Title
Report on the Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design. (Recreation and Parks 280)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Report on the 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 and deteriorated facility. The project is located on the west end of Alameda adjacent to Encinal High School off Central Avenue.
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 its extensive experience with marine project design and its approach to this project.
On June 8, 2017, the Recreation and Parks Commission approved the design as presented with the addition of “No Parking” signage at the top of the boat ramp.
DISCUSSION
Renovation and improvement design components of this project 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 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 and improve the boat ramp 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. 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, The Alameda Community Sailing Center and O’Kalani Outrigger Canoe Club, are located at the facility and use it on a regular basis. A kayak organization will soon be moving in as well. The facility is also heavily utilized as a fishing area.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact from this report, but there currently is no construction funding available. Once design is completed and all required permits obtained, staff will apply for construction funding with the Division of Boating and Waterways and any other available funding sources.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This report does not affect the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This report is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Guidelines Sections 15301 (Repair, maintenance and/or minor alteration of an existing facility.) It is noted, the Encinal Boat Ramp project will also require permits from the Army Corps of Engineers, BCDC and the Regional Water Quality Board to ensure appropriate mitigations are taken during construction to avoid impacts to biological and/or water quality resources.
RECOMMENDATION
Report on the Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Encinal Boat Launch Facility Design Documents