HomeMy WebLinkAboutLR Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: February 21, 2023
Disposition: Accepted report
Agenda Item No: 5.a
Meeting Date: February 21, 2023
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Library & Recreation
Prepared by: Catherine Quffa,
Library & Recreation Director
City Manager Approval: ______________
TOPIC: CITYWIDE PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN UPDATE
SUBJECT: REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CITYWIDE PARKS & RECREATION
MASTER PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The General Plan 2040 and City Council’s Goal and Objectives established the creation of a Citywide
Parks & Recreation Master Plan (CPRMP) 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 (RHAA) to launch a comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master
Planning process to analyze the use of existing parks and facilities, assess their condition, gather
community input, provide recommendations for improvement, and suggest funding/implementation
strategies. RHAA and staff are in the final stages of drafting the CPRMP and are on track to bring the
plan to City Council for review in Spring, 2023. This informational report provides an overview of the
process involved in developing the CPRMP and a summary of the key themes, trends, and
recommendations that emerged through the process.
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the informational report on the progress of the Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
BACKGROUND:
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 & Recreation Master Plan as a key
priority. 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.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
In November 2021, the City of San Rafael contracted with RHAA to launch a comprehensive 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. Based on the 2040 General Plan, the CPRMP will provide a
foundation for the future development and maintenance of parks, recreation facilities, programs, and
amenities. The below outlines the actions taken to gather data on the current state of the City’s park
and recreation system as well as to collect input on community needs.
Park and Recreation System Assessments
Staff began working with RHAA in early 2022 to conduct a thorough assessment of the City’s existing
parks, recreation facilities, and previous planning efforts in citywide recreation. This included the
following assessments:
Park Inventory and Assessment
In January 2022, City staff and RHAA toured the City’s 25 existing park sites documenting the following
at each site:
• Location
• Size
• Park Type – pocket park, neighborhood park, community park, special-use park, community
garden
• History – construction date (if known) and development over time
• Current Condition – poor, fair, good, or excellent
• Amenity, Furnishings, and Facility Inventory
• Recreation Provided
• Constraints
• Estimated Maintenance
Facility Inventory and Assessment
In January and February 2022, City staff and Mack5 – consultants to RHAA in architecture, cost, and
construction management – toured the City’s recreation facilities documenting architectural,
mechanical, electrical, structural, and accessibility (ADA) deficiencies. The facilities assessed include
the San Rafael Community Center, Albert J. Boro Community Center, Albert Park Stadium, Terra Linda
Community Center and Pool, and Falkirk Cultural Center.
CASp Report
Throughout Spring 2022, Steven Hall – consultant to RHAA as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) –
conducted a CASp assessment of the City’s park sites. A CASp inspection report identifies violations of
accessibility standards and lists necessary improvements for their correction, to support the City’s due
diligence in removing accessibility barriers on public property. The CASp report generated for the
CPRMP is an extensive document with barrier removal recommendations that will be folded into larger
development projects as the City’s resources allow.
Document Review
RHAA provided a review of the City’s previous planning efforts, related to San Rafael’s park and
recreation network to ensure that the goals and recommendations of the CPRMP build upon and
support previous planning. The following master planning documents were reviewed and incorporated
into the CPRMP.
• San Rafael General Plan 2040, 2021
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• Downtown Precise Plan, 2021
• Climate Change Action Plan, 2019
• San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, 2018
• Canalfront Conceptual Design Plan and Guidelines, 2009
Community Engagement
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 as part of the CPRMP process.
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, and an online questionnaire was initiated on
March 30 and closed on May 3, 2022.
The Statistically Valid Survey, conducted by Godbe Research – consultant to RHAA specializing in
opinion 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 as well as via
paper copies distributed throughout City facilities and partner organizations, collected 1,131 responses
between March 30th and May 31st. The questionnaire was provided in English (1,046 respondents),
Spanish (84 respondents), and Vietnamese (1 respondent).
Stakeholder Group Interviews
With City staff support, RHAA interviewed stakeholder groups in the 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. Interviews were held online with input
collected from a total of 37 interest groups.
Community Meetings
Community Meeting #1 was held 4 times in Spring 2022:
• March 30th – San Rafael Community Center
• April 28 – Terra Linda Community Center
• May 5 – Zoom/Online
• May 11 – Albert J. Boro Community Center (conducted in Spanish, with English translation
available)
At this first community meeting, 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.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
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 prioritization 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 in
the meeting.
