – Sidewalk and pathways improved through Sidewalk Repair
Program
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete
Playground – school and tot age
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountain
Picnic tables
Trash receptacles
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic tables, benches
CONSTRAINTS
• Isolated location
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Boulders line tunnel as play feature
• Poplar trees removed – heaving of concrete from roots, invasive
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
54
SANTA MARGARITA VALLEY PARK
1” = 200’
55
SANTA MARGARITA VALLEY PARK
LOCATION: 100 De La Guerra Avenue
SIZE: 5.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• Construction date unknown – early 1960s based on adjacent
development
• 2003 – School and tot age play structures installed
• 2007 – Restroom renovated
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court - full
Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt, decomposed granite
Playground – school and tot age
Tennis court (1) - not usable for tennis
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountain
Park sign
Picnic tables – (1) reservable area
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic areas, basketball
court, tennis court - not usable for tennis
• City occasionally programs park for outdoor recreation programs
CONSTRAINTS
• Location is removed and/or hidden from San Rafael community –
undesirable activities such as vandalism, loitering, and graffiti
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc., particularly at
restroom
• Bathroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Creek runs along north park entry – accessible with wooden
pedestrian bridge
• Park is connected to an informal network of open space trails to the
southwest
• Existing tennis court is occasionally used as an off-leash dog run
• While on site for the inventory a group of young adults was observed
drinking at a picnic area
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
56
SUN VALLEY PARK
1” = 200’
57
SUN VALLEY PARK
LOCATION: 144 Solano Street
SIZE: 5.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 1993 – Playground equipment replaced
• 2007 – Restrooms and picnic area renovated
• 2016 – Basketball court repaved
• 2023 (planned) – Playground equipment replaced, and accessible path
of travel improved
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court - full
Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt, concrete
Playground – school and tot age
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountains
Handprint art wall
Park sign
Picnic tables – (1) reservable areas
Shade structure (2)
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom (2)
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic areas, lawn
• City occasionally programs park for outdoor recreation programs –
Movies in the Park
CONSTRAINTS
• Park is popular for off-leash dog use - tensions between park users
and off-leash dog owners
• Limited access for parks maintenance equipment
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Graffiti removal at restroom
• Restroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Neighbors have reports debris being thrown from the wooden gazebo
in the upper terrace area onto the adjacent homes
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
58
TERRA LINDA COMMUNITY GARDEN
1” = 200’
59
TERRA LINDA COMMUNITY GARDEN
LOCATION: 380 Nova Albion Way
SIZE: 1.0 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Special Use Park1
HISTORY
• 1975 – San Rafael leases School District (former Dixie School
District) land at former Nova Albion High School site
• 2010 – Accessible plots constructed with concrete path of travel
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES 70 raised gardens beds - 64 full plots (450 sf), 6 half
plots (225 sf), 2 ADA plots (full)
Paved ADA path accessing 2 plots – concrete
FURNISHINGS Green Waste bins
Entry sign
RECREATION PROVIDED
• San Rafael residents apply for garden plots and pay for privileges
on an annual basis , with no time limit of keeping the plot – current
waiting list to join the Terra Linda Community Garden
• Community-based individuals and groups program and use the garden
CONSTRAINTS
• Waitlist to join the Terra Linda Community Garden
• No communal storage area – gardeners provide their own tools and
storage
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• City pays for water and maintains irrigation and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Terra Linda Community Garden is at capacity for user plots
• Terra Linda Community Garden is older than Canal Community
Garden, with less amenities
• Terra Linda Community Garden full plots are 9x larger than the full
plots at the Canal Community Garden
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
60
TERRA LINDA PARK
1” = 200’
61
TERRA LINDA PARK
LOCATION: 670 Del Ganado Road
SIZE: 2.9 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Community Park1
HISTORY
• Unknown construction date – mid 1950s based on adjacent
developments
• 1998 – Playground installation
• 2002 – Terra Linda Pool Rebuild Project
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Basketball court – (1) full court
Grass lawn
Paved paths – concrete and asphalt
Playground – school and tot age
Stage
FURNISHINGS Benches
Drinking fountains
Picnic tables – (2) reservable areas
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Terra Linda Community Center and Pool
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic areas, grass lawn,
basketball
• Programming from Terra Linda Community Center and Pool
• Park and playground are shared with neighboring Montessori de Terra
Linda School for recess and physical education
• City programs park for outdoor recreation programs – Movies in the
Park, summer camps
CONSTRAINTS
• Intensive community use – frequent maintenance
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash
• Vandalism – graffiti removal, furnishings repair, etc.
• Daily pool monitoring and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Terra Linda Park is popular location for local teens and middle
schoolers – frequent skateboarding and biking
• Outdoor stage is underused and attracts skateboarding and biking –
contributes to heavy wear
• Playground has unique nature play theme with boulders
• Bio-preventative pest management practices have been implemented
through the installation of owl boxes
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
62
VICTOR JONES PARK
1” = 200’
63
VICTOR JONES PARK
LOCATION: Robinhood Drive
SIZE: 5.9 Acres1
PARK TYPE: Neighborhood Park1
HISTORY
• 1961 – Constructed
• 2008 – Conceptual Master Plan
• 2018 – New playground installed (Scott McNear Children’s
Playground) as portion of Conceptual Master Plan
CURRENT CONDITION
Poor Fair Good Excellent
INVENTORY
AMENITIES Baseball field with backstop
Basketball courts – (2) full
Grass lawn
Paved paths – asphalt, concrete
Playground – school and tot age
Shuffleboard court
FURNISHINGS Arbor
Benches
Drinking fountains
Park signs
Picnic tables – (2) reservable areas
Trash receptacles
FACILITIES Restroom
Water tank
RECREATION PROVIDED
• Passive play and recreation – playground, picnic tables, lawn,
basketball courts
• City occasionally programs park for outdoor recreation programs –
Movies in the Park, T-Ball Rentals, etc.
CONSTRAINTS
• Accessibility - no ADA accessible route from lower park (south) to
upper park (north), asphalt pavement at lower park is cracked
• Creek runs along west side of park – seasonal flooding in winter
months of creek portions that are not undergrounded, exacerbated by
litter and debris
ESTIMATED MAINTENANCE
• Standard maintenance – lawn, weed abatement, irrigation, trash,
blowing
• Restroom cleaning and maintenance
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
• Lawn is popular for off-leash dogs
• Previous incidents of Sudden Oak Death in the park’s oak trees
• Poles for volleyball court at lower park have been removed, previously
adjacent to basketball courts
1 San Rafael General Plan 2040
RECREATION
FACILITY
INVENTORY AND
ASSESSMENT
San Rafael Parks and Recreation Master Plan
1000 Broadway
Suite 260
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510.595.3020
Email: info@mack5.com
Web: www.mack5.com
Assessments of Facility Conditions and
Identification of Deficiencies with Proposed
Remediation and Cost Analysis
4/8/2022
APPENDIX F
1 | P a g e
San Rafael Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
mack5 Recreation Facility and Inventory Assessment Scope
Recreation Facility Buildings – Assessment, Cost Analysis
1.Albert Park Field House
2.Falkirk Cultural Center
3.San Rafael Community Center
4.Terra Linda Community Center
5.Terra Linda Pool House
Recreation Park Restrooms – Assessment, Cost Analysis
A.Bret Harte Park Restrooms
B.Freitas Memorial Park Restrooms
C.Gerstle Park Lower Restrooms
D.Gerstle Park Upper Restrooms
E.Los Ranchitos Park Restrooms
F.Loch Lomand Park Restroom
G.Peacock Gap Park Restrooms
H.Pickleweed Park Restrooms
I.Santa Margarita Park Restrooms
J.Sun Valley Park Restrooms
K.Victor Jones Park Restrooms
2 | P a g e
San Rafael Citywide Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
mack5 Recreation Facility and Inventory Assessment Overview
4/8/2022
Assessments of Facility Conditions and Identification of Deficiencies with Proposed Remediation
and Cost Analysis
Facility Assessments
Facility Assessments were performed with Recreation and Public Works staff in order to include
as much understanding of operational, maintenance and performance issues as possible.
