Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.15.2 - PR Comm. Meeting Packet Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION TELECONFERENCE MEETING NOTICE Tuesday, November 15, 2022 7:00 p.m. Welcome to the Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. If this is your first time, the following is a general outline of our procedures: Please note that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, this meeting is teleconference only, and will be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Governor’s Executive Order N29-20 issued on March 17, 2020, allowing for deviation of teleconference rules required by the Brown Act and pursuant to the Order of the Health Officer of San Mateo County dated March 31, 2020. The public may view or comment during this meeting from a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone: Join Zoom Meeting https://ssf-net.zoom.us/j/89508365024?pwd=QlVRbHVlUVRrOFM4VzFYamlsN2Z3UT09 Meeting ID: 895 0836 5024 Passcode: 315020 The purpose of conducting the meeting as described in this notice is to provide the safest environment for staff and the public while allowing for public participation. Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Firpo, Lock and Uy and essential City staff will participate via Teleconference. Members of the public may submit their comments on any agenda item or public comment via email or Parks & Recreation main line. PURSUANT TO RALPH M. BROWN ACT, GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953, ALL VOTES SHALL BE BY ROLL CALL DUE TO COMMISSION MEMBERS PARTICIPATING BY TELECONFERENCE. In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public record, relates to an open session agenda item, and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular meeting will be made available for public inspection at the Parks and Recreation Department in the Municipal Services Building. If, however, the document or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting to which it relates, then the document or writing will be made available to the public at the location of the meeting, as listed on this agenda. Public Comment: Please note that dialing in will only allow you to listen in on the meeting. To make a public comment during the Zoom session, join the meeting from your computer or mobile device, enter your name, and request to comment through the “Chat” function and a staff person will add you to the queue for comments and unmute your microphone during the comment period. In the alternative, you may also provide email comments received during the meeting will be read into the record. Please be sure to indicate the Agenda item number you wish to address or the topic of your public comment. California law prevents the Commission from taking action on any item not on the Agenda (except in emergency circumstances). Your question or problem may be referred to staff for investigation and/or action where appropriate or the matter may be placed on a future Agenda for more comprehensive action or report. COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for your cooperation. Remote Public Comments: Members of the public wishing to participate are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. The email and phone line below will be monitored during the meeting and public comments received will be read into the record. The City encourages the submission of comments by 6:00pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, to facilitate inclusion in the meeting record. A maximum of 3 minutes per individual comment will be read into the record. Comments that are not in compliance the Commission’s rules of decorum may be summarized for the record rather than read verbatim. Email: [email protected] Electronic Comments received by email will be monitored during the meeting and read into the record. We ask that you limit your electronic comments so that they comply with the 3-minute time limitation for public comment. Parks & Recreation Hotline: (650) 829-3837 Voice messages will be monitored during the meeting, and read into the record. Your voicemail should be limited so that it complies with the 3-minute time limitation for public comment. If you have special questions, please contact the Director of Parks and Recreation. The Director will be pleased to answer your questions when the Commission is not in session. WILLIAM LOCK CHAIRPERSON STEPHEN FIRPO RUTH DeNARDI VICE CHAIR SECRETARY BETTY BATTAGLIA BRITTANY BURGO COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER KRISTY CAMACHO ROBERT UY COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER GREG MEDIATI DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION Agenda CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Teleconference Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2022 7:00 p.m. A G E N D A I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Agenda Review V. Approval of Minutes of the October 18, 2022 Meeting VI. Citizen Participation (Citizen comment on items not agendized/informational only) VII. Old Business A. Centennial Way Trail and Orange Memorial Park Master Plans B. Library | Park and Recreation Center Update: FF&E VIII. New Business A. Age-Friendly Communities Initiative IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation X. Beautification Committee XI. Items from Commission XII. Items from Staff A. Calendar of Events B. Administrative Update XIII. Adjournment Next Meeting: Regular Meeting: Tuesday, January 17, 2022 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES FROM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022 I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. A regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of South San Francisco was held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic and local health orders. II. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Battaglia, Burgo, Camacho, DeNardi, Uy, Vice Chair Firpo and Chair Lock Staff: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation Angela Duldulao, Acting Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Joshua Richardson, Parks Manager Kari Jung, Management Analyst I Laura Armanino, Recreation Supervisor Devin Stenhouse, Acting Recreation Manager Kasey Jo Cullinan, Recreation Supervisor Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Skipped. IV. AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes to the agenda. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2022, MEETING: Approved by motion. Motion: Commissioner Battaglia / Seconded: Commissioner Camacho VI. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None were present. VII. Old Business A. Library / Parks and Recreation Donor Wall Update Director Mediati provided an update on the Library / Parks and Recreation donor wall. At the beginning of development of the Civic Center Building, the City launched a capital campaign in partnership with the Library Foundation. The campaign advertised donors at the supporter level of a thousand dollars or more would be listed inside the building on the donor wall. Larger donors per supplemental agreements may also have spaces or something of that nature named after them. Several designs that were being considered for the donor wall were reported to the Commission a few months ago. At that time, Commissioner Camacho had suggested a digital display option and shared some examples. Those were taken back to the design team, and it was determined that it was best to move forward with the digital concept for general acknowledgment for a few reasons. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 2 • The modern and technical solution fits well with the architecture of the building • It is prominent and doesn’t fade into the background • It could be more noticed and could be updated with new names and images • Can be repurposed for communicating other messages and events Director Mediati also shared that this concept was brought before the City Council Naming Committee last week and received their support and staff now wanted to share with this Commission and welcomes any feedback. Commissioner DeNardi expressed her view on the digital concept. She gave examples of other locations where donor walls look like artwork and names are etched acrylic tiles but is still part of the artwork and is permanent. She continues to note that her concern with the digital concept is that in years from now, the information shown will be at the discretion of whoever is monitoring the system at the time. If the name is inscribed on the wall, it’s permanent. Commissioner Camacho gave reasoning to why she had suggested the digital concept. She saw a couple of digital walls that can be designed to look like art around the screens to fit the aesthetic of the building. Names can rotate through, and all names would stay for the current campaign. Names could continue to be added and art can be added to it without taking up as much room. Ten to thirty years from now if there is another campaign, this would be a cost-efficient way of adding to it. She also suggested a digital screen with glass panels on the sides where names could be etched for some, similar to the donor wall at Boston Children’s Hospital. Director Mediati responded that at a cost perspective it would be hard to do both. As presented the project cost will be in the ballpark of $150,000+. That would include the displays, cabling, and software. Assistant City Manager Ranals added that the digital option is already at the top end of the budget, so a combination would be over budget. Assistant City Manager Ranals suggested it would be a great idea on opening day to have rolling names of all the contributors. This would include all donors, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and custodians so that everyone could be recognized, and people could see the massive amount of effort that goes into something like this. She also explains that the wall around the digital display is meant to be able to display art and that the digital display is meant not to compete with art exhibits that may be mounted there over time. Commissioner Uy voiced his concern on the price for the digital display stating that he’s seen these cost far less than $150,000. He asked why they price is so much higher. Assistant City Manager Ranals explained that the price includes the wiring, the framing to have them recessed, the ability to still pull them out to make repairs, internet connectivity to send messages and digital art and they need to be high resolution. These won’t be like the screens you would see in a restaurant. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 3 Director Mediati added that these were estimates based on other projects the designers had worked on in the past. It could be less of a cost if technology costs continue to be reduced. Vice Chair Firpo commented that he likes the idea of the digital wall for advertising classes or events. He understands Commissioner DeNardi’s concern. He further suggested engraving for the larger donors. Assistant City Manager Ranals responded that part the negotiations with Amgen and Genentech was to have signage that recognized their contributions in the Library along with Friends of the Library. Chair Lock gives opinion that all donors should be listed on the donor wall no matter how small the donation is. He does not like the idea of the rectangles and suggests an idea similar to what San Francisco Chinese Hospital has for their wall; its unique and colorful. Suggested incorporating the butterfly that is associated with the city; images of the butterflies with names of donors floating around the wall for example. Commissioner Uy added despite his frustration with the cost, he does support the digital wall. He believes it will help save money in the long run because it can be easily updated. It can also be used to highlight different parts of the city. Director Mediati liked the idea of having some kind of animated feature and will follow up with the vendor to see if that is something that can be done. Commissioner Camacho asked about recognition on the digital display for at least a short time of community members that donated less than $1,000. Assistant City Manager Ranals explained that it was promised to donors that if the donation was $1,000 or more, they would be place on the donor wall. No promises were made for donations under a thousand dollars, but it is something that can be looked into for a limited period, like opening day, but would need to be discussed with the Library Foundation Board. Vice Chair Firpo suggested having a booklet with everybody’s name on it available during opening day so if someone wanted to, they could keep instead of having names on the digital wall temporarily. Director Mediati thanked everyone for their feedback and said he will share these with the Capital Projects team. VIII. New Business A. Oyster Point Development Update Manager Richardson gave update on the Oyster Point Marina upgrades. The end of the project is very close with a few punch list items being finalized and PG&E is anticipated to connect power to the site soon which will allow opening of the restrooms and running Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 4 of the irrigation automatically. The large amount of dirt on the south side of Oyster Point Boulevard is the location of the future Open Space Rec Parcel. Due to the surcharging of materials pulled out of the site the area has changed since the original plans, it was supposed to be a bit flatter and will be when its finally graded. It’s still in the works of being designed and will finish a bit later after this project. There will be a hill, but Manager Richardson and Director Mediati are working on what amenities they can put there. There will be a pathway that is less than five percent grade, wheelchair accessible and will have a small parking lot in that area. Manager Richardson shared views of how much the area changed since 2016 through the project taking place. He pointed out the turf areas, landscape planters, coastal meadow, groomed beach with picnic sites and three restrooms on site as well. Commissioner Battaglia stated that she was impressed when she recently went out there. Everything changed so much and feels that the area is bigger with more of everything to enjoy. Vice Chair Firpo shared that he walks there every week and has watched the project take place and is impressed with the transformation. He also asked about the location of the hotel in the views being shared. Director Mediati confirmed the hotel’s location and shared that east from the hotel is where Phase II – C will be. This will be presented in a future update. Commissioner DeNardi shared her concern and concerns of Yacht Club members regarding chartered buses who are training, speeding through the area while community members are out walking, and riding bikes and scooters. Director Mediati said he will share that concern with the Police Department and Planning Division staff so they can get in contact with the tech companies that own those fleets. Commissioner Uy has noticed a lot more people coming out and utilizing the location, which is great. Only complaint is the geese. Commissioner Camacho and Commissioner Burgo asked about the plan for the open space parcel. Commissioner Camacho suggested having sculptures or similar on top of the hill and Commissioner Burgo suggested a gazebo or similar. Manager Richardson explained that the hill will still be there but not as high and will be wider. The plan as of now is to have a small parking lot at the base of the hill and an ADA accessible pathway to the top, other than that it will be a grass hill for the time being. Future amenities will be planned with community and Commission feedback. Chair Lock reported a minor incident that occurred when he went to check out the area. A gentleman drove up the ramp onto the walking/sidewalk area because it’s new and he got lost and possibly thought it was a driveway into the next area. Suggests having some signage to warn people not to drive through there. