Title
Review and Recommend Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review and Recommend Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design
BACKGROUND
The Encinal Boat Launch Facility is an important recreational asset that provides direct and free access to the San Francisco Bay for all residents. It is an aging facility with a poorly paved parking lot, unusable restrooms, inadequate dock floats and a ramp that is deteriorated and unusable during extreme low tides. The project is located on the west end of Alameda adjacent to Encinal High School on Central Ave.
The City of Alameda received a $300,000 planning grant from the California State Parks Department, Division of Boating and Waterways to fund design and required permits for the Encinal Boat Launch Facility renovation. Once construction documents are complete, the City will apply to this same agency, and other sources, for construction funding.
The architect on this project is Moffatt & Nichol, which was chosen through a Request for Qualifications process and based on their extensive experience with marine project design and their approach to this project.
DISCUSSION
Renovation and improvement design components include:
• Replace the existing dock float and add a smaller dock float for non-motorized watercraft kayaks, stand up paddle boards, canoes, etc.). The dock for motorized watercraft will now be on the east side of the ramp with a 50 foot gangway to raise it above the rip rap. The non-motorized dock will be on the west side of the ramp.
• Renovate the boat ramp and improve so that it will now accommodate two launch lanes.
• Repave the parking lot, remove the medians and add parking spaces.
• Replace the restroom facility.
• Create ADA compliant access between the parking lot, restroom and boat ramp plus an ADA boat parking station. Also add two ADA trailer pull-through stalls and one ADA vehicular stall.
• Add a fish cleaning station, outdoor shower and hand launch laydown area.
• Create new lighting, signage, and vehicle safety features.
The Boat Launch Facility is well-utilized by the community, despite its deteriorated condition. Two community groups are located at the facility and use it on a regular basis. These are the Alameda Community Sailing Center and O’Kalani Outrigger Canoe Club. It is heavy utilized as a fishing area as well.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact from this recommendation. However, there is currently no construction funding available. Once design and all required permits are completed, then staff will apply for construction funding with the Division of Boating and Waterways and any other available funding sources.
RECOMMENDATION
Review and Recommend Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design Documents