Previous assessments reports and maintenance reports were reviewed including the Terracon
Facility Conditions Assessment Report 1/18/2019.
The assessment and documentation was an overview of observable Architectural, Mechanical,
Electrical, Structural, and Accessibility issues by a licensed architect, but without a full
engineering consultant team. More detailed engineering assessment including verification of
observations is recommended before pursuing any specific remediation, especially for more
complex systems and for code compliance.
Basic Prioritization was identified to assist with remediation plans. Life Safety, ADA Compliance,
Security, Weatherization and Operations were given the highest prioritization with Ratings from
1-3. Items identified as Priority 3 could be deferred, if necessary, without significant short -term
impact while items with Priority 1 should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid impacts to
staff, users, or further damage to the structure or systems. Priority 2 items should be addressed
in an intermediate timeframe but do not present immediate impacts.
Cost Analysis
Cost Analysis was completed for Proposed Remediation items and is based on costs likely
associated with work by independent contractors under public bid requirements and includes
an average mark-up factor of 1.38 reflecting OH & P, Insurance, & Contingency. The scale of the
scope of any contract can have an enormous impact on final costs as small projects are
inefficient and typically result in higher costs. Bundling similar work for small items would be
necessary in many cases to avoid excessive mark ups and stay within this framework. Self-
performing small projects could help avoid this and even reduce some of these costs.
3 | P a g e
Cost Escalation needs to be applied to these costs depending upon the proposed date of work.
For significant projects of more than a few months of duration, it should be applied to the
forecasted midpoint of construction. The basis for costs included here are tied to the midpoint
of 2022 when the estimates were completed using then current pricing. Typical annual
construction escalation is usually estimated as 4-5% but it should be noted that there was
extreme cost escalation in the construction industry through the remainder of 2022 and into
2023 as high as 9-10% and escalation continues to remain higher than historical averages.
Use of Report
Many items identified can be considered Deferred Maintenance items but some are not
typically addressed on a regular maintenance program. The native format Excel document is
made available so items can be integrated into building maintenance program or easily
extracted for inclusion in CIP projects as appropriate.
Many code upgrades, ADA upgrades and finish upgrades are performed along with more
significant renovation projects so this report should be included in development of any
improvement projects in order to establish a strategic scope of work addressing existing
conditions.
Finally, should any facility projects be identified in the Master Plan or in subsequent planning
efforts, there may be opportunities to address some of these items in conjunction with any
remodel or expansion projects to accommodate improved expanded programming
requirements.
This Recreation Facility Inventory and Assessment should be used in conjunction with the
Master Plan as tools in strategic project scoping for maintenance, renovation, and remodel
projects. Ensuring that the conditions of the facilities are addressed while other goals are
pursued in meeting the needs of the community with high performing, durable and reliable
built facilities.
1 ALBERT J BORO COMMUNITY CENTER
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
VCT flooring is delaminating
in local areas. - 1668 s.f. 1
Replace deteriorated wall
paper.2 $22,852
Kitchen flooring is torn. - 120
s.f. 1
Replace Floor. Repair tear
and check seams in short
term.
1 $3,288
Exterior glazing graffiti
coating is clouding. - 500 s.f. 1
Remove and reinstall
coating.3 $10,275
Cracking observed in EIFS
Panels. - 4688 s.f. 1
Remove failed EFIS panels
and replace.2 $128,451
Exterior paint is degrading in
localized areas, especially
north side mildew. - 7800 s.f. 1
Repaint replaced EFIS panels,
local areas and touch up.2 $53,430
Perimeter parapet coping is
deteriorating. - 1360 l.f. 1 Replace coping and sealant.2 $55,096
Building movement has
caused nail pops and
cracking in interior drywall. -
600 s.f.
Patch and paint.2 $4,110
Building movement has
caused cracking of ceramic
tile in Restrooms. - 8 s.f.
Repair broken tile and seal
corner with backing rod and
high performance sealant.
2 $1,000
Roof leaks have caused
staining of acoustic ceiling
tiles in localized areas. - 400
s.f.
Replace once leaks have
been addressed at HVAC
curbs.
2 $4,384
Roof leaks have caused
damage to drywall ceilings in
localized areas. - 50 s.f.
Patch and paint once leaks
have been addressed at
HVAC curbs.
2 $4,795
P-lam sink countertops in all
Restrooms are chipped and
delaminating - 30 l.f.
Remove and replace.
Consider upgrade to solid
surface material.
2 $18,495
Evidence of leaks at roof
drains in gymnasium. - 4
locations.
May have been resolved
with roof work. Recommend
monitor and repair as
needed.
3 TBD
Access panel in Restroom
stall wall has been damaged
and poorly patched.
Replace access panel.2 $300
Support structure for
moveable backboards is
bending under load.
Additional support strut
needed to brace. - 2
locations.
Replace structural element
and provide additional
support strut as needed to
brace - by manufacturer
preferred. Check others.
3 $5,000
Storage doors in gymnasium
are binding with movement
of the building - 3 pair.
Remove doors, cut bottoms
to allow more tolerance,
rehang and adjust.
2 $4,110
Supplemental striping added
to gymnasium flooring is not
as durable as original and is
failing. - 400 l.f.
Remove and reapply per
original spec.3 $10,000
Seams in sports floor in
Gymnasium are opening. -
300 l.f..
Seal seams.2 $7,500
Moveable partition in
Classrooms require repair.Replacement parts on order 2 N/A
Casework doors at
accessible sink in Classroom
are crooked.
Require adjustment/repair.2 $800
P-lam reception desk in
Lobby is chipping.
Recommend eventual
replacement with solid
surface.
3 $5,796
Curb conditions at rooftop
mechanical units not
addressed with TPO Roof
Coating install. 10 units.
Lift units and replace curb
flashing. See HVAC.1 $33,565
TPO Roof Coating is
delaminating in local areas. -
150 s.f.
Clean and patch local areas.
Roof replacement may
eventually be needed.
1 $6,165
Window leaks at sill condition
of storefront windows
throughout.
Appears to be a problem
with performance of the sill
pan and weeps.
Recommend a qualified
glazing contractor assess and
propose resolution.