ANALYSIS:
RHAA gathered significant amounts of data through the system assessment and community
engagement process. The CPRMP will incorporate this information throughout the plan and will provide
site-by-site recommendations as to the specific needs of each park and facility as well as opportunities
to address systemwide deficiencies.
While the needs of each site were evaluated individually, there were certain common trends that
emerged. From the system assessment, RHAA determined the following common needs across the
City’s park system:
• Updating playground amenities per code and accessibility
• Renovation of sport courts
• Infrastructure repairs and replacement, such as replacing irrigation systems, repaving pathways,
and repairing failing structures
• Addressing ADA deficiencies that create a high barrier to access
• Improved signage
For the City’s recreation facilities, the common deficiencies identified throughout that facilities 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
A key component to the CPRMP assessment process is not only the physical needs of the amenities
and facilities, but also the community needs and priorities. The community engagement process
resulted in significant feedback from the community. Overall, the community is satisfied with the City’s
existing supply of, and access to, parks and recreation facilities and programs. 73% of respondents
from the Statistically Valid Survey and 56% of respondents to the Community Questionnaire reported
satisfaction with the City’s parks and recreation facilities. Beyond that, there were a number of themes
that emerged from the community engagement process that will be used to shape the CPRMP.
The following are some of the key themes from the community surveying process:
• There is strong support for prioritizing renovating and maintaining the City’s existing park
amenities over adding new amenities (60% from the Statistically Valid Survey and 75% from the
Community Questionnaire). There is a particular desire to modernize playgrounds and
recreation amenities such as benches, picnic tables, etc. as well as repair failing infrastructure.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
• There is a strong desire for improved maintenance and cleanliness of the City’s parks,
particularly restroom maintenance and refuse pick up.
• 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.
• Many community members are unaware of the City’s programmatic offerings (approximately
30% of respondents to the community surveys).
The community surveys also identified the City’s most frequently used parks and facilities, which park
improvements and amenities are most important to residents, and which recreation and leisure
activities residents most value.
Building on the community surveys, input collected from the community meetings is in alignment with
the identified themes. Input collected from the stakeholder groups is more nuanced and oriented to
stakeholder interests. However, stakeholder groups largely expressed interest in supporting more
formal connections with the City to advance partnership opportunities as well as seeing recreation
maintenance improved.
Based on this evaluation process, RHAA and City staff have identified approximately 150 different
recommendations for the CPRMP. These recommendations focus on the following areas:
1. Improvements to existing park sites and amenities: common park capital improvement
recommendations include replacing aging playgrounds, resurfacing sports courts, and repairing
pathways.
2. Improvements and deferred maintenance needs for recreation facilities: the CPRMP will include
a comprehensive list of recommended improvements for the Albert J. Boro Community Center,
Albert Park Stadium, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Community Center, Terra Linda
Community Center, and Terra Linda Pool House. These recommendations are categorized into
three tiers, based on Mack5’s assessment of their relative priority.
3. Policy-level recommendations: these recommendations focus on Citywide and site-specific
policy actions that will help the City to better manage and maintain the park and recreation
system and to meet the recreation needs of the community.
4. ADA Access: given the age of most of San Rafael’s park, the CASp assessment identified areas
for improvement and barrier removal throughout the park and recreation system.
5. Benches and picnic tables: systemwide the site assessment identified replacement of benches
and picnic tables as a need that also is a high community priority.
6. Irrigation improvements: a number of parks were identified as having significant irrigation
issues.
7. System expansion recommendations: given the City’s limited resources and the community’s
strong prioritization of addressing existing infrastructure over adding new amenities, the CPRMP
has focused on improvements to current sites. However, there were a few recommendations
that touched on adding new or expanded amenities, particularly in areas of the City that are
currently deficient in park space or have high density.
A more detailed outline of the recommendations can be found in the Recommendation Overview,
included as Attachment 1.
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
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
is to create an implementable action plan for the CPRMP and also to provide the City with a framework
for decision-making in the future.
