Title
Review Options and Provide Direction on a Jackson Park Natural Play Area
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Review Options and Provide Direction on a Jackson Park Natural Play Area
BACKGROUND
During the City’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2019/21 Budget process, a group of Jackson Park neighbors spoke at the Recreation and Parks Commission (Commission) meeting to advocate for a small play area to be installed at Jackson Park. After hearing the comments, the Commission included project in its recommendation to City Council for the FY 2019/21 budget. The City Council allocated $75,000 toward a play area at Jackson Park during its FY 2019/21 budget discussions and approval.
On July 23, 2019, staff held a neighborhood meeting and approximately 75 people attended. Overall, the comments were equally for and against a play area at the park with some people expressing interest but with reservations. Residents also expressed concerns that there is deferred maintenance at the park that should be addressed.
In December 2019, the Commission approved a tree and asphalt replacement plan. Phase 1 of the asphalt pathway replacement is being completed in June. One silver linden tree has been planted this past spring and a number of other trees will be planted in the fall, which is the optimal season to plant and ensure the best survival possible for the trees.
In September 2019, the Commission provided direction for a landscape play area design. Since then, staff have worked with a local architect and two playground companies on landscape play area designs. The architect, Tyler Velten, provided his services at no cost.
DISCUSSION
The location of the landscape play area is proposed to be closer to the center of the north end of the park for safety reasons to avoid the higher traffic Encinal Avenue (Exhibit 1). Based on input received at the Commission meeting in September 2019, all of the designs are natural based, within an approximately 50 foot diameter circle, and designed in a circular layout to create a community gathering space and natural barriers for active children so a fence does not need to be installed. This play area is designed to be a calm space and attract children and families from the local neighborhood who will bike or walk to the park.
The design by Tyler Velten (Exhibit 2) includes logs and stumps from trees that lived in Alameda parks, including the magnolia at Longfellow Park. This design has mounded areas up to 4 feet 6 inches with a small tot slide built into one mound. Staff recommends some adjustments to these mounds for easier maintenance. The design also includes at least one climbing rock and carved wooden animals. The artist for these carved animals has not yet been identified. Overall, this design will need refinement and reductions to ensure it can be built within the existing budget.
The design by Miracle Play Systems (Exhibit 3) is made of either concrete or glass fiber reinforced concrete components that are made to look like logs, rocks and a climbable bear. Alternative animals to the bear could include a leopard frog, spotted toad, howling coyote, lady bug, oak leaf, or a crawl through acorn or pine cone. These will last longer than wood components but may have a less organic feel. This design is currently within budget.
The design by Play World Systems (Exhibit 4) has not been fully laid out and there are various options for the community and Commission to review including a climbable frog, logs, and a medium sized climbing component. Most of these logs and rocks are also made of concrete, however the Timber Stacks climbers are made out of wood logs.
Staff is seeking feedback on all of these designs and components from the community and Commission. All input received will be incorporated and a final design will then be brought back to the Commission for final approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is an approved budget of $75,000 for this project.
RECOMMENDATION
To review options provided by staff and provide direction on a natural play area at Jackson Park.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Proposed Landscape Play Area Location
2. Tyler Velten Design
3. Miracle Play Systems Design
4. Play World Design