1 TBD
Valence missing at window
blind in Teen Room.Replace valence.3 $200
Exterior doors at Multipurpose
Room leak at sills.
Storefront system is
unprotected from rain and
very difficult to seal. Floor
damage to be repaired and
thresholds reinstalled in bed
of mastic to slope outward.
Doors to be weatherstripped.
Recommend a roof canopy
be added to provide rain
protection.
1 $30,000
Exterior wood deck, railing
and stair at Multipurpose
Room is failing. - 2800 s.f..
Deck to be completely
removed and replaced.
Recommend considering
recycled plastic composite
material.
2 $287,700
Exterior galvanized tube
railings are rusting. - 200 l.f.
Remove rust, prime and
paint.2 $13,700
Trash enclosure walls are
damaged and pipe
exposed. - 150 l.f.
Concrete or PT wood
perimeter curb to be added
within trash enclosure to
protect walls and pipe.
1 $13,357
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $724,369
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
HVAC Equipment have
reportedly reaching the end
of their useful life. - 10 units,
20,000 s.f.
City to contract for
assessment and
recommendations for
replacement - coordinate
replacement with curb
repairs.
1 $1,000,000
HVAC distribution and
controls at classrooms and
adnmin office do not
function well. 6000 s.f.
City to contract for
assessment and
recommendations for
adjustments.
2 $25,000
Split System in Computer Lab
works overtime to cool entire
library when door is left open.
City to contract for
assessment and
recommendations for
adjustments to better cool
library with rooftop HVAC.
2 $25,000
Fire Sprinkler POE (2) have
exhausted allowance for
settlement.
Piping to be reconfigured to
accommodate settlement.1 $4,110
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,054,110
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Feature suspended pendant
lighting over admin desk is
not functional and not
desired - 4
Remove suspended
pendants and exposed
electrical infrastructure.
3 $6,850
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $6,850
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Soil conditions of site have
and will continue to allow
substantial settlement. The
variety of foundation systems
for new and old buildings,
decks and site concrete
result in differential
settlement and movement.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer for
addressing this condition.
2 TBD
Original building foundation
includes adjustable jack piers
that can be adjusted over
time.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer for
addressing this condition
prior to repairs to cracks,
doors, thresholds and exterior
paving adjacent to building.
2 TBD
Exterior walkway adjacent to
main entry slab is
experiencing differential
settlement and has been
ground to address condition.
May eventually become a
hazard and an ADA concern.
Recommend monitoring for
ADA compliance and may
need eventual
repair/replacement.
3 TBD
Exterior walkway north of
main lobby appears to be
experiencing substantial
cracking due to varied
foundation conditions.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate resolution to
maintain accessible path of
travel from lobby doors.
2 TBD
Exterior walkway at
Gymnasium exit is
experiencing differential
settlement,
Recommend monitoring for
ADA compliance and may
need eventual
repair/replacement.
3 $20,000
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $20,000
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Path of travel to Building
entries not compliant.See Sitework.1 N/A
Full CASP assessment not
included in the scope of this
report.
City to contract for detailed
Accessibility Report if
needed.
2 N/A
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $1,805,329
2 ALBERT PARK FIELD HOUSE
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Exterior paint is worn and
deteriorated stained.- 5200
s.f. 1
Patch and repaint budling
throughout.1 $16,000
Restroom doors appear to be
at end of useful life. - 2. 1
Replace metal doors and
hardware.2 $4,000
Single-ply modified bitumen
roof appears to be at the
end of its useful life. - 5000 s.f.
1
Replace roof.1 $26,989
Painted Restroom floors
deteriorating. - 200 s.f. 1
Repaint floor with epoxy
paint.2 $2,800
Wood storage, utility and
dugout doors appear to be
at the end of their useful life. -
6.
Replace wood doors and
hardware.2 $12,000
Wood entry doors to stadium
appear to be at the end of
their useful life. - 2.
Replace wood doors and
hardware.2 $7,000
Locker Room finishes are
worn and deteriorated. - 600
s.f.
Repaint walls, ceiling and
concrete floors throughout. 2 $8,000
Netting at windows traps
leafs and debris - not sure of
purpose.
Clean or consider removing
entirely and repainting.3 $2,500
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $79,289
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
No HVAC systems in building. Recommend exhaust in
Locker Rooms.2 $2,898
No HVAC system in
Restrooms.
Recommend exhaust in
Restrooms if used.2 $1,242
Need Water Heater for
Restrooms.
Recommend replacing water
heater if Restrooms are used.2 $4,692
Building does not have fire
sprinkler protection.
Install a new fire sprinkler
system throughout the
building.
3 N/A
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $8,832
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Old overhead electrical
service has been cut and
appears to be obsolete.
Confirm service is dead and
existing service box and
conduit to be removed.
3 $3,000
Incandescent and
flourescent building lighting
are outdated and inefficient.
Relamp with LED bulbs.
Recommend replacing entire
fixtures and controls if facility
upgraded.
2 $30,000
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $33,000
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Minor differential settlement
of foundation and slab are
resulting in some movement
cracks in finishes.
Not significant issue and not
easily resolved.3 N/A
Concrete spawling at several
locations including light pole
and stair at north end of
stadium. - 10 s.f.
Patch conctrete.2 $3,000
Age and type of construction
warrants evaluation for
seismic safety.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
3 TBD
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $3,000
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Path of travel to Building
entries.See Sitework.1 N/A
Full CASP assessment not
included in the scope of this
report.
City to contract for detailed
Accessibility Report if
needed.
2 N/A
Stadium level is not
accessible.
Confirm compliant ramp was
provided at north entry.1 N/A
Accessible seating area not
compliant.
Add accessible seating
platform at stadium level.1 $13,800
Door hardware throughout is
not compliant.
Complete door and
hardware replacement
would be required for full
compliance.
2 $27,600
Restrooms are not configured
to be accessible.
Reconfigure and rehab
restrooms for ADA
compliance. Separate
accessible Modular
Restroom Facility is an option.
2 $39,400
Signage is not compliant.Replace non-compliant
signage.2 $3,800
Locker rooms are not
accessible. Door hardware
and thresholds not
compliant. - 2.
Locker rooms can be made
substantially accessible with
door upgrades and minor
reconfiguration.
2 $13,800
Sunken dug-out entries from
field and locker rooms are
not accessible. - 2.
Sunken dug-outs cannot be
made fully accessible.
Possible to rebuild exterior
steps further out and
dropping to dug-out floor
level before entering under
doorway to allow for better
headroom .
3 N/A
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $98,400
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $222,521
3 FALKIRK CULTURAL CENTER
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Wood plank flooring in attic
damaged. - 150 s.f.. 1
Replace only failed wood
plank flooring.2 $4,110
Interior plaster walls on wood
lath have extensive cracking.
