Title
Discuss Support for a Community Fundraising Effort for the Parcel 4 - Shoreline Trail Improvement Project.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Discuss Support for a Community Fundraising Effort for the Parcel 4 - Shoreline Trail Improvement Project.
BACKGROUND
In January 2019, the City Council accepted title to a section of the Shoreline Trail, which encircles Harbor Bay Island, known as Parcel 4. This section of trail is approximately 370 feet long and is located southeast of the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal. On either side of Parcel 4, the trail is fully developed with a concrete pathway, seating and lighting. The Parcel 4 section is a narrower asphalt path with no other amenities. This section of the Shoreline Trail is under the responsibility of Public Works. However, Recreation and Parks staff is assisting a group of residents who are interested in fundraising to improve this section of the trail to match the existing trail on either side.
DISCUSSION
A group of residents approached Recreation and Parks staff to request assistance with support for the improvement of the Shoreline Trail connection through Parcel 4. This citizen group intends to take the following steps to gather support and funding for the improvement of this trail connection.
1. Ask for the support of the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Transportation Commission to complete improvement of the Shoreline Trail through Parcel 4. They will also ask the Transportation Commission to include this project in its prioritization of transportation funding that is available through sources such as Alameda County Measure BB.
2. Work with an architect to prepare a cost estimate and design for this Shoreline Trail connection. An initial conceptual design is included as Exhibit 1 and matches the existing trail design on both sides but the final improved trail may be asphalt instead of concrete due to costs.
3. Meet with the Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation to request its support as fiscal sponsor for donations.
4. Launch and manage a community and corporate fundraising program to fund the construction of the trail connection improvement.
Once funding is secured, Public Works will be responsible to manage and construct the trail improvement project as well as apply for an administrative permit with the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) as a maintenance project to improve the trail connection.
Additionally, there are two sections of land adjacent to this Parcel 4 trail section that are located on either side of the privately owned property (as shown on Exhibit 1 rendering by Clay Fry). The citizen group intends to fundraise and bring forward design concepts for these areas as a second phase of this project. Any design concepts will require review by City staff, the Recreation and Parks Commission, and City Council.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City of Alameda does not currently have any funds allocated to the completion of the Shoreline Trail through Parcel 4. All funding will be secured by a citizen group through donations or other outside funding.
RECOMMENDATION
To support a community effort to fundraise for the completion of the Parcel 4 - Shoreline Trail Improvement Project.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Parcel 4 - Shoreline Trail Location and Sample Rendering