RHAA and City staff worked to develop a set of weighted criteria that could be applied to help prioritize
projects. These criteria were shared in the second community engagement meeting as well as
reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee and Park & Recreation
Commission. After incorporating feedback, the CPRMP project team developed the following weighted
criteria to prioritize park and recreation projects:
• Health and Safety (5 points): addresses issues of public health, such as sanitation, and physical
safety
• Community Priorities (3 points): identified through the CPRMP surveys as a community priority
• Service Area (3 points): within 0.5 miles of a frequently visited park or high density
neighborhood
• General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles (2 points): addresses the General Plan 2040 guiding
principles of Opportunity for All or Adapting to the Future
• Accessibility (2 points): addresses a barrier(s) identified in the CASp Assessment
• Operational Efficiency (1 point): will lead to significant savings in City staff time and resources
• Included in Previous Planning documents (1 point)
These criteria were applied to the list of CPRMP recommendations, which were further categorized into
near, medium, and long-term priorities. These time-bound categorizations will be further refined once
the financial and funding analysis is complete. In January, these recommendations were presented to
the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee and the Parks & Recreation Commission for
their review and feedback. Input from those meetings has been incorporated into the draft
Recommendation Overview.
Typically, Parks & Recreation Master Plans are designed to last approximately ten years. As such, it is
important that they are flexible enough to adapt to changing needs and circumstances, while also
providing sufficient guidance to support decision making. The prioritization criteria are one tool to
support future decision making, a second tool developed through the CPRMP is a set of goals, policies,
and actions. The draft goals, policies, and actions provided in Attachment 2 provide an overarching
framework to guide future decision-making processes in San Rafael’s park and recreation system and
provide higher level principles for future project implementation and prioritization. They are designed to
reflect the priorities articulated in San Rafael’s General Plan 2040 and to be used in conjunction with
the detailed recommendations provided in the Citywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Next Steps
RHAA is in the final steps of wrapping up all analysis for the CPRMP. Currently, they are finalizing the
program and operations assessment and recommendations as well as the funding and financial
analysis. Those components will be included in the final Master Plan document.
In addition to the information summarized above, the CPRMP will have additional context and analysis
to provide a thorough review of the current state of the City parks and recreation system, the current
and future needs of San Rafael residents, and to lay out a plan of action with clear priorities and
funding opportunities. Below is a summary of the sections of the Master Plan and the information that
each will include.
1_Executive Summary: Lays out the purpose of Master Plan and provides a high-level overview
of the recommendations.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
2_Introduction: Details the project history, regional setting, and planning process.
3_Existing Framework: Provides information on the existing conditions of San Rafael’s parks,
facilities, programs, and operations as well as the City’s demographic profile.
4_Needs Assessment: Presents the results of the community outreach process, demographic,
and recreation trends, and compares community desires with existing City services to identify
where gaps in recreation can be filled.
5_Plan: Provides the high-level Goals, Objectives, and Actions to guide future decision making;
the detailed park, facility, and policy recommendations; and an estimate of recommendation
costs for planning purpose. This section will discuss all proposed recommendations at each
park and facility site, as well as the Citywide and Policy recommendations.
6_Implementation: Includes the prioritization of recommendations, implementation action plan,
and financial/funding plan. This section will discuss in more detail the prioritized
recommendations and the prioritization criteria established to refine the implementation process.
7_Appendices
- MACK5 Facility Assessment Report
- Park Inventory Report
- Document Review
- Community Outreach Summary - Survey Results, Community Meeting Summaries
- Recreation Trends
The full CPRMP report is on track for Council review this Spring.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
In addition to the community engagement process outlined previously in this report, the City also
worked with a 15-member CPRMP Steering Committee to provide ongoing feedback on the planning
process. This Steering Committee was approved by City Council on July 16, 2021, and included
individuals from diverse backgrounds to represent a broad cross-section of the community. The
Steering Committee met four times throughout the process to provide feedback and input. The Park &
Recreation Commission also reviewed progress on the CPRMP during their meetings on June 22 and
September 15, 2022, and January 19, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with accepting this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
Accepting this informational report is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter:
1. Accept the informational report.
2. Direct staff to return with more information.
3. Take no action.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 8
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept the informational report on the progress of the Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. CPRMP Recommendations Overview
2. CPRMP Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW
In February 2022, City staff began working with RHAA Landscape Architects on the San Rafael Citywide
Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Major outcomes of the Master Planning process thus far include the
development of Goals, Policies, and Actions to drive higher level decision making, and a comprehensive list
of specific recommendations for future improvements to the City’s parks and recreation system. These draft
documents were developed utilizing a thorough review of the City’s existing infrastructure, planning
documents, and community input.
