Title
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Master Plan - The Planning Board will be reviewing the conceptual plan and will provide comment.
Body
CITY OF ALAMEDA
Memorandum
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Amy Woolridge
Recreation and Park Director
Date: November 25, 2013
Re: Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Master Plan
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda has a unique opportunity to plan and design a new community park at the 22-acre Jean Sweeney Open Space Park (Sweeney Park) located in the heart of the island. This site is the former Alameda Beltline Railroad property that was secured by the City at its original purchase price due the advocacy efforts of long-time resident Jean Sweeney. The property is bounded by Constitution Way, Atlantic Avenue, and Sherman Street.
In May 2013, the City Council approved six recreation use types for Sweeney Park following an extensive community input process. These include:
1. Walk and bike trails;
2. Natural open space;
3. Picnic areas;
4. Community gardens;
5. Natural playgrounds; and
6. Open lawn areas.
Planning Board member and architect, Kristoffer K?ster of KKDesign, developed the draft Master Plan pro bono (Exhibit 1) and utilized the approved recreation use types as the design's foundation.
DISCUSSION
The Draft Master Plan conceptual design groups the more active uses on the outside edges of the property, with the quieter, more serene areas in the main central area. The Cross-Alameda Trail, a council-approved pedestrian and bicycle trail running the length of the Island, is located on the northern edge of the property, away from the neighborhoods. There will also be a tree buffer along the southern edge, to act as a natural sound barrier for the residential area. Parking lots are located on each side of the property, with 180 total spaces, in order to provide enough available spa...
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