HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2025-10-16 Agenda Packet1
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 16, 2025 AT 6:00PM
In-Person:
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE
618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
Participate Virtually:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PRC-10-16-2025
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 846 2351 0390#
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of June 25, 2025
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are
within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than two minutes and should be respectful to the
community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. None
AGENDA ITEMS
3. Agenda items:
a. Pickleweed Preschool Facility Improvements
• Recommended Action – Receive report and comment
b. Parks Maintenance & Projects Biannual Status Report
• Recommended Action – Receive report and comment
c. San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Team Program Report
• Recommended Action – Receive report and comment
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Schedule of Upcoming Events and Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission
members.
ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Commission less than 72 hours before the meeting,
shall be available for inspection online and in the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901 placed with other
agenda-related materials on the table in front of the San Rafael Community Center prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters
may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California
Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
Page 1 of 4
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
June 25, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES
__________________________________________________________________
Watch the meeting on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QMtD2UmG8iA?si=03MEm-3Wl2fh5Bqg
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Pasternak called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Cabrales
Commissioner Emerson
Commissioner Gutierrez (arrived 6:06)
Chair Sandoval
Commissioner Pasternak
Absent: None
Also Present: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Catherine Quffa, Library & Recreation Director
Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None.
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of April 17, 2025
Commissioner Pasternak moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded, to approve
the meetings minutes of April 17, 2025.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Minutes approved as submitted.
2
MEETING OPEN FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
Katie Fleet and her husband had comments regarding Gerstle Park issues.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. NA
Public Comment: NA
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary, to ensure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Other Agenda Items
a. 620 Canal St. Acquisition for Potential Park and Bridge
Ms. Quffa presented the 620 Canal St. Acquisition for Potential Park and Bridge proposal.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded to accept the
620 Canal St. Acquisition for Potential park and Bridge
AYES: Commissioners: Sandoval, Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
b. Report of City’s Three Year Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2028
Mr. Veramay presented the report of the City’s Three-year Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years
2025-2028.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission.
Public Comment: NA
3
Commissioner Pasternak moved, and Commissioner Cabrales seconded to accept the
2025 Annual Pickleweed Advisory Committee Report.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report.
Mr. Veramay shared several updates with the Commission:
July is Parks and Recreation Month - Proclamation
There were 1,977 registrations for summer programs
Louise Yost Proclamation
On Monday, June 23rd, the San Rafael City Council presented a proclamation to Louise
Yost for having served on the Pickleweed Advisory Committee/Board for 23 years (to
the day). Louise’s involvement greatly shaped the development and effectiveness of
the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park and the programming
offered within. As a resident and supporter of the Canal community, Louise has
welcomed attendees to the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration by playing the steel
pans in the Community Center lobby. She served the Advisory Committee with both
passion and compassion, making certain along the way that each solution advanced
and improved the quality of life in San Rafael.
TL Pool Staff Training hosted on Saturday, June 22nd
Parkside and Pickleweed Preschool Graduations
Steve Mason will be retiring on August 31st. There is currently an open recruitment.
Catherine Quffa shared the temporary library is on schedule to close on July 21st and
Carnage location will re-open on library on August 4th.
Staff responded to questions and comments from the Commission
Public Comment: None
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
4
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
Commissioner Pasternak shared that he attended the Pickleweed Advisory meeting.
Public Comment: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Sandoval adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
___________________________________________
BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2025
___________________________________________
CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
October 15, 2025
Item #3a
TITLE: Pickleweed Preschool Renovation Project
RECOMMENDATION
That the Park and Recreation Commission review and comment on the proposed Pickleweed
Preschool Facility renovation plans.
BACKGROUND
The Pickleweed Preschool, located at Pickleweed Park in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood, is
a City-operated, state-subsidized Early Childhood Education facility that serves approximately
68 children each school year. The program is licensed through the California Department of
Social Services and operates as a part-day preschool with morning and afternoon classrooms
five days per week, for approximately 175 days per year.
Pickleweed Preschool serves families who qualify for subsidized services through the State’s
Centralized Eligibility List, administered by the Marin Child Care Council. The program is
designed to support children in their preparation for kindergarten, with an emphasis on
academic readiness, social development, and English language acquisition. A significant
portion of enrolled children come from multilingual households, with Spanish and Vietnamese
being the most common home languages.