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 5 Assistant City Manager Ranals added that once the project is complete, they are planning on having a ribbon cutting ceremony. No date has been scheduled yet, but they will keep everyone apprised. Commissioner Burgo suggested trying to schedule the ribbon cutting ceremony on weekend afternoon or morning so that more residents can make it out. B. Cancellation of the November or December Commission Meeting Chair Lock asked each Commissioner on their opinion on cancelling one or both upcoming meetings in November and December. Director Mediati added that he spoke with staff in Capital Projects to gauge when they think they will need to engage the Commission on upcoming projects and there is a possibility that they may need a meeting later this year. An option could be to cancel both meetings and schedule one brief meeting in the first two weeks of December if needed. It was shared that a special meeting would be too difficult to get scheduled. A vote by Chair Lock was taken and the majority voted to have December’s meeting cancelled. Chair Lock asked Director Mediati to share with the Cultural Arts Commission the cancellation of December’s meeting so they may consider cancelling their December meeting as well. IX. Friends of Parks and Recreation: Director Mediati gave update on Friends of the Park having a great turn out at Concert in the Park. They brought in $5,200 in revenue of which net profit was $2,700. They sold around 400 beverages. All the money comes back to City programs. Their booth was very well positioned, highly visible and provided good access. X. Beautification Committee: Director Mediati reported that there are no updates at this time. XI. Items from Commission: Commissioner Burgo spoke about Concert in the Park and how much she enjoyed it and thought it went well even with the limited amount of space. She was able to attend the City Council meeting to listen to the presentation about the Orange Park Aquatic Center. As of right now the decision to have indoor/outdoor pool is pretty much finalized. She noted she was curious to see what the project team says about the beach entry because there was a lot of controversy and comments from the public. Commissioner Burgo was also able to attend the Commissioners workshop, which she really enjoyed and liked being able to meet with other Commissioners. She asked if would be possible to get permanent name tags and asked about the flyers for Trunk or Treat. She also shared about a conversation she had with a resident who is in a wheelchair and the equipment available in parks for them; stating that the resident drives to Brisbane to have more equipment available. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 6 Director Mediati asked if the equipment was for a child or adult. He also responded to Commissioner Burgo’s request on getting a name tag ordered for her and a jacket if she doesn’t have one yet. Commissioner Uy stated that although he was happy with most of Concert in the Park, he was not happy with was the food situation. He asked if there was a way to increase the number of trucks. Understanding that there is a preference for local trucks, we need to start looking outside if local aren’t interested. He further suggested having a one day business license. Director Mediati agreed and commented that the day of the event Commissioner DeNardi put him in contact with her son who is in the food industry and has lots of contacts in San Francisco and elsewhere. He also stated that he needs to work with the Finance Department to streamline the contracting process. The City does have one day licenses but its not cheap and the cost gets passed onto us anyway, so looking at doing something different would make sense. Commissioner Uy also shared that Director Mediati and staff did a great job with following up on a complaint he received from the South San Francisco Youth Baseball League regarding a child getting injured on the field where dogs have been digging up holes. at Avalon Park Baseball Field. Commissioner Camacho added a suggestion of asking local neighborhoods who may have neighborhood watches to possibly say something to the owners when they see dogs unleashed or dog waste left in the park in a respectful and approachable way. She also commented on the Concert in the Park and how great the turn out was and really enjoyed the community booths. She would prefer to have more of the community groups up front and center than the political groups in the future. Director Mediati responded that unfortunately, there is not a lot they can do about where the political groups set up because it is a public forum. Commissioner Battaglia shared that she heard from a lot of people how wonderful the music was at Concert in the Park. She shares that she was amazed on how much political signage she seen near City Hall for the Filipino Flag raising. Commissioner Battaglia asked if the large BBQ could be used as a supplement to the food trucks at Concert in the Park. Director Mediati answered that could be a possibility, however, that does require more coordination with County Health. Commissioner DeNardi thought Concert in the Park was a success. The cooling areas set up at the Fernekes Building was a great idea and having an attendant near the bathroom was amazing. She suggested contacting the food trucks that are at Tanforan every Tuesday to get information from them, so in the future there are other vendors to reach out to. She liked how there was an additional area for canopies set up in front of the pool last minute because the other area started to fill up. The community stage was amazing. Commissioner DeNardi also shared that she attended the check presentation for the future park on Linden and the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 7 Commissioner’s workshop, which she really enjoyed and thought Director Mediati and Acting Deputy Director Duldulao presented a wonderful program. She was happy to have the opportunity to network with other local Commissioners. Would love to attend something like this next year. Director Mediati commented maybe we can host next year in our new building. He also added that at one point they had five to six vendors lined up for the food but in the days leading up to the event they had several back out. September has events planned every weekend in all the surrounding cities and believes there is systemic issue with the City’s policy and contracting process, and we might have to bring back some incentive or minimum sales amount. Robert Uy asked if we were to have a bigger vendor that already does food events, then couldn’t they be the ones to bring in other vendors under their one permit. Director Mediati explains that every server or vendor under their permit would still need to get a permit. He also added that if they’re not in a food truck then each vendor must have handwashing stations, sidewalls to the tents, cleanable flooring surfaces and so forth. It’s just logistically easier to stick with food trucks. Vice Chair Firpo said that Concert in the Park was fantastic and liked the impromptu car show across the street. Suggested in the future having a regular vendor tent set up as a political tent that can be shared and limit the amount of signs they can put up. Chair Lock agreed it was a great event. He understands that there are some things that can’t be controlled like the political signs and food trucks backing out last minute but suggests looking into alternative to the food trucks because the turnaround time for food is slow. He was able to attend the City Council meeting and asked for clarification about what was said regarding soccer teams playing on the old soccer field versus the new sports field. Director Mediati replied that there may still be some soccer practices on the old field because there might be some overlap between soccer and baseball games and practices since they both sports are almost year-round. Chair Lock also mentioned sending someone over to take down the political signs on the fencing around Irish Town Green. He spoke on the rubber mats in the playgrounds and wanted to know on any plans to repair or replace them, especially in the areas under the swings. Manager Richardson responded that we do have some in house repair kits that work for some time and his crew does periodically go through and replace those as needed. We did try to stay ahead of the curve at the LPR site by putting synthetic turf patches under the swings and other moving objects. Chair Lock asked if Commission meetings should go back to in person in 2023. Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of the Meeting of September 20, 2022 Page 8 Director Mediati responded that it would be a city-wide policy decision. XII. Items from Staff: A. Calendar of Event Director Mediati provided a brief update of the Calendar of Events. B. Administrative Updates Director Mediati shared about an offer for Aquatics Coordinator to Cynthia Lin and stated that they should be making some more announcements hopefully by the end of the week for some more vacancies. Manager Richardson reports on the tracking of incidents at the Orange Park bathrooms near the tennis and bocce ball courts. The tracking was only done for major incidents when the bathroom needed to be closed for some time. Since February there was a total of twenty-six times the bathroom had to be closed due to a vandalism incident. Manager Richardson also shared news of a Public Works employee, Ben Valdez, who passed away on the job last week. He and Director Mediati have been speaking about possibly purchasing a bench in his memory to be placed at Elkwood Park. His family may start a Go Fund Me that the city may support. Manager Richardson gave update that the Westborough Pathway paving project was accepted by Council on October 12. Should be getting the project going by the end of this month or early November. There may be some pathway closures as the project moves through to remedy the issues. He also gave update on the tennis court improvement project, stating today they demolished the tennis courts at Brentwood Park. It will be repaved tomorrow and then Thursday the tennis courts at Buri Buri Park will start the same process. Those courts will be out of service for thirty days to allow the asphalt to cure before adding color and lines to them. Acting Deputy Director Duldulao shared that the public art master plan survey has been extended a month for anyone who is interested. Manager Stenhouse thanked everyone who RSVPed for the Halloween Extravaganza. Director Mediati added that the new commission handbook at the end of the packet is just for reference purposes. There are three new Cultural Arts Commissioners so he thought he would share the handbook with everybody. XIII. Adjournment: 9:06 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Jeanette Yoshida, Administrative Assistant II Next Meeting: November 15, 2022 Staff Report DATE: November 15, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects SUBJECT: Centennial Way Trail and Orange Memorial Park Master Plans RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update and provide feedback on the Draft Centennial Way Trail Master Plan and Draft Orange Memorial Park Master Plan prior to adoption by the City Council. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION Staff and project consultants will be presenting the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan and Orange Memorial Park Master Plan. A brief update is also summarized below. Centennial Way Trail is a Class I bicycle and pedestrian pathway spanning three miles from the South San Francisco BART Station to the San Bruno BART Station. The City constructed and maintains the trail. In late 2020, the City accepted maintenance and development rights of additional portions of the BART right-of-way, significantly expanding opportunities for capital improvements and programming along the trail. In early 2021, the City engaged the landscape design and planning firm, Callander Associates, to work with the community and various stakeholders to develop a vision plan to guide improvements and programming along the trail. The Orange Memorial Park Master Plan was last updated in 2007. Since then, the park has seen several improvements, including the Storm Water Capture Project, the planned aquatic center, and the Orange Memorial Park Ballfield project. An update to the Orange Memorial Park Master Plan will represent current and planned projects as well as changing demographics and park programming needs. Earlier this year staff also engaged Callander Associates to lead the Master Plan effort with synergies to the Centennial Way Trail Plan. Outreach and community engagement for the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan and Orange Memorial Park Master Plan began in summer 2021. The first round of engagement gathered input on park and trail needs and constraints. Outreach and engagement included pop-up events at the park and trail, online and printed surveys, stakeholder meetings and a public open in August 2021 at the Joseph A. Fernekes Building. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: November 15, 2022 Subject: Centennial Way Trail Master Plan and Orange Memorial Park Master Plan Final Report Page 2 The second round of outreach and community engagement offered plan alternatives for the park and focus areas of the trail. Feedback on these alternatives was collected at the City Hall Birthday Celebration in September 2021, the Halloween Event at Orange Memorial Park in October 2021, numerous virtual stakeholder meetings with landowners, recreation groups, community groups and staff as well as through online and printed surveys available in English and Spanish. Display materials and surveys were also available at the Roberta Cerri Teglia Center, Orange Pool and the Municipal Services Building. A second open house was held at the Joseph A. Fernekes Building in November 2021. Information about the plan alternatives and opportunities to engage were advertised through Park and Recreation newsletters and shared among community and stakeholder groups. An update of the engagement efforts and plan alternatives were presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission in November 2021. Feedback received from the Commission and the public informed preferred plans for opportunities areas which were include in the draft master plans presented to Parks and Recreation Commission in March 2022. Since last presenting to Parks and Recreation Commission in March 2022, staff had meetings with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), owners of a large portion of the Centennial Way Trail between West Orange Avenue and Spruce Avenue. The SFPUC identified projects in the early planning phase that could potentially impact improvements proposed in the Draft Centennial Trail Master plan. These improvements include, but are not limited to, future groundwater pump station and monitoring wells. Since the final SFPUC plans remain uncertain, and at the request of SFPUC, the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan has been revised to not include proposed improvements on the SFPUC property. Improvements proposed on the SFPUC property have been incorporated into the Spruce Avenue to Huntington Avenue segment reflected in the attached the attached Final Centennial Way Trail Master. Staff will continue to engage SFPUC. Once the disposition of this segment is better known, the plan may be amended. Advances in the design of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center since last presenting the Orange Memorial Park Master Plan to Parks and Recreation Commission in March 2022. The Aquatic Center design, which includes both an indoor and outdoor pool, loading area at the parking lot and a new veterans memorial at the corner of Orange Avenue