- 3600 s.f.1
Remove and replace failed
plaster.1 $150,000
Wall paper in Dining Hall is
deteriorating. - 450 s.f. 1
Replace deteriorated wall
paper.2 $8,600
Interior plaster ceilings on
wood lath have extensive
cracking. - 720 s.f. 1
Remove and replace failed
plaster.1 $36,000
Exterior wood shingles failing
at lower level. - 440 s.f. 1
Replace damaged shingles
and paint.1 $18,084
Exterior split face CMU block
wall - mortar failing - 100 s.f.
at lower level. 1
Remove failed mortar and
replace.1 $7,800
Exterior paint is failing in
localized areas. - 1240 s.f. 1
Scrape and paint exterior
finishes.1 $12,000
Hardwood flooring
substantially damaged under
Curved Bay Window South. -
250 s.f.
Replace damaged
hardwood parquet flooring.2 $12,000
Hardwood flooring
throughout has worn through
finish. - 10,000 s.f.
Light screen and refinish
hardwood parquet flooring
throughout.
2 $68,500
Curved Bay Window North in
admin area has minor rot
and glazing damage and
water intrusion. - 100 s.f.
Recommend historic
restoration of window frame
and windows maintain water
proof performance.
1 $27,400
Stained Glass Windows West
have substantial rot and
stained glass damage. - 100
s.f.
Recommend removal and
historic reconstruction with
glazing restraint system to
stabilize stained glass and
maintain water proof
performance
1 $41,100
Operable Curved Bay
Windows East in Dining Hall
have light rot and glazing
damage to fixed and
operable components. - 100
s.f.
Recommend restoration of
window frame and windows
maintain water proof
performance.
1 $27,400
Operable Decorative Bay
Windows South on second
floor have wood rot and
glazing damage with
extensive water intrusion -
150 s.f.
Recommend historic
restoration of window frame
and windows to maintain
water proof performance.
1 $41,100
Additional Operable
Decorative windows at
second floor have minor to
moderate damage and
water intrusion - 200 s.f.
Recommend restoration of
window frame and windows
maintain water proof
performance.
1 $27,400
Casework in rear building has
broken and misaligned
doors.
Repair casework and confirm
if vents to floor below are
required for HVAC.
$1,500
Bricks are loose and mortar
failing at main stair - 10 s.f.
Localized repair and repoint
entire brick stair - 200 s.f..$5,000
Second floor balcony roof
has flashing deficiency at
railing and junction with low
roof - 30 l.f. open wood
railing with cap.
Railing section to be
removed and condition
flashed properly with railing
reinstalled. Railing to be
patched and painted
entirely.
1 $4,110
Attic Bay Window appears to
allow water intrusion.
Recommend simple repairs
to maintain water proof
performance.
1 $5,000
Attic level has extensive
cosmetic deficiencies but it is
understood it is only used for
storage.
No additional scope
recommended.3 $0
Utility sink counter &
backsplash in Painting Room
is failing.
with new countertop and
backsplash.2 $3,200
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $500,304
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Gas meter location is not
compliant with PG&E
requirements and is in
conflict with electrical
service. 1
Relocate gas meter 15 LF
from existing location.1 $12,000
Domestic water is not
isolated at POE add isolation valve at POE.1 $3,425
Plumbing fixtures may not be
the most water conserving
types.
Installation in some locations
may not be consistent with
Historic Status.
2 $4,200
Utility sink in Painting Room is
antiquated with very old
faucet.
Replace sink and plumbing
integrated with new
countertop and backsplash.
2 $3,836
Building does not have fire
sprinkler protection.
Installation would be costly
and likely not consistent with
Historic Status.
3 N/A
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $23,461
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Electrical service, electrical
panels, knob & tube wiring
and incandescent lighting
are all indicative of an
antiquated facility consistent
with its age. 16,000 s.f.
A complete assessment by a
qualified electrical engineer
would be needed to
complete full scope of work
for an upgrade.
1 $441,600
Assuming 1930's knob & tube
wiring is reported as
abandoned. 1
Recommend confirming and
removing old abandoned
wiring.
1 $21,591
Admin Room near entry is
overly reliant on limited
electrical circuit and
extension chords.
Recommend adding
additional circuits and
additional outlets for office
equipment.
1 $6,850
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $470,041
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Cantilever condition at
second floor on north side is
bearing on a combination of
independent piers and
brackets with one post
bearing on a small shed
addition. Second floor is
noticeably sagging.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer for
addressing this condition.
1 TBD
Age and type of construction
warrants evaluation for
seismic safety.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
2 TBD
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Path of travel to Building
entries not compliant.See Sitework.1 N/A
Full CASP assessment not
included in the scope of this
report.
City to contract for detailed
Accessibility Report if
needed.
2 N/A
Status as Historical Significant
Structure conflicts with full
compliance of the facility.
City to contract with a
Historical Architect for
guidance related to ADA
upgrades.
2 N/A
No interior access to upper
floor is provided.
An elevator would be
necessary for full
compliance. Dependent on
Historical Analysis.
2 N/A
No fully compliant restroom is
provided on either floor.
Footprint of existing
"accessible" restroom is not
sufficient for full compliance.
Restroom would need to be
expanded and reconfigured
for full compliance including
mechanical, electrical and
plumbing if necessary.
2 $34,250
Commercial Kitchen is not
compliant. 200 s.f.
Could not be without
substantial modifications
triggering code and
accessibility upgrades
including Health Department
review.
2 $96,600
Door width and door
hardware throughout is non-
compliant
Determine extent of access
and upgrade as needed.
Dependent on Historical
Analysis.
2 N/A
Signage is non-compliant
throughout.
Determine extent of access
and upgrade as needed.1 $10,350
Floor transitions and
thresholds are not compliant.
Determine extent of access
and upgrade as needed.
Dependent on Historical
Analysis.
2 N/A
Stairs and railings are non-
compliant throughout.
City to contract with a
Historical Architect for
guidance related to ADA
upgrades. Dependent on
Historical Analysis.
2 N/A
Administrative office area
including workspace and
shared work areas.
Layout and FF&E to provide
accessibility for employees as
necessary.
2 TBD
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $141,200
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $1,135,006
4 SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Exterior wood soffit is stained. -
360 s.f. 1
refinish wood soffit as
needed. Consider full bodied
stain on soffits throughout.
3 $4,800
Coping metal on roof has
deteriorating sealant and
paint. - 900 l.f. 1
Repair reseal and repaint
metal coping throughout.2 $18,173
Exterior brick veneer showing
efforescence. - 200 s.f. 1
Clean efforescence and seal
exterior brick.2 $10,000
Acoustic ceiling tiles
damaged in local areas. -
3400 s.f. 1
Replace damaged ceiling
tiles.3 $37,264
Interior wood paneling and
trim marked and worn. - 1500
s.f.
Patch and touch up interior
paneling.3 $20,550
Movement of structure has
resulted in distortion of
floating ceramic tile
installation in lobby. - 200 l.f.
Cut grooves at perimeter
and install flexible sealant at
select grout joints for
expansion joints.
2 $5,480
Commercial Kitchen is not
code compliant. 350 s.f.
Could not be without
substantial modifications
triggering code and
accessibility upgrades
including Health Department
review.
3 $169,050
Most interior wood doors and
hardware are in poor
condition. - 24
Replace doors and
hardware.2 $88,776
Reception desk wood is
damaged at base under
counter and wood bullnose
edging is worn. - 6 s.f. panel /
50' edging.