In developing the recommendations, staff and RHAA created a set of evaluation criteria to help prioritize
the individual recommendations. Those evaluation criteria were shared at the Master Plan’s third community
meeting, on September 8th, as well as with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee and the
Park & Recreation Commission. Feedback from those meetings was incorporated into the below weighted
evaluation criteria, which have been applied to prioritize the recommendations:
• Health and Safety (5 points)
• Community Priorities (3 points)
• Service Area (3 points)
• General Plan 2040 Guiding Principles (2 points)
• Accessibility (2 points)
• Operational Efficiency (1 point)
• Included in Previous Planning (1 point)
To organize the recommendations, they were organized into type as well as priority.
Recommendation Type Description Total
Deficiency Improvement
Recommendations 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
31
Total number of recommendations 150
Recommendation Priority Description Total
Near Term
• 14 park improvements (deficiencies and expansions)
• 13 policies
• 5 ADA barrier removal to be folded in with projects
• 15 recreation facility improvement recommendations
to be folded in with other projects
Potentially achievable in 0-5 years
46
Medium-Term
• 15 park improvements
• 9 policies
Potentially achievable in 5-10 years
25
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
Long-Term
• 21 park improvements
Potentially achievable in 10 + years
58
Total number of recommendations 150
PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
The below are park-by-park recommendations based on an assessment of the current needs of the City’s
parks system. They have been broken down into near, medium, and long-term recommendations, generally
based on the score received utilizing the evaluation criteria. Staff predicts using this list, and the priority
order established, to determine the allocation of Measure A and other park funding to be identified through
the financial planning portion of the Master Plan. Additional considerations can be made as changes or
needs arise, but this may provide the roadmap for completing future park improvements. The exact timeline
will be further refined as RHAA works through the financial analysis and gathers additional feedback.
Near-Term Park Recommendations
Pickleweed Park Continue development of the Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project with support of
public grant funds
Albert Park Stadium Address fencing deficiencies around Albert Stadium and Field
Peacock Gap Park Update play areas - replace playground structures, replace sand with fibar
Terra Linda Park Prepare a master plan for Terra Linda Park and Community Center to determine future
improvements based on planning efforts
Boyd Memorial Park Evaluate historic water cistern system for structural integrity
Gerstle Park Update play areas - replace play structures, replace sand with fibar
Oleander Park Update play area - replace play structure, replace sand with fibar
Peacock Gap Park Resurface tennis courts
Freitas Park Resurface tennis court
Gerstle Park Evaluate and improve pathways
Albert Park Improve tennis courts – restroom access, padding around tennis lights (4), lighting
Terra Linda
Community Garden Explore options to increase plot capacity and improve infrastructure of garden plots
Citywide Repair identified priority physical deficiencies at park restrooms
Falkirk Cultural Center Develop a comprehensive assessment of the Falkirk Cultural Center’s unique historic
and architectural qualities to guide future planning and programming
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
Medium-Term Park Recommendations
Santa Margarita Park Resurface tennis court and pathways for ADA accessibility
Boyd Memorial Park Replace play structure
Oleander Park Resurface asphalt and concrete paving
Peacock Gap Park Resurface asphalt paving
Riviera Park Evaluate best recreational purpose for this site – playground structure is near end of life
span and should be addressed
Oliver Hartzell Park Evaluate best recreational purpose for this site – playground structure is near end of life
span and should be addressed
Albert Park Address parking lot paving for safety and tripping hazards
Gerstle Park Evaluate feasibility of and pursue tennis court renovation
Boyd Memorial Park Evaluate recreation options for tennis court – resurface or repurpose
Boyd Memorial Park Resurface asphalt paving
Freitas Park Resurface asphalt paving
Falkirk Cultural enter Evaluate alternative uses for reflection pond
Canal Community
Garden Consider options for improved maintenance
Terra Linda
Community Garden Consider options for improved maintenance
Citywide Explore locations for self-directed fitness equipment
Long-Term Park Recommendations
Gerstle Park Resurface asphalt paving at basketball court and play areas
Boyd Memorial Park Consider long term solution for restroom
Jean and John
Starkweather Park Implement interpretive signage plans
Peacock Gap Park Repair and/or replace parcourse equipment
Boyd Memorial Park Pursue pathway and trail improvements on site and continuing up San Rafael Hill
Bernard Hoffman Field Evaluate potential recreation uses for former playground
Bret Harte Park Resurface asphalt paving, including basketball court
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
Canal Community
Garden Potential location for bio-preventative pest management practices
Munson Park Potential location for bio-preventative pest management practices
Gerstle Park Improve access from adjacent open space for hiking
Jean and John
Starkweather Park Explore opportunities for additional boating and water sport access ramps
Santa Margarita Park Resurface asphalt paving at basketball court
Victor Jones Park Assess sport court functionality and pursue improvements
Victor Jones Park Replace restroom
Peacock Gap Park Replace restroom
Bernard Hoffman Field Support drainage improvements on site
Sun Valley Park Evaluate best purpose for upper terrace area, including wooden gazebo
Terra Linda Community
Garden
Consider addition of shared garden amenities – storage shed/lockers, seating areas, shade
structure
Terra Linda Community
Enhance bio-preventative pest management practices
Riviera Park Wood columns at retaining walls require replacement
Bret Harte Park Improve access from adjacent open space for hiking
Through the evaluation process, there were a handful of recommendations that focused on developing new
or significantly expanded park amenities. Given the City’s current resources, making significant additions to
the park and recreation system is not recommended until the City has the resources to maintain them.