The Pickleweed Preschool represents an important community resource, providing affordable,
high-quality early education opportunities to San Rafael families who may otherwise lack
access to preschool programming. The program supports broader City goals related to equity,
early childhood education, and community wellbeing.
DISCUSSION
The facilities at Pickleweed Preschool include two classrooms, offices, a multi-purpose room
with kitchen, restrooms, and an outdoor play and learning area. The main buildings are
comprised of portable structures that are approaching the end of their useful lifespan. One of
the buildings was demolished in 2024 due to extensive water damage, and the other buildings
are demonstrating significant wear and tear.
In 2024, the City hired a consultant to assess the existing condition of the facilities. The
consultant recommended replacement of the portable buildings. Since then, the City has been
working with the consultants to develop plans to replace the aging classrooms with new
Page 2 of 9
facilities, as well as make improvements to the outdoor play and learning areas. To complete
this work, the City appropriated $1.325 million of funding in the Fiscal Year 2025/26-2026-27
Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Proposed Improvements
The design team is nearing completion of plans for the facility, which includes the following
improvements:
• New portable classroom buildings
• Two (2) added restrooms designed for toddlers located within the classrooms
• Improved outdoor play and learning areas, including a new playground, sandbox, raised
garden beds, seating, and landscaping
• Improved accessible pathways throughout the facility
• Parking area improvements
• Improved perimeter fencing, parent check-in, and site security
• New shade structures
• Enhancements to the kitchen and food prep area
• A new multi-purpose room
• Enhancements to staff office and parent meeting space
• Improved supply and equipment storage
• Utility and infrastructure upgrades
Community Outreach and Engagement
On October 1st, the City presented the proposed plans at the Pickleweed Advisory Committee
meeting, which was attended by approximately 25 community members, most of whom were
parents of currently enrolled Preschoolers. The committee and community members were
pleased with the plan, and happy with the proposed facility enhancements.
Project Timeline
The Design Team expects to finalize plans by winter 2025 and to publish an Invitation For
Construction Bids in early 2026, with a target of starting construction in early Summer 2026
and completing the project during the summer program closure. Ideally, the project will be
completed by mid-August 2026, prior to the start of the Fall 2026 school year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has appropriated $1.325 million of funding for this project in the Fiscal Year 2025/26-
2026-27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). $1.3 million of funding is from the City’s Building
Maintenance Fund (603), and $25,000 is from the City’s Childcare Fund (208). Final cost
estimates for the project have not yet been developed. The City will need to finalize plans and
request invitations for bid
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
None
Page 3 of 9
Submitted by:
Craig Veramay
Assistant Library and Recreation Director
Attachment: Pickleweed Preschool Conceptual Images and Floorplans
Attachment 1 – Pickleweed Preschool Conceptual Images and Floorplans
Site Plan
Page 4 of 9
Page 5 of 9
Conceptual Plan - Site
Profile Elevations
Page 6 of 9
Page 7 of 9
Floorplan – Multipurpose room and kitchen, offices
Floorplans – Classrooms
Page 8 of 9
Page 9 of 9
Page 1 of 6
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
October 16, 2025
Item #3b
TITLE: PARK PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE BIANNUAL STATUS REPORT FOR APRIL
2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2025
SUMMARY:
This biannual report is submitted by Department of Public Works (DPW) staff to provide a summary of
recently completed, current, or upcoming parks projects and maintenance. The goal is to provide a
summary of parks projects and update the Commission on the status of projects since the last reporting
period.
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend that the Park and Recreation Commission receive the biannual report and
provide comments.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
BOYD MEMORIAL PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
Boyd Memorial Park is located north of
downtown San Rafael and contains open
space, walking paths, and a playground
area. The existing playground equipment at
this park had reached the end of its useful
life and was removed by DPW Park
maintenance staff in Summer 2024.