Refinish wood as needed.2 $3,425
Back counter at reception
desk is innefficient / third
work station not used - 6 ft.
lower casework.
Additional storage cabinets
to infill workstation under
existing countertop.
3 $2,877
Egg crate diffuser at Lobby
skylight is dislodged from
support.
Adjust diffuser.2 $150
Casework and cabinets
throughout classrooms are
worn and dared. 36' upper &
lower casework w/
countertop & 4 sinks. / 16' full
ht. wall cabinets.
Recommend remove and
replace.2 $68,226
Shades at clerestory windows
in Multipurpose Room are
broken and hard to operate.
Manual blackout shades to
be replaced. Recommend
consider solar powered
motorized shades.
2 $32,000
Panic exit devices at
Multipurpose facility have
surface mounted rods and
are not compliant. 4 leafs
Install guards - replace doors
and hardware with fully
compliant when possible.
2 $21,920
Acoustic panel in Mult-
purpose Room is stained in
one location.
Professional steam cleaning
to improve as much as
possible - difficult to replace
just the one panel.
2 $800
Partitions between offices
are not full height acoustic
partitions and there is very
little acoustic seperation. - 40
feet wall/500 s.f. ceiling/3
Acoustic performance can
be upgraded with acoustic
batts installed over ceiling
tiles on both sides and door
seals added.
3 $4,658
Ivy is climbing on brick up to
soffit of building.Remove ivy from building. 1 $1,200
Deadbolt and chain lock on
exterior gate at Multi-purpose
Room exit.
Confirm it is not a required
and signed building exit or
remove locks. Can replace
with alarmed panic device
and tamper screen if security
is required.
1 $6,000
Exterior vented access door
in Courtyard is damaged - 2'
x 5'.
Replace door, vent and
deadbolt.2 $2,000
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $497,349
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
One hot water heater for
entire building. 4 sinks
Recommend considering
flash water heater for
restrooms and classrooms.
2 $9,384
Plumbing fixtures may not be
the most water conserving
types.
Replace older fixtures with
new water conserving type.2 $5,000
Building does not have fire
sprinkler protection.
Install a new fire sprinkler
system throughout the
building.
3 N/A
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $14,384
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Missing electrical panel
covers. - 2. 1
Replace panel covers.
Lighting controls need to be
upgraded so panel is not
used to switch lights.
1 $200
Existing florescent lighting
and controls are obsolete
and inefficient. 20,000 s.f.
Upgrades should be
considered with any
substantial improvements.
2 $552,000
Incandescent chandeliers in
Multipurpose Room are
dated and inefficient. 128
bilbs
Relamp with LED bulbs.
Recommend replacing entire
fixtures. Upgrade controls.
2 $276,000
Stage Lighting Controls
obsolete and no longer used
but still live.
Confirm old system is
obsolete - should be
removed and replaced per
2020 CIP.
2 $184,000
Electrical Upgrades to Stage
Area.Per 2019 CIP.2 $72,000
Power to lighting controller in
courtyard not connected.
Connect and confirm
functionality.2 TBD
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,084,200
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Minor differential settlement
of foundation and slab are
resulting in some movement
cracks in finishes.
Not significant issue and not
easily resolved.3 TBD
Age and type of construction
warrants evaluation for
seismic safety.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
3 TBD
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Path of travel to Building
entries.See Sitework.1 N/A
Full CASP assessment not
included in the scope of this
report.
City to contract for detailed
Accessibility Report if
needed.
2 N/A
Door hardware throughout is
not compliant.
Extensive door and hardware
replacement would be
required for full compliance.
Blended rate - $5000 per leaf.
2 $248,400
Main doors at Multipurpose
Room have surface mounted
door stops and are not
compliant.
Replace doors and
hardware.2 $27,600
Signage is not entirely
compliant.
Replace non-compliant
signage.1 $5,000
Commercial Kitchen does
not meet accessibility
requirements for equal
access.
ADA modifications would
trigger substantial code
upgrades. See Architectural.
2 N/A
Kitchen service window and
counter is too high for
accessible service or public
access. 30"
Sill and counter to be
lowered and service window
replaced to provide
compliant service if this
service is provided.
2 $3,254
Senior Restroom not
compliant.
Compliance not possible
within available space.
Would require more
extensive remodel and
reconfiguration.
2 $40,000
Sink & work counters at
Classrooms and Seniors are
not compliant. - 4
Modify casework to provide
compliant sink and work
counter with accessible sink,
knee space, pipe wrap and
accessible faucets.
Recommend replacing
dated casework entirely.
2 $20,000
Stage not accessible.Ramp or lift required for
compliance.2 $75,000
Backstage areas not
accessible. 200 s.f.
Restroom and changing
rooms cannot be made
accessible within existing
configuration.
2 $150,420
Administrative office area
including workspace and
shared work areas.
Layout and FF&E to provide
accessibility for employees as
necessary.
2 N/A
Exterior doors from
Classrooms to patios have a
step down and are not
compliant. 6 doors.
Should be compliant if
indoor/outdoor events occur.
Replace thresholds with ADA
extensions.
2 $4,140
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $573,814
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $2,169,747
5 TERRA LINDA COMMUNITY CENTER Pricing Mid 2022
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Interior wood paneling and
trim marked and worn. - 1500
s.f. 1
Patch and touch up interior
paneling.2 $57,000
Movement of structure has
resulted in extensive cracking
of ceramic tile base in
restrooms. - 105 l.f. 1
Remove and replace
ceramic tilebase over new a
crack isolation membrane.
2 $8,500
Sheet vinyl flooring in kitchen
is cracking at perimeter, likely
related to building
movement. - 20 s.f. 1
Patch localized cracked
material to match.
Recommend complete
replacement with more
durable and flexible specialty
flooring when possible.
1 $3,000
VCT flooring throughout has
some failure. - 8 s.y. 1 Replace VCT as needed.2 $1,000
Exterior wood siding is
damaged. 1
Replace and repair wood
siding as needed. 1 $34,250
Exterior paint is beginning to
fail at fascias, trim, beams
and some siding. - 3200 s.f. 1
Prep and paint after siding
and door repairs .1 $10,000
Exterior entry door to
Ceramics is failing. 1 Replace door.1 $3,425
Commercial Kitchen is not
code compliant. 300 s.f.
Could not be without
substantial modifications
triggering code and
accessibility upgrades
including Health Department
review.
3 $73,830
Acoustic ceiling in classroom
has failed planks under
rooftop HVAC equipment. -
50 s.f.
Repair or replace planks after
roof curb repairs.2 $1,200
Acoustic tile ceiling in
Ceramics room has water
damage under rooftop
HVAC equipment. -20 s.f.
Repair or replace tiles after
roof curb repairs.2 $800
Moveable partition floor seals
do not seal to floor due to
differential settlement of
foundation and bow in slab.
300 s.f.
Condition not likely to be
resolved.3 $62,100
Gaskets and seals on exterior
doors are damaged or
deficient throughout. -16
leafs
Install weatherstripping on
exterior doors.2 $9,200
Finishes and fixtures in
Janitor's Closet and service
areas are serviceable but in
poor condition.
