Title
Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Enter Into a Special Use Agreement, Substantially in the Same Form as the Attached, with the East Bay Regional Park District for the City of Alameda to Operate a Dog Park at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach (Crown Beach) in the Area Known as Washington Park Dog Park.
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines (Operation of Existing Facilities). (Recreation 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Since January 1, 2000, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and the City of Alameda (City) have entered into a Special Use Agreement that allows the City to operate and maintain a dog park at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach and adjacent to Washington Park, known as the Washington Park Dog Park. This is a popular public amenity and this agreement has the similar use and maintenance requirements as previous agreements with a 10-year term with a possible 15-year extension to 2047 for the City to continue to maintain and operate the dog park.
BACKGROUND
The Washington Park Dog Park (Dog Park) is located adjacent to the City owned Washington Park and is on 3.8 acres of Crown Beach which is owned by the State of California and operated by EBRPD.
Since January 1, 2000, the City and EBRPD have entered into subsequent Special Use Agreements for the City to operate and maintain the Dog Park. The State of California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) approved the Dog Park as an appropriate use of the land due to the community benefit it provides.
The Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) has successfully operated and maintained the Washington Park Dog Park (Dog Park) since 2000 and the facility is heavily utilized by the community.
On August 23, 2022, the EBRPD Board of Directors adopted a resolution authorizing entering into the Special Use Agreement with the City for the dog exercise area at Crown Beach.
DISCUSSION
The Special Use Agreement terms include:
• No fee for use of the Premises (identified as the 3.8 acres of Crown Beach on the existing site known as the Washington Park Dog Park);
• Initial 10-year term with a possible 15-year extension at the discretion of both parties;
• The City is responsible for maintenance of all structures, facilities, improvements and equipment; and
• Facility rules and regulations and all signs must be approved by EBRPD.
Given that State Parks owns Crown Beach, the agreement is subject to early termination in the event that State Parks assumes operational responsibility. If this were to occur then the City would have sixty days to remove the facility and related structures unless otherwise agreed in writing by State Parks.
ALTERNATIVES
• Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the special use agreement with EBRPD for the City to operate and maintain the dog park located at Crown Beach, known as the Washington Park Dog Park.
• Do not authorize execution of the agreement and provide alternate direction to staff. Not approving execution of the agreement most likely would result in closure of the Washington Park Dog Park.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funds to operate and maintain the Washington Park Dog Park are appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget in the Recreation and Parks Department - Park Maintenance Division (10051450). No additional budget appropriations are needed to execute a Special Use Agreement with EBRPD to continue to operate and maintain the Dog Park.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15301 of CEQA Guidelines (Operation of Existing Facilities).
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute a Special Use Agreement, substantially in the same form as the attached, with the East Bay Regional Park District for the City of Alameda to operate a dog park at Robert Crown Memorial State Beach in the area known as Washington Park.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret O’Brien, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Special Use Agreement with EBRPD for the Dog Park at Crown Beach
cc: Jennifer Ott, City Manager