In order to continue providing playground
facilities for the neighborhood until more
permanent improvements are made relating
to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan,
the City collaborated with Gates +
Associates to design the newly installed
replacement playground equipment and play area, which includes a new swing set and play structure
designed for ages 2-5 years old, musical bell panel, spring bobber, and saddle spinner, to enhance
user engagement and interaction. In addition to the new playground equipment, the project installed a
new ADA compliant accessible ramp and replaced the existing playground surface with engineered
wood fill. After several solicitations, the City selected Ross Recreation Equipment Company, Inc.,
based on “Best Value” contracting selection, who began the project construction in August 2025.The
playground facilities were completed and opened to the community in September 2025. The total
project cost was approximately $98,000.
Page 2 of 6
PEACOCK GAP PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION
Peacock Gap Park is one of the City’s
most popular parks with 4.1 acres of space
and several amenities. This project
redesigned the play area and included
replacing the sand surface with
engineered wood surfacing and replacing
failing playground structures. Other
improvements included replacing nearby
benches, picnic tables, and water fountain
as well as improving accessibility to and
from the play area. Following design
completion in 2024, the project
construction commenced in April 2025
and was completed by September 2025.
The total project cost was approximately
$950,000.
In conjunction with this year’s Movie in the Park at Peacock Gap Park, the City held a ribbon cutting
celebration for the reopening of the new playground areas on September 12, 2025.
ACTIVE PROJECTS
PICKLEWEED PARK ENHANCEMENTS
The conversion of the fields at
Pickleweed Park to all-weather turf has
long been a priority for the City and the
Canal neighborhood. Typically, the
heavily used sports fields are closed for
six months of the year to repair. By
converting the fields to all-weather turf,
the City could more than double
community access to this critical
recreation resource. The City has also
gathered input on additional
improvements that the community
would like to see made at the park,
including a basketball/sport court, fitness equipment, a playground for children under 5, a gazebo, and
replacement of the outdoor restroom.
Project Status
In January 2024, the City’s design consultant, Gates + Associates (GATES), submitted 90% plans and
specifications for City review and continues to work with staff to address City comments. The City’s
environmental consultant, WRA has been coordinating with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and
Development District (BCDC) to obtain the necessary permit required for construction.
In March 2024, the City secured its LWCF grant funding by fully executing the grant agreement with the
State’s Natural Resource Agency. City staff has been coordinating with Marin Audubon Society (MAS)
on the Tiscornia Marsh Restoration project, which is contiguous to the Pickleweed Park Enhancement
project, throughout the design process and will continue to coordinate with MAS into construction and
beyond.
Page 3 of 6
Project design and construction documents were completed in May 2024. City staff advertised the Notice
of Inviting Bid and a Request for Proposal for construction management in May 2024 and June 2024,
respectively. The City received and reviewed four contractor bids and three construction management
services proposals. On July 15, 2024, City Council awarded the construction contract to the low bidder,
Bauman Landscape & Construction, Inc. (Bauman), and the construction management services contract
to Coastland Civil Engineering (Coastland).
In September 2024, Bauman started preparing for construction by submitting product specification
sheets for City review and setting up the project staging area and temporary fencing, while maintaining
continued pedestrian access to the existing restroom. Furthermore, a groundbreaking ceremony was
held on September 27th where Mayor Kate, Councilmembers Maria Llorens Gulati and Rachel Kertz, and
City Manager Cristine Alilovich expressed appreciation for all parties that were involved in making this
project possible and excitement for the completion of the project improvements for the community. City
staff and representatives from Bauman and Coastland also attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
Bauman began construction of the project improvements in October 2024 while City staff continued to
coordinate with various design consultants and vendors to ensure the new restroom complied with the
city’s floodplain ordinance. In January 2025, Bauman installed a sound-attenuating barrier along the
construction fence line between the construction site and the eastern marsh habitat, which allowed the
project to continue during the rail nesting season from February to August.
Since our last report, the sound- attenuating
barrier was removed in August 2025 at the end
of the rail nesting season. Bauman completed
construction of the park enhancements with the
installation of the new all-weather turf, storm
drain systems, fencing atop the concrete mow
band along the new field fence line, basketball
court and parking lot extension, new gazebo,
fitness equipment, and storage sheds.