Replace janitor sink and
update all finishes with FRP in
wet and high abuse areas,
patch and repaint all.
3 $1,600
Roof curbs for mechanical
units have not been
repaired.
Remove units and replace
curb flashing.1 $27,400
Monument Sign is in very
poor condition and refers to
"Recreation" center.
Replace with current sign
type.2 $27,400
Kiln vent screen is rusting. - 10
s.f.
Replace screen with SS or
Galv. metal screen.2 $600
Exterior window screens at
classroom are failing. - 100 s.f.
Replace screens in existing
frames. 3 $2,000
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $323,305
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Old A/C unit at Janitors
Closet is between two interior
rooms and not being used.
Unit to be removed and
opening in interior wall
sealed.
3 $1,200
Clay separator at Ceramics is
not effective Replace clay seperator.1 $2,500
Plumbing fixtures may not be
the most water conserving
types.
Replace fixtures with new
water conserving type.2 $8,400
Building does not have fire
sprinkler protection.
Install a new fire sprinkler
system throughout the
building.
3 N/A
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $12,100
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Existing fluorescent lighting
and controls are obsolete
and inefficient.
Upgrades should be
considered with any
substantial improvements.
2 $236,300
Admin Room near entry is
overly reliant on limited
electrical circuit and
extension chords.
Recommend adding
additional circuits and
additional outlets for office
equipment.
1 $6,850
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $243,150
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Differential settlement of
foundation and slab are
resulting in uneven floor
surfaces resulting in door
operational problems and
ADA floor slope and threshold
issues as well as cracks in
finishes.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
3 TBD
Age and type of construction
warrants evaluation for
seismic safety.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
3 TBD
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Path of travel to Building
entries not compliant.See Sitework.1 N/A
Full CASP assessment not
included in the scope of this
report.
City to contract for detailed
Accessibility Report if
needed.
2 N/A
Door hardware throughout is
not compliant.
Extensive door and hardware
replacement would be
required for full compliance.
2 $151,800
Panic exit devices at
Multipurpose facility and
Ceramics have surface
mounted rods and are not
compliant - 16 leafs
Install covers over rod/hdwre
assembly near floor or
replace entirely.
2 $500
Signage is not entirely
compliant.
Replace non-compliant
signage.1 $10,275
Commercial Kitchen does
not meet accessibility
requirements for equal
access.
ADA modifications would
trigger substantial code
upgrades. - See
Architectural.
2 N/A
Kitchen service window and
counter is too high for
accessible service or public
access. 4' x 4'
Sill and counter to be
lowered and one service
window replaced to provide
compliant service if this
service is provided.
2 $4,416
Administrative Service
Counter at Lobby is too high
for accessible service or
public access. 4' x 6'
Sill and counter to be
lowered and service 1
window replaced to provide
compliant service if this
service is provided.
1 $7,866
Restroom configurations
generally compliant with
minor adjustments to
accessories,
Include detailed assessment
in determining specific scope
for full compliance.
2 $5,000
Locks on toilet compartment
doors not compliant.
Replace with compliant
hardware.1 $822
Door thresholds at restrooms
not compliant. - 100 s.f floor
Hallway to receive floor
leveler and new vinyl floor
finjishes reinstalled to
achieve compliance.
1 $4,000
Drinking Fountain not
compliant.
Provide railing barriers and
replace DF with compliant Hi-
Low model.
1 $8,220
Sink & work counters at
Ceramics are not compliant. -
48"
Modify casework to provide
compliant sink and work
counter with accessible sink,
knee space, pipe wrap and
accessible faucets.
1 $6,850
Administrative office area
including workspace and
shared work areas.
Layout and FF&E to provide
accessibility for emplyees as
necessary.
1 N/A
Exterior entry platforms for
doors from classroom to
courtyard are not compliant.
6- 65 s.f. sloped walkway.
Should be compliant if
indoor/outdoor events occur.2 $26,910
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $226,659
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $805,214
6 TERRA LINDA POOL HOUSE
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Pool Equipment pair of doors
have delaminated and
deteriorated. 1
Replace with fiberglass
doors.1 $4,658
Exposed nails from temporary
wood framing.
Remove exposed nails and
reinstall if necessary wood
framing.
1 $900
Men's Locker Rooms - Lower
Skylight below broken unit is
stained.
Clean, replace or discard
lens.3 $250
Locker Room (Men's and
Women's) - Extensive rust on
lockers. - 28 two tier
Replace with rust resistant
lockers - possibly built up on
bench.
2 $23,016
Locker Room (Men's and
Women's) - Wood Bench
finish deteriorating. - 4
Refinish or replace with solid
surface top. Remove rust and
repaint bases.
2 $3,288
Meeting room doors open
outward with no stop.
Damage to door and frame
has occurred. Water enters
under door. - 2
Doors should be repaired or
replaced and include
overhead closer with
integrated door stop.
Thresholds to be removed
and reinstalled in bed of
mastic.
2 $13,700
Exterior paint is critical to
protect this facility.
Repaint building entirely
including all doors and trim.1 $10,960
Concrete spawling at
exterior steps to Pool
Mechanical. - 2 small
locations.
Remove spawl and patch
concrete.3 $600
Storage doors from pool
deck are not exterior grade
and have delaminated.
Replace with exterior grade
wood doors or fiberglass.1 $4,658
Stained interior concrete
floor in meeting room is
trowel finish and not slip
resistant. 400s.f.
Recommend a sand blast
finish if wet feet and flip flops
are entering this room.
2 $1,656
Visibility of pool deck from
Staff Room is limited by
window spacing and window
type with horizontal mullions
at eye height. 3 -12 s.f.
Larger fixed glass window(s)
oriented to pool deck should
replace the double hung
operable windows that side.
Remove signage from glass.
3 $9,936
Customer entry queing is
poorly configured allowing
lingering near entry gate and
uncontrolled entry.
Consider reconfiuring entry
and controls.2 $30,000
Wood surge pit cover on
west side outside building is
in poor condition and subject
to further rot.
Recommend replacing
wood decking with PT or
redwood decking.
3
$3,000
Park restroom door finish in
poor condition Repaint door and frame.$690
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $107,312
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations Total Cost
Acid and Chlorine storage is
within pool mechanical room
causing substantial
deterioration and corrosion.
100 s.f.
Recommend reconfiguring to
provide separate corrosion
resistant chemical storage
rooms vented to the
outdoors.
2 $27,600
Air gap at pool waste line
spills over catch pipe.
Install broader catch basin at
top of waste line below air
gap.
1 $250
Domestic water heater
insufficient capacity
Upgrade water heater
capacity.2 $1,120
Large pool heater has
reached the end of its useful
life.
Replace large pool heater.1 $50,000
Building does not have fire
sprinkler protection.
Installation could be required
by Fire Dept. if building
remodeled.
3 N/A
Possible pool piping leak
under lawn between large
pool and surge pit.
City to contract for leak
detection services to confirm
and repair if necessary.
1 TBD
Outdoor shower should be
covered and drain to SS, not
storm drain.