and Tennis Drive are now reflected in the Final Orange Memorial Park Master plan attached to this report. Stakeholders and participants in the master planning process have been invited to attend the November 15, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission hearing for a presentation by staff and the project designers. Links to the final master plans are available to the public at www.ssf.net/prmasterplans. Staff intends to present the Centennial Way Trail Master Plan and Orange Memorial Park Master Plan to City Council for adoption in early 2023. Orange Memorial Park & Centennial Way TrailMaster Plans Update PARKTRAIL Parks & Recreation Meeting November 15, 2022 PARKTRAIL PRESENTATION OUTLINE ●Recap design process & preliminary design alternatives ●Review preferred plans ●Obtain Parks & Recreation and public feedback TRAIL CENTENNIAL WAY TRAIL TRAIL GOALS & OBJECTIVES Study how the trail relates to adjacent planned developments, and establish trail design guidelines for future development interfaces. Explore opportunities on newly available land within the trail corridor. Respond to the City’s current needs for recreation facilities and trail user preferences. Enhance connections to adjacent land uses (both visual and physical). Engage the community and stakeholders to better understand desired amenities and improvements. TRAIL INITIAL PUBLIC OUTREACH Pop-Up Events •Orange Park Movie Night •Parks and Recreation July Field Day •City Hall Birthday Celebration •Orange Park Halloween Event Community Meeting #1 & #2 Stakeholder & Committee Meetings •Property and Landowners •Community Representatives •Recreation Teams and Groups •City Staff •Parks and Recreation Commission •Cultural Arts Commission TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS TRAIL PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Bike pump track and skate park -or- Soccer fields Opportunity Area 1 Key Map TRAIL PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Bike pump track and skate park -or- Learning garden and outdoor classroom Opportunity Area 2 Key Map TRAIL PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Community garden and dog park -or- Skate spaces and dog park Opportunity Area 3 Key Map TRAIL INITIAL PUBLIC FEEDBACK Methods of Receiving Input 1.Sticker votes 2.Hand written comments 3.Survey questions 4.Location based app Survey Responses = 168 Most Popular Amenities 1.More lighting at night 2.Community garden 3.Fitness stations 4.Playground 5.Picnic areas 6.Nature areas 7.Bicycle pump track 8.Another dog park 9.Lawn area 10.Skatepark TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Huntington Ave to Spruce Ave New Planting Pedestrian Lighting TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Huntington Ave to Spruce Ave Skate Park Bike Pump Track Play Area Picnic Area Game Area Visual Simulation Direction Outdoor Classroom Pollinator GardenFitness Station TRAIL VISUAL SIMULATION Opportunity Area 1 TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Spruce Ave to W Orange Ave Pedestrian Lighting New Planting TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Spruce Ave to W Orange Ave TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN W Orange Ave to Dog Park New Planting Pedestrian Lighting TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Dog Park to Chestnut Ave Fitness Station New Planting Pedestrian Lighting Public Fitness Park Seating Area TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Antoinette Ln Area New Planting Trail Wayfinding Signs Fitness StationTRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Mission Rd New Planting Picnic AreaFUTURE DEVELOPMENT SITE TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Mission Rd to BART Station Fitness Station Dog Park Play Area Community Garden TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN Mission Rd to BART Station New PlantingSkate Space Pedestrian Lighting Visual Simulation Direction TRAIL VISUAL SIMULATION Opportunity Area 3 TRAIL PREFERRED PLAN BART Plaza New Planting Bike Rack Bike Locker Seating Area Landscape Screen Farmers Market Area ORANGE MEMORIAL PARK PARK Develop a master plan to help guide future park improvements. Engage the community and stakeholders to better understand desired amenities and improvements. Incorporate and study impacts of current and proposed projects within the park limits. Determine the best use of underutilized areas of the park including the former Mazzanti property. GOALS & OBJECTIVES PARK INITIAL PUBLIC OUTREACH PARK Pop-Up Events •Orange Park Movie Night •Parks and Recreation July Field Day •City Hall Birthday Celebration •Orange Park Halloween Event Community Meeting #1 & #2 Stakeholder & Committee Meetings •Property and Landowners •Community Representatives •Recreation Groups •City Staff •Parks and Recreation Commission •Cultural Arts Commission OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS PARK PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES PARK Alternative 1 Amenities Included: Bike pump track Skate park Partial artist studio Restoration of Colma Creek Parks facility Parking lot PRELIMINARY DESIGN ALTERNATIVES PARK Alternative 2 Amenities Included: Youth multi-purposed fields Market / event walk Fitness court Community garden Sculpture Garden expansion Parking lot INITIAL PUBLIC FEEDBACK PARK Methods of Receiving Input 1.Sticker votes 2.Hand written comments 3.Survey questions 4.Location based app Survey Responses = 322 Most Popular Amenities 1.Colma Creek restoration 2.Farmer’s market shelter 3.Outdoor theater 4.New indoor pool 5.Skate park 6.All abilities play area 7.Fitness station 8.Community garden 9.Natural play features 10.Additional picnic areas PARK PREFERRED CONCEPT PLAN PARK PREFERRED CONCEPT PLAN Pickleball Courts Multi-Purpose Fields Picnic Area Restroom/Concessions Building Shade Shelter Central Gathering Node PARK PREFERRED CONCEPT PLAN All Abilities Playground Market / Event Walk Shade Shelter Veteran’s Memorial Colma Creek Restoration PARK VISUAL SIMULATION Tennis Drive Entrance PARK VISUAL SIMULATION Colma Creek Restoration PARK DESIGN ELEVATION Market / Event Walk PARK PREFERRED CONCEPT PLAN Artist Studios / Maker Space Renovated Playground Creek Walk Natural Play NEXT STEPS PARKTRAIL QUESTIONS & COMMENTS? PARKTRAIL Staff Report DATE: November 15, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Erin O’Brien, Business Manager SUBJECT: Library | Parks and Recreation Center Update: FF&E RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the selection process for furniture, fixtures, and equipment at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION One of many elements that Parks and Recreation Department staff have been working on in planning for the Library | Parks and Recreation Center (LPR) includes the selection of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). This includes items such as tables, chairs, office equipment, special supplies for art, fitness, and dance classes, and more. Staff have worked with the furniture vendor on the selection of FF&E for every room and common area at LPR. In addition, the selection of furniture pieces has involved examining furniture samples in-person when possible, as well as reviewing specification sheets upon request. Staff will present more information about FF&E under consideration at the meeting. CONCLUSION This is an informational item provided as a progress update with respect to the selection of FF&E for LPR. LIBRARY | PARKS & RECREATION FURNITURE, FIXTURES, AND EQUIPMENT UPDATES First Floor Spaces: •Reception Desk •Social Hall •Banquet Hall •Kitchen •Council Pre-function Space •Council Chamber First Floor –Event Spaces Second Floor Spaces: •Reception Desk •Dance and Fitness Studios •Changing Rooms •Music Classrooms •Children’s Classroom •Exercise Studio Second Floor –Children’s Classroom Second Floor –Exercise Studio Second Floor –Music Rooms Waiting Area Third Floor Spaces: •Lobby •Creator’s Studio •Gallery Room •Parks & Recreation Desk •Offices Third Floor –Creators Studio, and Gallery Room Third Floor –Parks & Recreation Desk, and Offices Staff Report DATE: November 15, 2022 TO: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Sharon Ranals, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Age-Friendly Communities Initiative RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Parks and Recreation Commission receive an update on the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION San Mateo County is engaged in a county-wide initiative to become age-friendly and join the AARP - World Health Organization (WHO) Network of Age-Friendly Cities. More information can be found at: http://www.who.int/ageing/age-friendly-world/en/ https://www.aarp.org/livable- communities/network-age-friendly-communities/ Toward this end, the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence (CAFÉ), has been contracted through the County to support local communities who wish to join this initiative. Cities in the County which have received, or are in the process of earning, the age-friendly designation over the past several years include Belmont, Burlingame, Colma, Daly City, Foster City, Half Moon Bay-Coastside, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Carlos, and San Mateo. In October of this year the City Council endorsed South San Francisco, in partnership with the County and CAFÉ, to pursue this designation. South San Francisco is fortunate to have been assigned Roy Earnest, an Associate Director with CAFÉ, to guide the effort, at no cost to the City. The first step in the process is to organize a small task force in each city to help inform and guide the effort. This is a broader initiative than setting goals for the senior center, or for senior programs offered by the city. Issues include making neighborhoods walkable, transportation options, access to key services, meaningful social and civic engagement, and affordable housing. The specific needs and desired focus of each city differ, however the common thread among the enrolled communities is the belief that the places where we live are more livable, and better able to support people of all ages, when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between. The attached Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods provides examples of the types of infrastructure and planning code improvements that can help to achieve such results. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: November 15, 2022 Subject: Age-Friendly Communities Page: 2 There are eight domains of age-friendly communities: • Outdoor spaces and buildings • Transportation • Housing • Social participation • Respect and social inclusion • Civic participation and employment • Communication and information • Community support/health service CAFÉ will assist the task force to fill out the on-line application to AARP’s Network of Age Friendly States and Communities to become a member of that network and to be certified as an age-friendly city. There is typically a 5-month planning period with a diverse task force comprised of community leaders who have knowledge and care about the issues of older adults; the identification of three age- friendly projects; and an implementation period of 1 – 2 years. South San Francisco has launched the initiative with a task force of community leaders who have knowledge and care about the issues of older adults in South San Francisco. Task force members include Mayor Nagales, Vice-Mayor Nicolas, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Betty Battaglia, Ed Bortoli, Sonny Koya, Maria Barcelata, Lydia Pomposa, Frances Luster, and City staff members Kasey Jo Cullinan, Devin Stenhouse, Angela Duldulao, Greg Mediati, and Sharon Ranals. The role of the Age-Friendly Community task force is to promote the age-friendly initiative and assist CAFÉ with the following tasks: • Help select and organize participants for focus groups; • Participate in choosing at least three inaugural pilot projects to address unmet needs identified through the focus groups; • Provide input to the application that South San Francisco will submit to the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Cities to become a certified age friendly community and a member of the network. CAFÉ’s support is funded through the certification process. After this, member of the task force will hopefully continue to serve and will participate in implementation of the selected pilot projects, if they wish to remain actively involved. It is understood that there will be some changes in the task force membership over time as some members leave and others join. The task force began meeting in October and has been actively recruiting a broad cross-section of South San Francisco residents aged 55 and above for focus group sessions. A series of six focus group meetings, each about an hour and a half, were scheduled for the month of November. The meetings include up to 10 people and are facilitated by Roy Earnest. The primary format is zoom, but both in-person and phone participation are also offered. Both daytime and evening focus groups were scheduled. The format of the focus groups is to ask participant the following question for each of the eight domains listed above: “What do you think are the unmet needs of older adult residents of South San Francisco as it pertains to each of the following eight areas?” Over 50 residents have signed up to participate in a focus group to date. Two focus group meetings have been held, with four additional meetings scheduled in November. Additional sessions will be scheduled if there is demand. Participants are still being recruited and interested individuals may be directed to contact Sharon Ranals to be connected with Roy Earnest and scheduled for a focus group. A recruitment flyer, which may be shared with prospective focus group participants, is attached. Staff Report To: Parks and Recreation Commission Date: November 15, 2022 Subject: Age-Friendly Communities Page: 3 CONCLUSION The age-friendly initiative has much relevance for Parks and Recreation, not only for the programs and services offered at the Roberta Teglia Senior Center. The eight domain areas, outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support/health services are very inter-related. They weave through a multitude of county, city, business,. and non-profit services. It is important to note that the goal is to establish a community-driven process with participation and support from the City as one of many providers and advocates for age-friendly projects and implementation. Having the Parks and Recreation Commission as a key stakeholder and conduit for public engagement will be a critical factor in the success of the initiative. Staff will keep the Commission apprised of the findings of the focus group process, as well as recommendations that emerge for pilot project to address unmet needs of older adults in South San Francisco. How would you like to help enhance the livability of South SF for older adult residents of our area? An Age Friendly Community Task Force has been formed to gather information from SSF residents who are age 55 and more, with a particular focus on: SSF Age Friendly Community Task Force Seeking Volunteers for Focus Group Discussions Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Transportation Housing Social Participation Respect and Social Inclusion Civic Participation and Employment Communication and Information Community Support/Health Services Zoom /Phone Meetings every Tuesday thru November from 10:30am to 12:00Noon If you are aged 55+ and would like to share your perspective on these issues in a focus group discussion, South San Francisco has several opportunities: This opportunity will be limited to 10 people per session. If you are interested in participating, please contact Roy Earnest at [email protected] or at 650-438-6378. -In person groups will be scheduled, as needed. -During the last week of November on Tuesday (10/29) and Wednesday (10/30), FG