Substantial completion of park enhancements
was reached at the end of August 2025, with
the majority of the completed park
enhancements open to the public in September
2025. Although Bauman is addressing some
revisionary work surrounding the tot play area
and irrigation system, the City held a ribbon cutting celebration for the reopening of the new completed
park areas on October 10, 2025 in conjunction with the Movies in the Park event at Pickleweed Park.
Over the next few months, the City will be coordinating the construction and installation of the new
restroom, in compliance with City floodplain ordinance. The City’s floodproofing consultant, Schaaf and
Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers, anticipate finalizing the restroom floodproofing design by November
2025. The public solicitation for the new restroom is anticipated to be developed and released in Fall
2025 and the completion of the new restroom construction and installation is anticipated for mid-2026.
Page 4 of 6
Los Ranchitos Park Restroom Sewer Line Repair
Los Ranchitos Park is a valued neighborhood amenity,
and this project will investigate and address
maintenance concerns with the park restroom’s sewer
discharge pipe to ensure continued safe and reliable
use of the facilities. The existing sewer system has
experienced recurring issues, and a partial
replacement of the discharge pipe is necessary to
reduce maintenance needs and prevent future service
disruptions. Construction will include new sewer
infrastructure and site restoration to return the park
restroom to full operation as quickly as possible.
Project Status
City staff is investigating pipe replacement methods and collecting quotes from qualified contractors
for the replacement of the sewer line. Once quotes have been reviewed and a contractor selected, the
restroom will be temporarily closed to allow the pipe replacement work to commence.
Page 5 of 6
MAINTENANCE UPDATE:
B St Community Center Playground Area Maintenance
A large tree well, which was not meant to be used as a sand box, in the playground area at the B St
Community Center had developed holes along the edges from visitors digging in the decomposed
granite (DG). This introduced a potential tripping hazard for other users in the park. As such, the Parks
Team recently spread additional DG to the tree well and sprinkled a non-toxic additive to the top to
help solidify the surface before using the compactor to tamp it down. Not only is the area safer, it also
greatly improved the appearance!
Bench and Picnic Table Sponsorship Program
The City of San Rafael has a policy allowing community member to make donations for the purchase
of pre-approved park benches or picnic tables to be placed in city parks. The program is a
collaboration between the Library and Recreation Department and the Parks Division in the
Department of Public Works. The goal of the program is to replace aging infastructure with new items.
The Parks Division recently replaced an aging bench at the end of the breakwater in the Loch Lomond
area.
Page 6 of 6
Basketball Hoop Replacement
The basketball hoops at Ranchitos Park were replaced over the summer in response to noise concerns
reported by nearby residents. The new hoops have additional sound dampening features to help
reduce the reverberations when a basketball bounces of the rim of the basket. No complaints have
been received since the hoops were replaced.
Regular Maintenance Note
Come winter, most Parks Division staff are required to combine with streets division staff to inspect the
City’s stormwater system to prepare for storms and to meet Marin County Stormwater Pollution
Protection Program requirements. The combining of divisions is due to the current maintenance
staffing levels. This causes reduced maintenance of City parks and increased response time for
service requests. Staff is combined through the winter, usually ending in March.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no costs associated with accepting this report.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Joanna Kwok
Joanna Kwok
Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer
Ryan Montes
Ryan Montes
Operations and Maintenance Manager
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
October 16, 2025
Item #XX
TITLE: PECOS LEAGUE BASEBALL, LLC (PACIFICS) ANNUAL REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Park and Recreation Commission receive the Pecos League’s annual report and
provide comment.
BACKGROUND:
The San Rafael Pacifics are an independant baseball team located in San Rafael since 2012.
Albert Field has also been home to the San Rafael Pacifics (Pacifics), a league baseball team in
the Pecos League.
The City and the Pecos League Baseball, LLC (Pacifics) entered into an agreement in 2025 to
clarify the terms of use, enhance community engagement, field prioritization, concession stands,
field prep, Locker rooms and storage, alcohol management and joint marketing and promotions.
DISCUSSION:
- The Pacifics hosted the Pecos League All Star Game in 2025.
- The Pacifics won the Pecos League Pacific Division Championship.
The 2025 Pecos League Finals were held in Tuscon, Arizona at Kino Stadium on
August9, 10 &11. The Pacifics took second place in the Pecos League.
- The Pacifics averages 236 fan per game in 2025 seasaon.