Existing condition may be
acceptable to remain.3 $9,936
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $88,906
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations Total Cost
Damaged conduit and
fittings adjacent to chem.
feed treatment equipment.
Replace damaged conduit,
pull box and fittings, and
reconnect conductors .2 $6,850
Open electrical j-box.Provide cover.1
Electrical panel board and
panels in Pool Equipment
Room are very old and have
been subject to highly
corrosive environment.
Recommend inspection by
qualified electrical engineer
or contractor to assess
condition. Assume panel
cover replacement.
2 $3,000
Semi-recessed panel in family
Changing Room leaves
exposed panel corners at
children's head height as a
hazard.
Trim out panel with painted
wood trim so panel face sits
on trim.
1 $1,200
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $11,050
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations Total Cost
Age and type of construction
warrants evaluation for
seismic safety.
Recommend evaluation by
structural engineer to
evaluate potential seismic
upgrade.
3 TBD
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations Total Cost
Path of travel to Building
entries not reviewed.See Sitework.1 N/A
Staff Room - Casework at
ADA counter does not
support staff.
Add casework at public
counter window.2 $2,740
Lock box at Family Restroom
protrudes more than
maximum 4" into path of
travel.
Replace with shallower
box/lock assembly.2 $600
Outdoor showers (1) -
Handheld sprayer is not
provided at 48" max above
ground surface.
Provide hand-held sprayer
with mounting bracket at 48"
max above ground surface.
1 $3,500
Drinking fountain does not
have protection and is not
compliant.
Replace with high/low unit
with pipe rail protection
each side.
1 $19,320
Hose bibs along ADA path of
travel to locker rooms
protrude more than 4" . -
Relocate or provide
compliant protection.2 $3,288
Park Restroom door swing
conflicts with clear space
required for toilet and 60"
circle for turn around.
Cannot be reconfigured to
comply without moving walls.
Changing door to swing
outward with adequete
exterior landing for
compliance.
1 $5,106
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $34,554
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $241,822
A BRET HARTE PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Door finish poor with
adhesive residue. - 2 Sand and Repaint Door.3 $1,380
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,380
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Total Deficiency Cost $1,380
B FREITAS PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Storage Shed - wood shake
roof failed. - 60 s.f.Replace shake roof.1 $3,000
Picnic Shelter - wood shake
roof failed. - 120 s.f.
Replace shake roof, refinish
soffit.1 $5,000
Restroom asphalt roof
damage at ridge. - 20 s.f.Patch roofing at ridge.2 $3,000
Wood siding and trim failing
throughout. - 880 s.f.Replace wood siding.2 $50,000
Wood soffit damaged. - 10
s.f.Patch wood soffit.3 $3,000
Urinal screen failing. - 1 Replace screen & brackets.2 $1,000
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $65,000
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Exhaust fans don't work. - 2 Replace exahust fans.1 $1,242
Exaust louvers damaged. - 2 Replace louvers.2 $900
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $2,142
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Light fixtures dated and not
LED. - 4 Replace with LED.3 $2,760
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $2,760
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
ADA signage missing or
damaged. - 4 Reoplace ADA signage.1 $414
Sink too close to wall - not
enough room to adjust
without reconfiguring. - 2
Reconfigure sink & remove
urinal/ screen to comply.1 $2,760
Exterior door landing is not
level. - 50 s.f.Replace concrete paving. 1 $3,450
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $6,624
Total Deficiency Cost $76,526
C GERSTLE PARK LOWER
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Exterior earth grade too high
and close to wood siding. -
26 l.f.
Remove soil clear from siding
and to slope away from
structure.
1 $1,800
Debris and moss on asphalt
roof shingles.
Remove debris and moss /
powerwash.1 $1,200
Paint staining on concrete
floor. - 60 s.f.Paint removal and cleaning.3 $1,656
No base board. - 32 l.f.Add resilient coved base.1 $1,311
FRP stained and light
damage - 300 s.f.Clean and repair FRP.3 $1,500
Metal chase covers rusted. -
2
Replace chase covers with
Galv. metal and paint.1 $2,400
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $9,867
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Remote door lock not
funcional.
Remove hardware, conduit,
patch and paint.2 $1,200
exterior exposed conduit
loose.Fasten conduit.2 $900
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $2,100
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
No Door Sign. - 1 Provide Door Sign.1 $104
Toilet too far from wall - both
directions. - 1 Adjust plumbing or fur 2 walls.1 $5,200
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $5,304
Total Deficiency Cost $17,271
D GERSTLE PARK UPPER
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Graffitti on back side, wood
siding finish inconsistent. -
1200 s.f.
clean, sand and and restain
wood siding.2 $3,200
Debris and moss on asphalt
roof shingles.Remove debris and moss.1 $1,800
wood siding too close to
paving. - 72 l.f.
Remove bottom 2 rows of lap
siding, trim and OSB, provide
25 l.f. concrete curb, trim and
replace and replace lowest
siding lap, cut and reinstall
trim up 2" min.
1 $12,000
Exterior door frames of
insufficient throat size for wall
thickness. Rusting. - 2
Replace doors, hardware
and frames with galvanized. 2 $10,212
No base board. - 64 l.f.Add resilient coved base.1 $2,622
FRP stained and light
damage. - 600 s.f.Clean and repair FRP.3 $3,000
Metal chase covers rusted. -
4
Replace chase covers with
Galv. metal and paint.1 $2,400
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $35,234
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Escutchions needed for
uused faucet holes. - 2 Replace escutchions.3 $100
Flush valve cover broken. - 1 Replace cover.3 $100
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $200
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Remote doors lock not
funcional. - 2
Remove hardware, conduit,
patch and paint.2 $2,400
Electrical panel not closing -
may be for remote locking.
Remove panel and conduit if
not required.2 $1,200
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $3,600
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Apears to be modular
concrete block curb on slab
foundation.
Not conventional, no known
concerns.3 N/A
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
No Door Sign. - 2 Provide Door Signs.1 $207
Toilet too far from sidewall. - 1 Adjust plumbing or fur 1 wall.1 $3,800
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $4,007
Total Deficiency Cost $43,041
E LOS RANCHITOS PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Wood roof rafter outriggers
dryrot. - 4 Restore, paint and flash.1 $4,800
All exposed roof wood trim
finish failing. - 200 l.f.Patch and paint.1 $9,600
Foam trim at top of stone
base failing throughout. - 30'Patch or replace and refinish.2 $4,416
All doors paint failing. - 3 Treat rust and repaint doors.2 $2,070
Door closer cover plate
missing.Replace cover.3 $300
Towel dispensor/waste
damaged. - 4 Replace cover.2 $400
Epoxy Floor in poor condition.
- 600 s.f.Recoat epoxy.3 $6,624
Tape residue from temp
signage.Remove resiue from FRP.3 $100
Doors and frames finish
failing. - 2 Repaint doors and frames.3 $1,380
Mirror finish failing -2 Replace mirriors.3 $200
Laminate partition doors
damaged - 3 Replace doors.2 $2,400
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $32,290
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Sink faucet broken.Repair or replace.1
Toilet not fixed to floor at
Men's.Reinstall toilet.1 $800
Exhaust louver missing at
Men's.Replace louver.2 $250
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,050
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Light fixtures dated and
inneficient.Replace with LED.3 $1,800
Light sensor cover plate
missing in Men's.