Sessions via Zoom from 6:30pm until 8:00pm-One-on-one phone discussions can be arranged upon request. If you cannot participate in these two opportunities, you have other options: For all inquiries, please contact Roy Earnest @[email protected] 650-438-6378 A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods Enabling Better Places By AARP Livable Communities and the Congress for the New Urbanism The Congress for the New Urbanism’s mission is to champion walkable urbanism. CNU provides resources, education, and technical assistance to create socially just, economically robust, environmentally resilient, and people centered places. CNU leverages New Urbanism’s unique integration of design and social principle to advance three key goals: to support complete neighborhoods, legalize walkable places, to design for a climate change. With 19 local and state chapters and headquarters in Washington, D.C., CNU works to unite the New Urbanist movement. (See page 21 to learn more.) AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 or older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families, with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. The AARP Livable Communities initiative’s programs include the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and the annual AARP Community Challenge “quick-action” grant program. Websites: AARP.org and AARP.org/Livable Email: [email protected] Facebook: /AARPLivableCommunities Twitter: @AARPLivable Free Newsletter: AARP.org/LivableSubscribe Website: CNU.org Email: [email protected] Facebook: /NewUrbanism Twitter: @NewUrbanism Free Newsletter: Members.CNU.org/Newsletter WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Congress for the New Urbanism Lynn Richards, President and CEO Mallory Baches, Director of Strategic Development Jay Arzu, Contributing Editor AARP Livable Communities Danielle Arigoni, Director Melissa Stanton, Editor/Senior Advisor ART DIRECTOR: Mimi Park, Design Park, Inc. COPY EDITOR: Don Armstrong ART PRODUCTION: Steve Walkowiak Additional support from Sarah Dale and Sarah Rozen Visit AARP.org/Zoning to download or order this free publication. Find the following titles and others at AARP.org/LivableLibrary. • The Pop-Up Placemaking Tool Kit • AARP Rural Livability Workshop Report • Making Room: Housing for a Changing America • AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit and Leader Guide • Creating Parks and Public Spaces for People of All Ages • AARP HomeFit Guide To learn when AARP publishes more livability resources, subscribe to the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter: AARP.org/LivableSubscribe.MELISSA STANTON, AARPFRONT COVER IMAGES (Top) Main Street, Northport, New York, by Salty Dog Photography (Bottom) The Wharf, Washington, D.C, by Payton Chung | Romare Bearden Park, Charlotte, North Carolina, by Melissa Stanton, AARP Note: Most of the photographs in this handbook were taken before the need for social distancing and mask wearing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright © 2020–2021 by AARP | AARP is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of AARP, except brief quotations in connection with reviews written specifically for inclusion in magazines, newspapers or websites, or limited excerpts strictly for personal use. Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While AARP and the Congress for the New Urbanism have used their best efforts in preparing this publication, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents, examples, instructions and/or guidance contained herein. The advice and strategies discussed may not be suitable for each reader’s or community’s situation. Consultation with local professionals is advised and compliance with local regulations is required. AARP and the Congress for the New Urbanism shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages, nor for any injuries to persons or property. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 1 Why are so few cities, towns and neighborhoods in the United States walkable? Why is it so difficult to find vibrant communities where people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds can live, work, shop and play? The answer, in many locations, is that zoning codes and land use ordinances have made the creation of such places illegal. In some communities, the lack of walkability, opportunity and livability stems from zoning and development decisions that intentionally separated people by race, faith, ethnicity or income. There are 42,000 units of local government with zoning authority in the United States. This guide explains why a community may want to change its zoning codes and rules, and how it can do so in ways that strengthen the local economy, promote equity, and support diversity and inclusion. The Congress for the New Urbanism — with support from AARP and other partners — launched The Project for Code Reform to support communities that want to revise their zoning codes but don’t have the staffing and resources to seek full-fledged change. For these places, the wisest path is often to pursue incremental changes that can nonetheless improve the economy, built environment and residents’ quality of life. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods provides options for communities to consider as they identify and select small-scale, incremental policy changes that can be made without overhauling entire zoning codes and land use policies. This handbook collaboration by AARP and CNU has been created as a reference for discussions among local leaders and community members interested in improving where they live. It is based on work led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Municipal League that sought to identify incremental zoning code changes to spur economic growth. The publication is not a comprehensive checklist, nor is it meant to be used in lieu of a careful, context-specific code review process to determine and prioritize the best opportunities for beneficial change. p BAR HARBOR, MAINE: The Village Green is located in the center of the waterfront community’s walkable downtown. It’s a Wi-Fi equipped spot for sitting, sunning, people- watching and listening to free summer concerts. Enabling Improved Neighborhoods FROM CNU ABOUT The Project for Code Reform The Congress for the New Urbanism’s Project for Code Reform seeks to streamline the code reform process by providing state and local governments with place-specific, incremental zoning code changes that address the most problematic barriers first, build political will, and ultimately create more walkable, prosperous, and equitable places. The project’s incremental approach enables jurisdictions to set their own pace for code changes, allowing them to prioritize their coding efforts, respond to the community’s vision and needs, and facilitate greater community learning and understanding. LEARN MORE: CNU.org/What-We-Do/Our-Projects FROM AARP ABOUTAARP Livable Communities AARP believes that communities should have safe and walkable streets, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services, and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. The AARP Livable Communities initiative helps advance the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, rural areas and entire states to be livable for people of all ages. In addition to engaging and providing support at the national, state and local levels, AARP develops resources for use and sharing by elected officials, local leaders, municipal staff, planners, policymakers, advocates and involved residents. LEARN MORE: AARP.org/Livable MELISSA STANTON, AARP 2 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods MARK STROZIER VIA FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONSCoding for Livable and Prosperous Places Understanding places — past and present. Zoning codes and street standards are the very DNA of what makes — or breaks — a place, dictating where and how much parking is created, the width and location of sidewalks, and the placement of buildings. When designed appropriately, good codes can provide housing and mobility options, support economic development and jobs, and encourage the creation of commercial districts and neighborhoods that attract talent and equitably serve residents of all ages, races, physical abilities, incomes and family structures. Cities, towns, suburbs and even rural regions are shaped by a complex, layered set of standards, codes and zoning requirements. Building Codes (which this handbook does not address) regulate the internal workings and safety of structures. Zoning Codes (which this publication does address) determine where buildings are located, what form they take, how they complement each other and how they can be used. Conventional, or use-based, zoning emerged more than a century ago as the environmental consequences of the Industrial Revolution became apparent. Codes were championed as a mechanism for protecting property values, managing growth, and addressing public health concerns related to pollution, overcrowding, and access to fresh air and natural light. The next generation of codes were written in the mid-20th century to accommodate and guide the post–World War II housing boom. The codes (the majority of which are still in place) reflected the policy preferences and priorities of the federal government, which were to expand the national highway system and facilitate home ownership by returning soldiers. These and other government, lender and insurer practices, such as redlining, favored certain locations and populations over others. In the 1930s, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation, a federal agency, produced “residential security” maps that deemed neighborhoods with a large number of racial or ethnic minorities to be “hazardous” for lending. The maps stifled the ability of those neighborhoods’ residents to own property, build wealth and access opportunities. As stated in 2018 by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, “Redlining buttressed the segregated structure of American cities.” The result of such policies was the expansion of an automobile-oriented America, turning a nation of largely walkable or transit-supported communities into one dominated by homogeneous suburbs far from urban centers. Among the consequences: an increase in sprawl, freeways that tore apart city neighborhoods, long commutes for workers, worsening racial and income segregation in many parts of the nation, and both a decrease in quantity and a decline in quality of the walkable, vibrant streets and neighborhoods at the heart of many American towns and cities. The zoning codes adopted during the second half of the 20th century make it difficult or even illegal to create Main Streets and downtowns that feature storefronts with apartments above them. Such mixed-use, work-live properties contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of communities by enabling easy access to goods and services, as well as job and business opportunities that support equitable economic activity. Many people would like the option of having a small café or market within walking distance of their home. Many would like to walk to work or downsize into a smaller home in the same community where they already live. Yet current rules and zoning codes often prevent businesses from locating in or near residential areas, and they often prevent a mix of housing types (such as multifamily homes in neighborhoods with single-family houses). In too many places, the local zoning code no longer serves the needs, vision or goals of the community. g p HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: Owning a car is necessary for residents of most suburban subdivisions.SOURCES (BOTTOM BOX): DEMOGRAPHIC TURNING POINTS FOR THE UNITED STATES: POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR 2020 TO 2060, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HOUSING AMERICA’S OLDER ADULTS 2019, JOINT CENTER FOR HOUSING STUDIES OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 3 Reinventing Spaces Small changes can make a difference. R evising a zoning code to suit a community’s needs requires the support of a diverse collection of stakeholders, including elected leaders, business owners and residents. When a community has the resources and ability to undertake wholesale code changes, the right choices can result in a great place to live and a stronger economy. But changing the way a community is designed can pose logistical hurdles and provoke emotions. Communities that have the resources to pursue comprehensive zoning reform often find it to be a contentious and arduous process for all involved. That’s why incremental code reform is frequently a better and more effective approach. When the public understands the goals and is involved in the process, there’s generally greater support for implementation. By undertaking a series of immediate first steps, a community can try new approaches and grow into them, advancing to additional changes in an organic way and at a pace that suits that particular place. In some locations, the biggest wins come from simplifying or removing certain requirements, as opposed to overhauling the code completely. Enacting broader, midrange changes might require greater political will and momentum. Regardless of what a community takes on, the formula is as follows: • Focus on the most problematic barriers first • Build political will • Address inequities, including racial segregation • Assess the priorities and challenges raised by local leaders, residents and influential stakeholders Getting into the Zone Master Plans and Downtown Plans are a community’s framework for growth, redevelopment and investment. Zoning is the primary tool for the implementation of those plans. • Zoning, street standards and other codes dictate where buildings are placed, how they are used, where and how much parking is built, and the width and location of sidewalks. • Zoning can make or break the ability to spur economic growth, meet residents’ needs, increase diversity, or respond to local or regional challenges. What’s the biggest little thing that can transform a community? The incremental code reform process empowers place-specific changes that address the most achievable reforms first and build political will, with the goal of creating places that equitably serve residents, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or physical ability.MARK STROZIER VIA FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONSSome Past, Present and Future Reality Checks The population of the United States is aging and growing more diverse. • By 2030, 1 in 4 Americans will be a race other than white and 1 in 5 people will be age 65 or older. • By 2034, older adults will outnumber children younger than 18 for the first time in the nation’s history. By that year, people age 80 or older will account for more than 10 percent of all U.S. households. Most will live alone. • AARP research finds that the vast majority of people 50-plus want to remain in their homes and communities as they age. Housing tenures and types have an impact on financial security and the growing economic inequality among older adults. “Older renters are less well positioned than homeowners because they have lower cash savings and wealth,” notes the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, which adds that “longstanding differences in access to well-paying jobs and homeownership opportunities leave older minority households at a financial disadvantage in their retirement years.” An older population will require different options for where and how to live, work and play than what current zoning codes allow. Updating the codes to ensure that communities have amenities and services to support aging will enable older adults to remain independent, engaged and active in community life. SOURCES (BOTTOM BOX): DEMOGRAPHIC TURNING POINTS FOR THE UNITED STATES: POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR 2020 TO 2060, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HOUSING AMERICA’S OLDER ADULTS 2019, JOINT CENTER FOR HOUSING STUDIES OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY 4 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods The Physical Elements of Place Understanding a community’s physical elements can help determine what goes where and why — and what the appropriate and available fixes might be. C ommunities traditionally have a number of distinct areas, such as a downtown, Main Street or other commercial zones; parks and open spaces; residential neighborhoods; and civic venues, including schools, libraries, and a city or town hall. To many people, these labels convey a familiar feel and sense of place created through factors including where buildings are located and their design, the types of homes people live in, the businesses and services in the area, and the activities that take place in the streets and public spaces. When a diverse assemblage of residents contribute to decisions that define a place, they help make a community more inclusive and equitable. To most people, a “downtown” is a place where buildings are close to the street, near one another and at least two stories tall. Downtown is a place where there are shops, services, offices and restaurants. The iconic elements of a downtown might include a movie theater marquee, a street clock, sidewalk cafés and outdoor furnishings. In a thriving downtown, there are a variety of activities, opportunities to safely gather, and ways to get around. Creating the feel of a place is, in part, the role of zoning. Changing the zoning code can facilitate or hinder a sense of place because zoning codes regulate where and how much parking is allowed, how high and far back from the street new buildings can be built, and even if and where sidewalks are required. Code changes need to be calibrated to a specific area, such as a downtown, and aligned with the broader goals and vision the community has for it. For example, parking requirements might need to change in the downtown area but not in a residential neighborhood. It’s critical to understand where in the community a code change will apply — and what kind of place will result. g p SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA: A failing strip mall was converted into Santana Row, a mix of retail and housing. The development exemplifies how a location can come alive when the surrounding buildings and streets support pedestrian activity.MELISSA STANTON, AARPCITY OF SUWANEE, GEORGIAANA P. GARCIAPEYTON CHUNG VIA FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONSIncremental code changes can benefit a community by ... IMPROVING … • Conditions for businesses to open, expand or adapt • The availability of housing options, such as duplexes, garden apartments and accessory dwelling units (learn more on pages 17 and 20) • Street design for more pedestrian- and cyclist- friendly conditions ELIMINATING … • Barriers to creating different types of housing and businesses within neighborhoods • Underused parking lots — and parking rules that don’t add value to the community • Mandates for street dimensions and conventions that endanger or impede pedestrians Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 5 t SUWANEE, GEORGIA: The small city’s downtown was created from scratch in the early 2000s in response to two distinct community goals: “To preserve open space and create more parks, and assemble a stand-out-in-the-crowd, energetic and aesthetically appealing downtown and primary community gathering place.” The picture at left shows the Town Center shops (with apartments above them) and Town Center Park, which features an expansive lawn filled with shade trees, a splash park and a terraced performance amphitheater. Residents and visitors can shop, dine, view the “Suwanee SculpTour” public art installations and participate in special events — including concerts, food festivals, fitness competitions, costume parades and even goat yoga. t MIAMI, FLORIDA: Downtown Miami has a playground with a padded surface and enclosure fencing to protect small users with fast little legs. Why? Because mixed among the high-end hotels and office towers on and near Biscayne Boulevard are households with young families. The waterfront Margaret Pace Park includes the pictured play area, as well as tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; fitness equipment; public art; and a now-requisite dog park. Also nearby: a supermarket and the free, elevated light-rail-like Metromover.MELISSA STANTON, AARPCITY OF SUWANEE, GEORGIAANA P. GARCIAPEYTON CHUNG VIA FLICKR/CREATIVE COMMONSt LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Destination Crenshaw, which broke ground in February 2020, is a 1.3-mile-long, landscaped and tree-lined outdoor art and culture experience celebrating Black Los Angeles. Developed through a three-year community engagement process and designed by the firm Perkins & Will — co-designer of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. — the project will provide several community gathering spaces. The city’s Crenshaw train line will run nearby. As stated on the project’s website: “Through education, arts and culture, Destination Crenshaw will cement itself as a cultural hub that will facilitate economic security and entrepreneurship for residents as a method of place-keeping and community building.” 6 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods Adapting for the Greatest Impact Code reform can address various needs, but the concerns that influence the public space experience the most are streetscapes; building forms and uses; and the design and location of facades, frontages and parking. It’s in these spaces — the distances from one building to another across the street or next door — that zoning codes have the most significant impact. STREETSCAPES A streetscape is what’s seen when one looks at a line of buildings and properties along a street. (Think of the horizontal expanse captured by a panoramic photo.) In downtowns and along Main Streets, streetscapes influence the success of businesses, the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and opportunities for social interaction. Well-designed streetscapes can enhance property values, increase safety, reassure pedestrians and bicyclists that their needs are important, and reflect the unique character of a neighborhood. BUILDING FORMS and USES Rules for building forms and uses control the shape and placement of structures, including the height, setback distance from the street, lot size and lot coverage. Large suburban setbacks were established, in part, to ensure a safe distance for homes and households from busy or high-speed roadways. In urban and downtown areas, minimum setbacks are meant to encourage and strengthen the connection between pedestrians, storefronts and offices. In many communities, regulations designed for suburban setbacks and buffers have been inappropriately applied to downtowns, Main Streets and adjacent neighborhoods. Zoning regulations are important for safeguarding public health and restricting noxious or incompatible uses — such as pollution-generating businesses in residential areas. But the overall goal of zoning should be to encourage the types of compatible uses that support successful places and a strong economy. FACADES, FRONTAGES and PARKING A facade is a building’s street-facing exterior wall. The frontage is the space between the facade and the sidewalk. Both are critical, since a building’s facade and frontage area influence whether people will walk alongside the building. Independent of architectural style, zoning changes related to facades and frontages can increase an area’s pedestrian activity and economic viability. Along with frontage, the amount and location of parking can have a major impact on the walkability and vitality of a community. Zoning related to parking should be smart and suitable, balancing the need for access with the desire to create a thriving place. KEEP IN MIND Overly restrictive zoning can hinder economic competitiveness, undermine goals for diversity and inclusion, and slow revitalization. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 7 1. Identify needs and how reform can help Successful code reform has well-defined goals that cannot be achieved under the current code. As a starting point, advocates can cite examples of what isn’t working, or what is no longer allowed but could work well. • Reverse past wrongs Conventional zoning has been used as a tool for social and racial segregation. Reform efforts can work to reverse past wrongs and start eliminating inequities by increasing support for local business ownership, housing that’s affordable and protections against displacement. 2. Linking reforms to community interests and concerns Who are the decision-makers and what are their interests? Are their goals consistent with the concerns of the general public? For example, the community’s elected officials and local leaders might be concerned about: • Increasing opportunity Code reform can allow for more flexible land use, which can contribute to larger community goals, such as rebuilding or strengthening the local economy, increasing housing choices, fostering attractive public spaces, improving safety, and creating opportunities for disadvantaged or underrepresented residents. • Focusing on redevelopment zones and areas Code revisions — such as improved design practices and simplified development regulations — can support community-desired changes for target investment in areas of need. • The “plans that sit on the shelf” syndrome At some point in its past, the community might have invested time and money in plans that were never implemented. Aligning code reform with a community’s master planning increases the likelihood of plans becoming a reality and allows the community to adjust to new challenges or opportunities. 3. Predicting and addressing potential pain points The language used to explain code changes should be as transparent and easily understood as possible. But even with misinterpretations off the table as a problem, common challenges include: • Costs and capacity Concerns about price and staffing are why it’s important for decision-makers to understand that incremental reform can be incorporated in less time, and with lower risk and cost, than a full overhaul of a zoning code. • Legal questions Since code reform efforts are typically vetted by a community’s attorney or land use expert before implementation, legal concerns shouldn’t prevent a community or its leadership from brainstorming about and considering new approaches. • A lack of public support The code reform approach outlined in this handbook reduces complexities and enables zoning codes to be tailored to local goals. Among the benefits of incremental code reform is that the process is easy for the public to understand — and support! LISTEN and LEARN Visit AARP.org/LivableLibrary to order or download these free community engagement guides for local leaders. Building Support for Code Reform Change is both a technical and political process. To revise a zoning code, advocates need to actively engage, educate and inspire the community. Engaging the Community to CreateCommunity Working together, local leaders and residen t s can build more vibrant cities, towns and neighborhoods for people of all ages. Here’s how. A publication of ROADMAP TOLIVABILITY Community Listening Session Tool KitBook 2 in the AARP Roadmap to Livability Collection A Publication of Available online at AARP.org/LivabilityRoadmap Strategies and solutions that make a co m m u n i t y g r e a t f o r p e o p l e o f a l l a g e s 8 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods It’s important to remember that zoning codes are a highly technical type of regulation that touch multiple layers of governance and involve many levels of decision- making. Because of that, a diverse and inclusive coalition of stakeholders needs to be involved. When creating advisory and steering committees, or designing civic outreach for code reform, strive for the committees to be multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and open to the community at large. Provide a way to represent the interests of those who are unable to participate or advocate for themselves. To accomplish incremental code reform, assemble a team of local leaders that includes, or at least solicits input from, individuals and groups with different perspectives on the work being proposed. This usually involves contacting people from municipal government, the volunteer sector, the business community, social services and philanthropies, as well as, of course, residents. THE PUBLIC SECTOR Elected officials, government staff, educators THE PRIVATE SECTOR Businesses, media, funders THE NONPROFIT SECTOR Faith-based and community-based organizations, volunteers, diversity specialists THE RESOURCE SECTOR Consultants, companies with technical or subject-specific expertise THE POLICY SECTOR Legislators, advocates, think tanks THE INFORMAL SECTOR Neighbors, homeowners’ associations, clubs THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE Residents and other members of the public who don’t fit into the preceding groups Identifying the Key Players Zoning affects the everyday lives of all community members — where they live, work and play, how they interact with one another, and what they see along the way. SPUR/SERGIO RUIZ | CENTER FOR NEIGHBORHOODSp SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Playful seating helps demonstrate the community benefits of wider sidewalks in the city’s Mid-Market neighborhood. MELISSA STANTON, AARP | CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANAp LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY: Pop-up parklets provide spots for eating and relaxing along Woodlawn Avenue in the city’s walkable Beechmont neighborhood. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 9SPUR/SERGIO RUIZ | CENTER FOR NEIGHBORHOODSIdentifying the Right Reforms For incremental code reform to be effective and enable better places, the right solutions need to be used in the right types of locations. The downtown or Main Street districts that succeed and become useful destinations offer a sense of place. They don’t look or feel like the shopping centers — or roadways dotted with chain eateries, strip malls and big box stores — that are common throughout the nation. What successful Main Streets and downtowns do share with strip malls and shopping centers is that all are set up for effective cross-shopping, which means the customers of one business become aware of other businesses by walking past them. Such areas have the ability to pivot quickly, adjusting to changing conditions and incorporating new services and amenities as needed. Another similarity many Main Streets and downtowns have with shopping malls is that they can be “park once” destinations. The difference is that instead of oversized asphalt lots and concrete parking garages, Main Streets and downtowns can provide on-street parking and small lots behind buildings. Both types of in-town parking areas are convenient and can generate parking meter income for reinvesting in the streetscape. When housing is integrated into a downtown, local businesses have a built-in customer base, people who can’t or don’t want to drive can reside in a walkable community, and the added “eyes on the street” enhance neighborhood safety. The following menu of strategies, elements and interventions can help Main Streets and downtowns become active, vibrant, successful places. u Planning for Better Downtowns and Main Streets MELISSA STANTON, AARP | CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANAp PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE: A wide downtown sidewalk on Congress Street provides room for diners, pedestrians, cyclists, bike racks and trees. p SOUTH BEND, INDIANA: The West Side Main Streets Initiative improved Western Avenue’s sidewalks, reduced crossing distances and added pedestrian-scale lighting. 