- The snack shack was closed on June 1 due to the Marin County Health and Education
department. Changes were made and the snack shack was able to reopen July 5.
- Pacifics hosted a different organization each night such as Little League Night, San
Rafael Chambers Night, San Rafael Girls Softball Night, Novato South Little League
Night and Breast Cancer Awareness Night
- The Pacifics attended the Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 21 at the San Rafael
Library and held a meet and great by the baseball book display.
- The Pacifics hosted a City Employee Night where over 25 employees and their families were able
to attend a game on May 30th. A lead dispatcher from the San Rafael Police Department, kicked
off the night by singing the National Anthem, and a senior accounting assistant from the Finance
Department, threw the first pitch.
kids chasing 'John' the running toilet around the bases, the wave, their mischievous duck
mascot, and even a hula hoop contest
- The Pacifics made daily upgrades to Albert Park as follows: 1) Daily game day prep for home
games.2) Daily dragging of the field. 3) Replacing the clay in the batters boxes, pitching circles,
Page 2 of 2
and bullpen areas daily. 4) Cleaning the entire grandstand with blowers and trash pickup. 5)
Trash pickup of entire stadium 6) Post game prepping the fields after each game.
Looking ahead, the Pacifics would like to host a glow in the dark black light baseball game,
bring back camps for the summer and coordinate with all youth sport teams in San Rafael to
fundraise by selling tickets to the Pacifics games.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Per the agreement the Library & Recreation Department on behalf of the City is responsible for
the contract between Marin Sanitary Services for additional reciprocals needed. Expense of the
City’s behalf for the 2025 season was $2,863.37.
Submitted by:
Darcie Chellew
Recreation Supervisor
San Rafael Pacifics 2025 Baseball Report
General League Overview:
The San Rafael Pacifics are an independent professional baseball team located in Marin
since 2012. Numerous Major League players, future stars and celebrities have played for
the Pacifics since inception.
The Pacifics have always been anchored on providing affordable high quality baseball in a
neighborhood environment. At least five players per season are residents of Marin County.
Since 2021 the Pacifics have played in the Pecos League and they have hosted teams and
players from thirteen different cities and four different states.
The Pacifics have held community reading day at San Anselmo Library ever year through
Jeanie Waskey:
The Pacifics averages 236 fans per game in 2025 season. The Pacifics featured the following game nights:
San Anselmo Girls Softball
San Rafael Girls Softball
St. Isabella School
Marin Realtors
City Workers Night & Novato South LL
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Downtown BID
Slide Ranch & Sausalito Marin City LL
Marin County Museums Night
Montessori de Terra Linda/Firefighters Night
San Rafael Elks Lodge
Father's Day & SABR Day
Host Family Appreciation Night
SR Goldenaires Native Sons of the Golden West
Fourth of July/Marin Rod & Gun Club
Mill Valley Little League/Tamal Vista Family Dentistry
Staff Appreciation Night/Breast Cancer Awareness Night
Marin Health Night
In 2025 the Pacifics won the Pecos League Pacific Division Championship defeating all
other teams from California.
Albert Park hosted the Pecos League All Star Game in 2025 as well.
The Pacifics Snack Shack was closed on June 1 and reopened July 5. Despite having
internal staff problems, Marin County Health was very helpful in reopening snack bar
immediately.
The Pacifics made daily upgrades to Albert Park as follows:
1)Daily game day prep for home games.
2)Daily dragging of the field.
3)Replacing the clay in the batters boxes, pitching circles, and bullpen areas daily.
4)Cleaning the entire grandstand with blowers and trash pickup.
5)Trash pickup of entire stadium
6)Post game prepping the fields after each game.
Future Plans: In 2026 the Pacifics plan to continue the tradition of high quality baseball at
Albert Park here are some fun items that will occur.
1)Host a glow in the dark black light baseball game between police and fire
department. The Pecos League does this and it would be a major fun event for San
Rafael.
2) Bring San Rafael Pacifics Kids Camps back for families in Marin..
3)All youth organizations will be invited to make money selling fundraising tickets for
Pacifics in 2026
https://www.pacificsbaseball.com/pacifics.asp?page=18
Andrew Dunn