However, it is important to include these recommendations, for such time that the City may have the
resources or may identify other partnership opportunities to pursue these priorities.
• 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 overwhelming priority through the community engagement process was to better maintain what the
City already has, rather than to build new amenities.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Mack5, subconsultants of RHAA, provided a comprehensive list of recommended improvements for the
Albert J. Boro Community Center, Albert Park Stadium, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael Community
Center, Terra Linda Community Center, and Terra Linda Pool House. Mack5 included a three-tiered
priority categorization based off their expert assessment. The detailed 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.
Applying the Mack5 three-tiered 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.
An additional, high-priority facility recommendation is a comprehensive assessment of the Falkirk Cultural
Center’s unique historic and architectural qualities that will help to guide future planning and programming
in alignment with the facility’s unique needs.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Policy recommendations have been evaluated separately from Park and Facility recommendations as they
typically require fewer financial resources, and more staff time to evaluate and develop. However, some
policy recommendations may result in outcomes or recommendations that could ultimately require financial
resources to implement. Additionally, most of the policy recommendations focus on issues that impact the
parks and recreation system citywide.
Near-Term Policy Recommendations
Beach Park Explore public-private partnerships to address needed oversight for site safety
Albert and Freitas
Parks
Tennis court access system to be managed by library and recreation department director
or designee
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)
Citywide Dog Park program - assess options to address deficiency in spaces for off-leash dogs
Citywide Develop a recreation program plan
Citywide Offer training opportunities for staff to support growth and understanding around
diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Citywide Evaluate restroom maintenance citywide
Pickleweed Park Consider additional maintenance resources for Pickleweed Park Field
Albert Park Consider additional maintenance resources for Albert Field
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
Citywide Develop systemwide irrigation replacement schedule
Citywide Develop program for citywide fibar replacement at playgrounds
Citywide Develop systemwide playground amenity replacement schedule
Citywide Develop systemwide tennis court resurfacing schedule
Medium-Term Policy Recommendations
Citywide Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for City parks
Citywide Develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for City recreation facilities
Citywide Develop unifying systemwide park and recreation signage
Citywide Assess pickleball striping or pickleball conversion projects systemwide
Citywide Consider entering into Joint-Use Agreements with San Rafael City Schools to provide
additional recreation facilities for the San Rafael community
Albert Park Stadium Explore opportunities such as public-private partnerships to refurbish athletic fields and
develop new recreational facilities
Gerstle Park Explore partnership opportunities for maintaining the historic nature of the landscaping
Freitas Park Develop a policy for splash pad operations (consider closures for drought conditions)
Citywide Evaluate historic water system resources
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
RHAA and staff also identified the below systemwide recommendations that require tailored approaches,
given the type of improvement they address.
ADA Access
As part of the Master Plan process, a CASp specialist evaluated all park sites to identify ADA access
barriers. They categorized the barriers based 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.
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.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Recommendations Overview, 2023-02-06
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, 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. While the financial analysis is
still being completed for the Master Plan, this may be an area where seeking grant or outside funding for
systemwide improvements could be feasible.
Ongoing Recommendations
Existing planning documents (such as the General Plan 2040), identify a number of recommendations that
focus on ongoing maintenance and management of specific park sites. Those are in alignment with the
City’s current efforts and will be noted in the final Master Plan as efforts that the City should continue to
support.
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions, 2023-01-05
DRAFT GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS
The 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)
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)
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions, 2023-01-05
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)
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)
SAN RAFAEL CITYWIDE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions, 2023-01-05
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.14 – 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)