Remove, patch, reinstall with
cover plate.2 $100
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,900
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Concrete base spawling at
DF. - 1 s.f.Patch and paint 3 $1,200
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,200
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Signage not compliant,
missing or failing. - 4 Replace signage.1 $414
hand dryer location not
accessible in Men's.Relocate hand dryer.1 $2,400
Sinks not compliant. - 2 Replace sinks and .1 $3,312
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $6,126
1 Terracon FCA 1/18/2019
Total Deficiency Cost $42,566
F LOCH LOMOND PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Doors finish in poor condition.
- 3 Repaint doors and frames.2 $2,070
Door prepped for
key/thumbturn deadbolt lock
but not installed. - 2
install proper lock with
indicator.1 $1,800
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $3,870
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Exhaust fan not working in
Women's.Replace exhaust fan.2 $621
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $621
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Door landings are too small
to be compliant. - 30 s.f.
Add concrete slab - pin to
existing or replace.1 $3,450
Door supplemental lock not
compliant. - 2
Remove and patch - Install
proper lock with indicator -
see Architectural.
1 $300
ADA signage on doors is
failing. - 2 Replace door signage.1 $207
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $3,957
Total Deficiency Cost $8,448
G PEACOCK GAP PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Water entering building at
rear service doors.
Grading, paving and
drainage needs to be
corrected to direct water
away from building.
1 TBD
Paper towel dispensor/waste
unit damaged.Replace combo unit.3 $300
Mirrors damaged. - 2 Replace mirrors.2 $552
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $852
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Hose bib leaking replace hose bib.1 $276
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $276
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Missing ADA signage on both
doors. - 4 Prvide signage.1 $414
Drinking Fountain not dual
height and niche not large
enough.
Fur out wall to eliminate
niche, replace DF, protect
with S railings both sides.
1 $8,220
Width for sink insiufficient in
Men's.Adjust urinal screen location.1 $500
trough urinal not compliant.
Revise plumbing and
Replace with 1 normal and 1
low compliant urinal.
1 $8,000
clear space for ADA toilet at
Men's conflicts with partition
doorway - same for required
grab bar.
See ADA toilet resolution
below.1 N/A
ADA toilets not compliant
distance from side partition -
2
Recommend moving toilets
to 18" from concrete wall and
replacing all grab bars and
accessories.
1 $12,000
Women's normal toilet out of
order.TBD 1 TBD
Gates are not ADA
compliant.
Gates must remian fixed in
open position for
compliance.
1 N/A
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $29,134
Total Deficiency Cost $30,262
H PICKLEWEED PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Ext. wood trim failing at base
and around doors and vents. -
300 l.f.
Replace failed trim and paint
all.1 $4,140
Doors and Hardware in poor
condition and not functional.
- 2
Replace doors, frames and
hardware.2 $10,212
Interior RFP finish poor. - 480
s.f.Repaint or replace RFP.3 $4,800
Interior base failing. - 60 l.f.Replace and repaint.1 $2,622
Sheet metal cover plate
fasteners missing.
Replace fasteners / remove
and patch wall if new RFP.3 $1,200
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $22,974
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Vents do not have sufficient
roof overhang for simple
screens. - 64 sq. ft.
Replace with louvers with
proper flashed details.1 $3,600
Sink faucet not attached. - 1 Reinstall faucet.1 $800
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $4,400
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Remote locking system
apears to be incomplete.
Remove hardware, conduit,
patch and paint.3 $2,400
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $2,400
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Door signage incomplete. - 2 Replace door signage.1 $207
Door hardware broken. - 1 Replace hardware .1 $1,500
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,707
Total Deficiency Cost $31,481
I SANTA MARGARITA PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Exposed steel roof beams
rusting. - 200 l.f.Treat rust and repaint.3 $1,200
finishes at new light fixtures
poor. - 2 Patch and paint.3 $900
Grab bar dented.Replace grab bar.3 $200
TP dispensor damaged. - 1 Replce TP dispensor.2 $200
Exterior doors finish poor. - 3 Repaint doors and frames.3 $2,070
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $4,570
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Cover plate damaged.Replace cover plate.2 $200
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $200
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Signage not compliant,
missing or failing. - 4 Replace signage.1 $414
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $414
Total Deficiency Cost $5,184
J SUN VALLEY PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Ext. wood base in contact
with earth and failing. - 20 l.f.
Lower grades around bldg.
to 6" below wood / replace
base.
1 $1,800
Dead bolt not functional. - 1 Replace deadbolt.1 $600
Steel structure at entry
rusting.Treat rust and paint.3 $1,200
Interior wall finish poor.Repaint interior walls.3 $3,200
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $6,800
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Push button for exit not
functional.Remove and patch.3 600
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
Hand dryers do not have
required clear space.
Relocate electric hand
dryers.1 $2,400
Baby Changing Station does
not stay closed so conflicts
w/ clear space. - 1
Replace BC station.1 $900
Sinks are 1/4" too high. - 2 Remove and reinstall sinks.1 $1,200
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $4,500
Total Deficiency Cost $11,300
K VICTOR JONES PARK
Architectural Deficiencies Recommendations Priority 1-3 Total Cost
Asphalt roof shingles are in
poor condition. - 500 s.f.Replace roof.2 $8,000
Roof flashing does not have
gutters and does not provide
drip so fascias are
deteriorating. - 40 l.f.
Provide gutters or proper drip
detal at roof eaves - clean
and paint fascias.
2 $900
Door Hardware not
compliant & damaged. - 2 Replace door hardware.1 $2,760
Doors finish in poor condition.
- 3 Paint doors and frames.2 $2,070
Concrete floor in poor
condition and innadequete
wall base. - 360 s.f.
Add epoxy floor with integral
base throughout.3 $3,974
plywood interior walls in poor
conditiion and not
cleanable/durable. - 300 s.f.
Add FRP at interior partitions.3 $1,656
Architectural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $19,360
Mechanical Deficiencies Recommendations
Floor drains do not have
covers. - 2 Replace floor drains.$1,600
Mechanical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $1,600
Electrical Deficiencies Recommendations
Electrical Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
Structural Deficiencies Recommendations
Structural Repairs Budget for planning purposes $0
ADA Deficiencies Recommendations
ADA signage not provided. -
2 Add door signage.$207
Entry doors do not have
compliant space.
Doors must be removed or
fixed open to comply during
hours of.
N/A
No ADA compliant toilets
provided. - 2
Reconfigure entire rooms to
provide compliant fixtures -
expand to keep 2 fixtures
each.
$50,000
Toilet partitions in poor
condition and not compliant.
- 4
Replace 3 toilet partitions
and 1 urinal screen $6,800
Toilet fixtures too close to
sidewall.- 3
Reconfigure subslab
plumbing for new fixture
locations.
$3,800
No compliant accessories
and grab bars. - 2
Provide new accessoriies
and grab bars throughout.$2,400
ADA Repairs Budget for planning purposes $63,207
Total Deficiency Cost $84,167