10 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods The Streetscape Simple code changes can transform streets from places in service to cars to spaces designed for people. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Save Small Streets and Alleys Small blocks with service access via alleys are often eliminated from historic communities so the spaces can be used in other ways. Doing so typically reduces walkability and a district’s potential for success. If small blocks and alleys no longer exist (or never existed), consider adding some. 2. Establish On-Street Parking P P On-street parking is public, conveniently located and business- friendly. The spaces can provide a variety of benefits, including a layer of safety to pedestrians by separating moving traffic from the sidewalk. But on-street parking spots are often removed in order to add travel lanes or accommodate curb cuts for driveways. Wherever possible, on-street parking should be maintained or added before creating off-street parking lots or garages at an additional cost. 3. Allow Encroachment The word encroachment isn’t often used in a positive context, but here it is. The space in front of a restaurant for outdoor dining and an awning that projects over the public right-of-way are both beneficial encroachments. A caveat: On sidewalks with significant pedestrian traffic, it might be necessary to ensure a width of at least 8 feet (not including any sidewalk seating, bus stop shelters, planters or other features) so passersby of all abilities can safely navigate the space. STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Restore Two-Way Streets The one-way streets in many downtowns were once two-ways that were converted to increase vehicular capacity and speeds. But high-speed roadways in downtown districts are dangerous to pedestrians. One-way streets also reduce the number of customers who’ll see a shop or business as they drive by. Many towns and cities that converted their two-way streets to one-way are switching back to benefit the local economy. 2. ‘Complete’ the Streets The term Complete Streets refers to a transportation policy that considers the needs of all roadway users: drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. Increased access and safety for walking and bicycling correlates with an increase in customers for an area’s shops, service providers and eateries. While an expressway doesn’t need to be suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, a Main Street or downtown does. State governments that want to encourage Complete Streets can incentivize street safety projects by providing funding. 3. Put Roads on a Diet Communities benefit from slower-moving vehicles. From a safety standpoint, slower speeds save lives. From a business perspective, slower speeds increase visibility and make the sidewalk a more pleasant place for customers. Posting a lower speed limit helps, but it’s more effective to reduce the number and width of travel lanes. Each should be no more than 10 feet wide in business districts, except where bus routes or bicycle lanes make more width necessary. 4. Limit the Lanes For reasons similar to those of a road diet, the most vibrant Main Streets consist of two travel lanes moving in opposite directions. Two- lane roadways can be easily crossed by pedestrians. While some downtown districts do fine when a third lane is added for turning, additional travel lanes typically reduce safety. 5. Set Public Realm Standards Although careful attention should be paid to creating an attractive public space, design standards need to be limited and reasonable. Sensible policies establish a minimum sidewalk width; provide on-street parking; and call for street trees, outdoor seating and pedestrian-scale lighting. 6. Provide Stormwater Options Stormwater that passes over roofs, parking lots, streets and other impervious surfaces carries pollutants into local waterways. Some communities require treating stormwater on-site, which can be done with street trees, bioretention, swales and permeable pavement. When costly underground treatment is the only option, off-site stormwater management should be employed. When a community’s stormwater isn’t managed collectively over a large area, a fee-in-lieu approach can fund streetscape retrofits to add storage and protect water quality. 7. Remove Highways That Blight or Disconnect Communities Replacing urban freeways with surface streets is a cost-effective, sustainable option for cities dealing with aging, grade-separated roads. This has the added benefit of healing local street networks and improving regional traffic dispersion. (Learn more on page 21.) Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 11 Building Forms and Uses Buildings shape the public spaces of Main Streets and downtowns. Minor text changes in a zoning code can go a long way toward ensuring that building forms are in the appropriate contexts. To encourage equitable development and a robust local economy, uses within a building should be changeable without the need for a change-of-use permit. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Permit 100% Lot Coverage Main Street and downtown buildings usually fill most, if not all, of their lot footprint. This is especially true with small historic properties. Lot coverage limitations aren’t appropriate in historic or downtown areas and should be removed. 2. Set Facade Heights >24 ft. A street can feel like a comfortable, outdoor room when the height of the buildings is at least half the width of the street. While this is not always achievable, particularly on larger streets, the “enclosure” of the sidewalk space can be more easily addressed. Along sidewalks it’s best to ensure that building facades are no less than 24 feet high. Mandating facade heights can create a sense of enclosure without the economic pitfalls of minimum story requirements. 3. Support Mixed Uses While ground floor commercial uses are the norm in downtowns, ground-level residential properties can be useful, too. They can, for instance, result in additional customers for area businesses and an around-the-clock presence that helps keep the area safe. 4. Simplify Uses Since building uses change over time, it’s best to regulate them on the basis of broad categories — commercial, residential, industrial, civic — not narrow ones, such as coffee shops or barber shops. Where certain uses need to be restricted, list only those that are disallowed or limited rather than all permitted uses. 5. Allow Short-Term Uses Temporary structures and short-term permitted uses lower the barrier to success, help businesses adapt, and validate ideas without triggering parking requirements and site development costs. Permission should be granted for at least two years, perhaps with an option to renew. 6. Bust Buffer Requirements Tree-filled lots or sound- blocking walls are useful for separating housing from busy roadways. In downtowns areas, the adjacency of buildings is key to a location’s vibrancy and economic success. 7. Don’t Dictate the Decorating Architectural mandates about building styling can be costly and artificial- looking. For shopkeepers, the key to success in downtowns and on Main Streets is an appealing storefront and ground floor space. The creation of welcoming entrances, smart signage and street-level windows can happen without decrees. 8. Plan for Inclusionary Zoning A market-based strategy for creating mixed-income communities, inclusionary zoning encourages or requires developers to set aside a portion of the units in a new or remodeled residential project for low- and moderate-income households. STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Set Adjacency Requirements Where downtowns abut residential areas, adjacency requirements can address compatibility issues involving height restrictions, side yard setbacks within 50 feet of residential districts and more. 2. Say ‘Yes’ to Mixed Income, Multifamily Housing Having housing within walking distance of a downtown or Main Street is vital to an area’s success, especially outside of peak business hours. Multifamily housing, such as apartment buildings or multiunit row homes, should be available at different sizes, affordable for a range of income levels and permitted throughout a downtown district, with the possible exception of street-level units in the main commercial hub. 3. Encourage Public Use of Private Parking Centrally located but underused parking lots and garages are detrimental to the success of Main Street and downtown districts. It’s better to devote the space to more vital activities. To do that, private parking lots and structures, such as apartment buildings or offices, can share their parking areas with the public at least part of the time. 4. End Density and Ratio Rules Per-property-density and floor-area-ratio (or FAR) restrictions aren’t needed on Main Streets or in downtowns, where activity and vibrancy are among the goals. These types of mandates often restrain the business and housing market, especially when they’re set unreasonably low. %# 12 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods TORTI GALLAS + PARTNERSFacades, Frontages, Parking Simple changes in the code for how buildings meet the street can make a difference in the economic success of a community. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Establish Sensible Setbacks <10 ft. When Main Street or downtown buildings are constructed far from the street and sidewalk, such as for a parking lot, the area becomes more car-centric and less lively. Yet, if buildings are too close to the street, the space in front of stores can be too tight for foot traffic and unsafe, undermining passersby who aren’t agile enough to dodge obstacles and other pedestrians. While a 10-foot setback works for most Main Streets and downtowns, it’s important to be mindful of all users and uses when determining the distance. 2. Require Sidewalk Entrances Buildings located along sidewalks should have entries that face the sidewalk. This seems obvious, but it’s now common for buildings to be accessible only from parking areas. Doorways that face parking lots or are at the rear or side of a building can serve as secondary entrances. Buildings that are more than 100 feet wide can be required to provide additional entrances, such as one for every 70 feet of facade. 3. Ban Blank Walls People are less likely to use sidewalks alongside buildings that have no street-facing windows or doors. While some blank walls can be mitigated with murals, art isn’t a total solution. Blank walls at street level or on the second floor of buildings should not exceed 30 feet in width. 4. Require Transparency ≥50% Opaque windows and doors are as uninviting as blank walls. Ground-floor facades should have 50 percent transparency — in other words, clear glass between the bulkhead, at about two feet above ground, and the sign band at roughly 10 feet. (The percentage is calculated in reference to the full facade.) Mirrored and heavily tinted glass should be similarly prohibited, since being able to see into buildings and be seen by the people inside enhances public safety. 5. Be Smart About Parking Parking should be located behind buildings, inside structures or on the street. When parking lots are located between buildings and the sidewalk, curb cuts interrupt the sidewalk, trees are typically scarce, and pedestrians and drivers are at risk from vehicles pulling into or out of the lot. If parking is near a sidewalk, there should be a visible barrier, such as a wall or evergreen hedge, between the pedestrians and vehicles. 6. Limit Curb Cuts Driveway curb cuts along the sidewalk interrupt the pedestrian flow and put walkers at risk. In many cases, properties can provide vehicle access from a side street or alley. Another common pedestrian- and driver-unfriendly configuration is when neighboring parking lots don’t connect to one other. As a result, drivers need to merge onto the main roadway in order to move from one lot to another — and pedestrians need to protect against a steady stream of vehicles moving into and out of the lots. 7. Allow Shared Parking Shared parking has been tested in many areas and studied by the Urban Land Institute, which recommends that interested parties start by analyzing overlapping usage patterns. For instance, there’s probably not much overlap in peak parking usage for a small apartment building and an office complex. Similarly, lodging, restaurants, retailers, municipal buildings and houses of worship each have distinctive patterns of demand that can be used to optimize the use of parking areas. Shared parking promotes a “park once” experience, in which customers are more likely to find and patronize businesses near their destination and complete more tasks and errands. STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Reduce the Gaps >70% Empty lots and building vacancies can destroy a downtown. When the gap between businesses is large, pedestrians turn back in the direction they came from rather than explore what’s farther down the street. To avoid gaps, require new buildings and additions to fill a minimum portion of the lot width along the sidewalk, typically 60 to 70 percent. 2. End Minimum Parking Rules min Parking guidelines are primarily devised for auto-dependent suburban retail centers. Those same standards are rarely applicable to Main Street contexts. Municipalities are recognizing that parking minimums aren’t an effective tool for creating great places. Lenders and tenants may still require a minimum number of parking spots, but creative solutions — including shared parking and improved pedestrian and bicycle access — can be used to meet those requirements.ITEM 7: SHARED PARKING, THIRD EDITION (2020) URBAN LAND INSTITUTE Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 13 Residential areas that abut downtown or Main Street districts are called “adjacent neighborhoods.” Most of these neighborhoods were developed before the 1950s and include single-family homes of various sizes along with duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and small apartment buildings. (For more on that point, see the Missing Middle Housing entry on page 19.) The appeal of adjacent neighborhoods is that most are walkable, with local shops and restaurants frequented by community residents. And due to their proximity to Main Streets and downtowns, they also easy access to daily needs and activities, be it by foot, bike or public transit. p CINCINNATI, OHIO: The city skyline is visible behind the Missing Middle-style homes on Betton Street in the West End. According to WalkScore.com, the location boasts a 24-minute commute by foot (or 6-minute by bike) to downtown.TORTI GALLAS + PARTNERSIdentifying the Right Reforms Planning for Better Neighborhoods Over time, zoning and land use changes discouraged the development of adjacent neighborhoods. Yet the existence of such walkable communities with varied housing options is critical to the success of the nation’s downtowns and Main Streets. Zoning reform is typically aimed first at addressing streetscape issues that have led to decline. That work is followed by reviving the historic mix of housing types found in older, traditional neighborhoods. Although many of the strategies and elements common in adjacent neighborhoods are similar to those discussed in the Downtowns and Main Streets section of this guide (page 9), the location, details and implementation differ. u ITEM 7: SHARED PARKING, THIRD EDITION (2020) URBAN LAND INSTITUTE 14 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods p PORTLAND, MAINE: To support socially distant outdoor activities, including dining, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities closed streets to traffic. The Streetscape Just beyond a downtown or Main Street district, the streetscape transitions into the quieter residential areas of an adjacent neighborhood. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Save Small Streets and Alleys Common in older neighborhoods, small roads and alleyways serve an important role as informal connectors, providing access to rear lot garages and trash bins. Alleys can also serve as an entryway to an accessory dwelling unit. (See pages 17 and 20 to learn about ADUs.) If an alley is on-site but isn’t maintained, consider ways of addressing its use through better maintenance or investments that might activate the space, such as by adding lighting and outdoor tables, seating, and games. Activated alleys can become safe and useful community spaces. 2. Implement a ‘20 Is Plenty’ Policy Neighborhood streets should be subdued and safe, with drivers able to easily stop for slow walkers or kids who dart into the roadway. Safety, and the ability to react quickly, increases as vehicle speeds decrease. At 20 mph, about 10 percent of pedestrian strikes are fatal. That proportion increases to 50 percent at 30 mph. The 20 Is Plenty campaign has raised awareness worldwide about vehicle safety on neighborhood streets. In the United States, some jurisdictions have adopted 20 mph speed limits on neighborhood streets, accompanied by an information campaign. While posting new speed limits won’t influence all drivers, doing so is a positive first step that can be followed by Stage 2 fixes. STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Put Roads on a Diet While posting a lower speed limit on a residential roadway is useful, a driver’s speed is more directly influenced by the size and number of lanes — and the smaller and fewer the better. Travel lanes should be sized to reflect a target speed of 20 mph. That typically means nine feet wide in residential areas, with exceptions where bus routes require more room. Roadway re-striping can be timed to coincide with other improvements, such as the installation of bicycle lanes, on-street parking and chicanes, which are serpentine curves added to a street so drivers are forced to slow down. 2. Create Yield Streets The streets in many historic neighborhoods are so narrow that two vehicles heading in opposite directions cannot pass each other without one pulling into a parking lane. Such yield streets significantly decrease vehicle speeds. When possible, one-way roadways should be reconfigured as yield streets. 3. Set Public Realm Standards The vitality of an adjacent neighborhood is a function of its open space, rights-of-way and streetscape. Public spaces should be walkable and have a relatively unified look and feel. While official design standards ought to be few and far between, municipal policies can and should mandate minimum sidewalk widths as well as the presence of on-street parking, street trees and pedestrian-scale lighting. 4. ‘Complete’ the Streets As explained on page 10, a Complete Streets transportation policy considers the needs of all roadway users. Such a policy is often easier to implement in small communities than in large municipalities or along large commercial roadways — although government funding for projects can go a long way toward incentivizing their implementation. Adjacent neighborhoods are also able to provide effective, neighborhood- and traveler-friendly routes for connecting Main Streets and downtowns with more distant communities.MIKE LYDON Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 15MIKE LYDONBuilding Forms and Uses A primary concern in historic neighborhoods is that zoning regulations enacted in the mid-20th century caused some existing properties and lots to be deemed “nonconforming.” Zoning regulations should match existing conditions. In addition, flexibility regarding use (e.g., allowing home-based businesses) can boost the local economy by enabling entrepreneurship and promoting housing affordability and ownership. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Allow Home-Based Businesses Working from a home-based office was once a norm for doctors, lawyers and other professionals. When disallowed by a zoning code, some home-based but less visible businesses simply operate under the radar. New technology, delivery services and adapting business practices are expanding the practicality and — during the COVID-19 pandemic — necessity of home-based work. Where home-based businesses are permitted, potential nuisances can be avoided through the minimal regulation of signage, workspace size relative to the size of the residence, the number of employees and customers, the hours of operation, storage, noise, fumes and similar pollutants. 2. Make Existing Lots Conforming Suburban-oriented lot size and setback regulations commonly label older, preexisting properties and structures as “nonconforming.” Code reform should adopt language specifying that such lots and structures are in compliance and can, if desired by the owner(s), be modified without first meeting the standards required by the contemporary code. 3. Let New Buildings Align with Older Buildings The broad adoption of suburban zoning standards has resulted in front setback requirements that greatly exceed those in older neighborhoods. Setting new buildings farther back than existing buildings can undermine a neighborhood’s character. To address this, allow new buildings to align with the older buildings or let them match the most minimal of the existing setback distances. 4. Support Additional Housing Types For much of the nation’s history, downtown and Main Street neighborhoods contained a variety of housing types, enabling people to live near areas of employment and activity. Over time, zoning codes limited or eliminated many housing choices, especially small, multifamily buildings. These forms of housing offer prices and formats that are attractive to both older and younger adults. Adjacent neighborhoods should include town houses and multifamily units. To further meet the need for housing, and to provide homeowners with an opportunity to add an income-generating unit to their property, Missing Middle building types and accessory dwelling units should be permitted. (To learn more, see pages 17 and 19 — and visit MissingMiddleHousing.com and AARP.org/ADU.) STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Modify Lot Size and Setback Standards To protect the historic pattern that established a neighborhood, lot sizes and setback standards should be modified to reflect those used for the area’s original lots and remaining older structures. 2. Reintroduce Neighborhood-Based Shops There was a time when people could walk from their home — be it an apartment or a detached single-family house — to a corner market, dry cleaner, coffee shop or ice cream parlor. Such businesses were typically located along busier streets that bounded or bisected the neighborhood. Over time, zoning made these commercial-residential adjacencies illegal. As a result, nearly every errand or task, whether it’s to buy a gallon of milk or get a haircut, now requires getting into a car. When zoning codes are revisited, it’s important to allow small, neighborhood-based, service-oriented businesses. 3. Eliminate Specific Design Standards Design standards requiring there to be, for instance, vertical or horizontal alignment variations in town houses often result in an erratic design that is visually distracting. 4. End These Rules %# Eliminate per-property-density maximums and floor-area-ratio (FAR) minimums. Height, setback and footprint standards are better for regulating building placements and size. 16 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods Facades, Frontages and Parking When zoning is done right, adjacent neighborhoods become places where people can meet their daily needs and stay active and engaged, regardless of their age, income or ability to drive. STAGE 1 Change can happen with relative speed. 1. Require Sidewalk-Facing Entrances Commercial buildings are increasingly being designed so all entrances connect to only the parking areas. Require that the main entrances face a sidewalk. Entries in a parking area can be considered subsidiary. (For buildings that are more than 100 feet wide, an entrance should be provided for every 70 feet of facade.) 2. Establish Alley Access Where an alley exists behind or alongside a building, require all driveways to be accessed from the alleyway and not the street. Eliminating street-front driveways provides more room for trees and on-street parking, reduces the number of sidewalk curb cuts and improves pedestrian safety. 3. Place Parking Behind Buildings When a parking spot or garage is located directly along a sidewalk in front of a house or office building, movement along the sidewalk is interrupted every time a car is driven to, or away from, the property. In addition to detracting from the home or building’s appearance, a garage door-dominated facade can prevent the structure’s occupants from seeing or engaging with any activity happening outdoors, which undermines the safety provided by having “eyes on the street.” An appealing solution is to require that parking be located behind the building. A second option is for parking to be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the street or sidewalk. That way there’s at least a bit of a buffer before a departing vehicle crosses the sidewalk or merges into traffic. STAGE 2 Change requires time and investment. 1. Reduce the Gaps >70% Buildings that don’t fully occupy their lot in a commercial district create gaps that detract from the area’s liveliness. (Intentionally vacant green spaces or outdoor seating areas are not considered gaps.) To address this problem, a zoning code can require that buildings fill a minimum portion, typically 60 to 70 percent, of the lot width along the sidewalk. 2. Limit Parking Requirements or … min Parking mandates are often based on standards better suited to suburbs than to urban settings. They are especially problematic where buildings are older, properties are small, and it’s difficult or impossible to add new parking. In these conditions many businesses are denied permits or are required to make costly renovations or secure off-site parking. Smaller-lot, single-family town houses and multifamily buildings are also impacted. In adjacent neighborhoods, the minimum required parking should be one off-street spot per unit. On-street spaces can be for visitors or serve as additional parking for residents. The curb front of a single-family detached home typically allows two parking spaces. A town house provides room for one. 3. ... Eliminate Parking Requirements min Local governments are beginning to accept that minimums aren’t an effective tool for meeting parking needs or producing great places. Lenders and tenants may still require a minimum number of parking spots, but creative solutions (including identifying nearby shared parking options and considering pedestrian and bicycle access) can be employed to address those requirements. u LEWES, DELAWARE: A parking spot for one car is large enough for parking a dozen bicycles. Cyclists heading into town to shop or dine have exclusive access to a coveted piece of Second Street real estate.MELISSA STANTON, AARP Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 17 Livable Lingo: A Glossary While planners, architects and developers know what the following terms mean and why they matter, the same isn’t true for everyone who will be involved in incremental code reform. For those who might need it, we offer this vocabulary list. BUILD-TO LINE A horizontal designation for how far a building must be set back from the street. Build-to line requirements can be useful, depending on the location type. Sometimes, however, a setback requires a storefront to be located far from the street and sidewalk in order to place a parking lot in front. A better approach is to build the storefront close to the sidewalk and put the parking behind the building. Build-to lines are also used to establish a consistent streetscape with clear sight lines, thus eliminating dark or less visible spaces that can harbor unwanted activities. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) A small home that is ancillary to a principal dwelling unit on a property. ADUs may be located within the same structure as the primary residence, such as in an attic or basement apartment, or in a detached outbuilding, like a remodeled garage or backyard bungalow. An ADU might be occupied by a family member or rented to a tenant, providing an additional source of income. Many communities don’t allow ADUs, but they should. (Visit AARP.org/ADU to learn more about the important needs met by ADUs and to download or order the free AARP publications described on page 20 of this guide.) ADJACENCY REQUIREMENTS A collection of regulations that address the transition in scale, intensity and density of buildings and uses when moving from one district to another. Adjacency requirements often include height, setback and use restrictions when a property lot in a densely built district directly abuts a lot in a lower density district. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STANDARDS Requirements that specify building materials, details and facade variations. Design standards are commonly used in suburban housing developments with a homeowners association (HOA) that controls building ornamentation, window orientation, and sometimes stylistic details as specific as paint colors for front doors and window shutters. If a town or city chooses to have architectural design standards, the rules should be specified separately, not as part of the zoning code. BLANK WALLS In zoning parlance, a blank wall is an expanse of 30 or more feet without openings. When situated at the ground level or second story of a Main Street or downtown building, a wall without windows or doors can undermine the appearance and activity of the area.MELISSA STANTON, AARP 18 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods MAIN STREET A mixed-use area that runs along a single street or two intersecting streets that are two blocks or more in length. For cities and villages with fewer than 30,000 residents, a Main Street corridor may be known colloquially as “downtown.” Those with populations of more than 30,000 might have one or more Main Street corridors in addition to a downtown district. ENCROACHMENT A structural attachment that extends into a space or above a height limit. “Encroachment” is often used to describe awnings, signs and balconies that project over sidewalks. Encroachments are often allowed in order to establish an alignment of building facades by permitting porches and similar elements to extend forward, for example. A zoning code might establish how much such elements are allowed to encroach, if at all. FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) The ratio of a building’s floor area to the size of the property. FAR is a useful tool when a building is more than eight stories. Controlling shorter buildings is better done with setbacks and height regulations. HOME OCCUPATION When a business is located within a residence. Zoning codes are generally and smartly silent about the accessory use of a residential property by people who do solitary home-based work. However, communities can and do establish zoning rules for businesses that involve clients coming to the home, abnormally high delivery frequencies, noise or aesthetically undesirable elements. LINER BUILDING A shallow building that obscures parking and service areas from sidewalks. Liner buildings help create pleasant, walkable streetscapes. They are sometimes built adjacent to big-box stores or to obscure a parking garage. DOWNTOWN DISTRICT A dense, mixed-use area greater than four blocks long by three blocks wide. The term downtown district typically applies to the downtowns of cities with a population of at least 30,000. Smaller cities and towns might have a downtown district, but most have a Main Street corridor at their center instead. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 19 YIELD STREETS Low-speed roads on which two vehicles traveling in opposite directions cannot pass one another without one vehicle moving to the side. Yield streets are common in residential areas and help ensure that vehicle speeds remain low, which increases the safety of all roadway users. PEDESTRIAN-SCALE LIGHTING Lighting that illuminates sidewalks, crosswalks and paths at an intensity and coverage level that supports pedestrian activity. Most street lighting is automobile-oriented, with high-intensity fixtures on tall poles that are spaced far apart and oriented toward travel lanes. Pedestrian-scale lights are attached to shorter poles, typically less than 14 feet tall, that are spaced every 50 to 75 feet on Main Streets and every 100 feet in adjacent neighborhoods. The lower height and reduced spacing allows for the use of lower wattage bulbs. This reduces glare for pedestrians and light spillage into residential buildings. PLACE TYPE In a regulatory context, a place type is an area subject to regulations and identified by a geographic boundary. Main Street and downtown districts are examples of place types. Place type terminology is also used as shorthand to refer to a place or destination. For instance, a place may be called “Main Street” even if the street has a different official name. PUBLIC REALM Areas that are not privately owned — including streets, other rights-of-way, open spaces, and public facilities such as parks, green spaces and municipal buildings. A free, safe and easily accessible public realm is an important community feature that helps create a healthy physical and social environment. SHARED PARKING An arrangement in which adjacent or nearby parking areas are shared if they have peak use periods that do not coincide. Shared parking reduces the number of spaces required to meet local needs, usually by 20 to 60 percent. Smaller parking lots free up space for other buildings and uses. When parking is provided by individual buildings solely for their own occupants and users, lots are often empty or underused. MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING A term that refers to small multifamily, live/work and cottage-like residences. Missing Middle–style dwellings (duplexes, triplexes, etc.) are generally more affordable, and their neighborhoods more walkable, than what’s found in a typical single-family- home subdivision. Missing Middle residences have been missing from the nation’s housing inventory for many decades. Most remaining examples were built in the early 20th century. Visit MissingMiddleHousing.com or AARP.org/Livable to learn more. 20 AARP and CNU | Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods Reality Checks Code reform is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it likely to achieve widespread change quickly. But the right changes and guidelines can point the work in the right direction. Understand what’s possible • Does the community want change? • Is there local capacity to administer the changes? • Is there political will to adopt and enforce the proposed code changes? Localize the solutions • Decisions need to be made within the local context rather than regionally or by some other distant, decision-making body. • Pay attention to the local market. Is the planned retail space or downtown housing wanted and needed? What is needed to cultivate a strong local economy? Keep it simple • Don’t regulate health and safety issues (which are protected by other types of codes) through zoning. • Don’t try to anticipate every possible situation. • Don’t attempt to predict future market demands — or hinder flexibility. Conditions change. • Don’t complicate the code reform by creating design guidelines or architectural regulations. Move forward together • Recognize that business as usual will produce the usual results. • Discard regulations that are no longer relevant. (These may include standards that were put in place to manage a specific use or problem that no longer exists.) • Make sure the community and key stakeholders understand and support the reform. Focus on the basics (A little change can go a long way) • Get quality buildings into the right places to define the public realm — and be prepared when those buildings’ uses change over time. • Place parking on the street or behind buildings. • Design for people, accommodate cars. This is just a beginning! Incremental code reform will not address all of a community’s aspirations or zoning needs. Many important issues that aren’t addressed by an initial reform effort can be considered in the future. What Code Reform Can Do Accessory dwelling units — or ADUs — can play a major role in addressing a national housing need. Many local zoning codes prohibit these small houses or apartments, which exist on the same property lot as single-family residences. However, that’s beginning to change. Visit AARP.org/ADU to learn more about ADUs and to order or download the following AARP publications: • The ABCs of ADUs, a 20-page guide for how towns, cities, counties and states can include ADUs in their mix of housing options. • Accessory Dwelling Units: A Step by Step Guide to Design and Development, a 113- page catalog featuring ADU policies and projects from Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Oakland, California; and Washington, D.C. This guide contains information about financing and budgeting for an ADU project and how ADUs can be designed to serve people of differing ages and abilities. Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods | AARP and CNU 21 Learn More Where to find information about zoning, code reform and community livability The AARP Livable Communities website features information and inspiration for local leaders, from elected officials to involved residents. Among the many free publications created by the AARP Livable Communities initiative is the AARP Roadmap to Livability Collection. The six-guidebook series includes worksheets as well as advice for hosting community listening sessions (see page 7). The AARP Livability Index is an interactive tool that helps communities leverage their strengths and identify opportunities to become more livable for people of all ages. Links for the publications, index, annual AARP Community Challenge grant program, and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities can be found online: AARP.org/Livable The Congress for the New Urbanism provides resources, education and technical assistance to create socially just, economically robust, environmentally resilient and people- centered places. CNU works to address the range of land use regulatory barriers to achieving these outcomes, from recommending state and local level coding change through the Project for Code Reform; providing training and education to local governments on alternate code methodologies, including form-based codes; and disseminating information on coding successes and regulatory challenges. Through this work, CNU seeks to support the work of its members to design, plan and build more walkable urbanism. Local leaders interested in bringing incremental code reform to their community can contact CNU by email at [email protected]: CNU.org The American Planning Association report Smart Codes: Model Land-Development Regulations (Planning Advisory Service Report 556) promotes smart growth principles and makes the development review process more predictable: Planning.org The Center for Applied Transect Studies supports the SmartCode, a planning-and-zoning model that focuses on environmental impacts through the use of ecosystem cross sections called transects: Transect.org The Form-Based Codes Institute expands the understanding of land-use regulations that employ physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle for zoning. FBCI provides best-practice sample codes and technical assistance: FormBasedCodes.org The Project for Lean Urbanism created the Lean Code Tool, a downloadable publication with zoning code “hacks” that can reduce red tape. This compact guide offers quick fix recommendations for making text amendments to existing ordinances: LeanUrbanism.org/Publications The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s smart growth website contains coding tools, audit resources, model codes and publications: EPA.gov/SmartGrowth What is New Urbanism? New Urbanism is a planning and development approach based on the principles of how cities and towns were built for the last several centuries: walkable blocks and streets, housing and shopping in close proximity, and accessible public spaces. In other words: New Urbanism focuses on human-scaled urban design. The principles were developed to offer alternatives to the sprawling, single-use, low-density patterns typical of post–World War II development, which have been shown to inflict negative economic, health and environmental impacts on communities. These design and development principles can be applied to new development, urban infill and revitalization, and preservation. They can be applied to all scales of development in the full range of places, including rural Main Streets, booming suburban areas, urban neighborhoods, dense city centers and even entire regions. — Adapted from CNU.org Highways to Boulevards The construction of urban freeways during the 20th century cut huge swaths through the nation’s cities, segregating and devastating previously vibrant, diverse and functioning communities. Many of these freeways are reaching the end of their lifespans, which presents opportunities for transforming broken liabilities into assets by re-stitching neighborhoods and restoring the dignity and economic vitality of the places “urban renewal” destroyed. Cities including Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have successfully replaced urban highways with boulevards and surface streets, saving billions of dollars in infrastructure costs, increasing real estate values on adjacent land and restoring neighborhoods: CNU.org/Our-Projects/Highways-Boulevards p ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN: An ice cream and donut shop adjacent to housing is a sweet treat. Download or order this free guide: AARP.org/Zoning Learn when AARP publishes new livability resources by subscribing to the free, weekly AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter: AARP.org/LivableSubscribe or text LIVABLE to 50757 Visit the AARP Livable Communities website: AARP.org/Livable Learn about the Congress for the New Urbanism: CNU.org In many cities, towns, suburbs and rural areas, local zoning codes and land use ordinances make it illegal to create the types of vibrant, walkable and diverse communities that foster economic development, inspire job growth and feature a variety of housing options. Created for use by involved residents, elected officials, local-government staff and members of policymaking and advisory committees, Enabling Better Places: A Handbook for Improved Neighborhoods provides an introduction to how a town, city or county can adapt its zoning code — and in doing so become a more livable community for people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. AARP D20518 p CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Parklets provide places for eating and relaxing along E. 75th Street (aka Restaurant Row) in the city’s Chatham neighborhood.KIT KRANKEL MCCULLOUGH | DEROCHES PHOTOGRAPHY | CNUp MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT: Downtown Storrs is a walkable, mixed-use development featuring homes, businesses and civic spaces. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: November 2022 Day Date Event Time Location Tuesday 01 Wednesday 02 Thursday 03 Friday 04 Saturday 05 Holiday Boutique 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. MSB Sunday 06 Monday 07 Improving Public Places Committee meeting 5:30 p.m. Tuesday 08 Election Day Wednesday 09 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 10 Early Learning Resource Fair 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MSB Friday 11 Veterans Day/Programs Closed Saturday 12 Sunday 13 Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 7:00 p.m. Online Wednesday 16 SSFUSD Liaison Subcommittee 2:00 p.m. Online Thursday 17 Cultural Arts Commission Meeting 6:30 p.m. Online Friday 18 Night of Fun Family Thanksgiving Feast Library Trivia Challenge 6:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Teglia Center Conference Ctr. Saturday 19 Thanksgiving Fun Run 9:00 a.m. 340 Point San Bruno Blvd., SSF Sunday 20 Monday 21 Tuesday 22 Wednesday 23 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 24 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed Friday 25 Thanksgiving/Programs Closed Saturday 26 Sunday 27 Monday 28 Holiday / Sign Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony “Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead Virtual Art Show – A Celebration in Art” Extended Exhibit (Closing Day) Public Art Master Plan Survey – last day to respond 5:00 p.m. City Hall www.ssf.net/culturalarts www.ssf.net/culturalarts Tuesday 29 Wednesday 30 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: December 2022 Day Date Event Time Location Thursday 01 Friday 02 Saturday 03 IPP Wreathmaking Workshop 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Fernekes Sunday 04 Santa Comes to Town 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. City Hall Monday 05 Resident Class Registration Begins Orange Pool Closed for Maintenance (Dec. 5 – Jan. 2) Tuesday 06 Wednesday 07 Thursday 08 Centennial Way Trail Improvements Public Workshop TBA TBA Friday 09 Saturday 10 Sunday 11 Monday 12 Tuesday 13 City Council Reorganization 6:00 p.m. Conference Ctr. Wednesday 14 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 15 Friday 16 Saturday 17 SSF Civic Ballet: Nutcracker TBA South San Francisco High School Sunday 18 SSF Civic Ballet: Nutcracker TBA South San Francisco High School Monday 19 Non-Resident Class Registration Begins Winter Camp (Dec. 19-21, 27-29) 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Terrabay Tuesday 20 Wednesday 21 Thursday 22 Friday 23 Recreation Administrative Office Closure (Dec. 23 – Jan. 2) Other City offices close at 12:00 p.m. Saturday 24 Sunday 25 Monday 26 City offices closed Tuesday 27 Winter Camp (Dec. 19-21, 27-29) 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Terrabay Wednesday 28 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 29 Friday 30 City offices close at 12:00 p.m. Saturday 31 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT EVENT CALENDAR Month: January 2023 Day Date Event Time Location TBD Seniors – Valentine’s for the Troops RCTC Sunday 01 Monday 02 New Year’s Day (Observed)/Programs Closed All Programs Closed Tuesday 03 Wednesday 04 Thursday 05 Friday 06 Saturday 07 Sunday 08 Monday 09 Winter Classes Begin All Facilities Tuesday 10 Wednesday 11 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 12 Friday 13 Saturday 14 Sunday 15 Monday 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/Programs Closed Tuesday 17 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 7:00 p.m. Online Wednesday 18 Thursday 19 Cultural Arts Commission meeting 6:30 p.m. Online Friday 20 Saturday 21 Sunday 22 Monday 23 Tuesday 24 Wednesday 25 City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Online and MSB Council Chambers Thursday 26 Friday 27 “Abundance” 2D Art Show TBA MSB Saturday 28 “Abundance” 2D Art Show TBA MSB Sunday 29 Monday 30 Tuesday 31 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: October 20, 2022 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Parks Division Update Alta Loma Park Slide Installation Parks Division staff have recently completed installing a replacement slide at Alta Loma Park. The previous slide decking had broken from excessive use and the part had been on order for many months. The delay was exacerbated by the pandemic and related manufacturing delays that are still impacting product timelines. Fortunately, the part finally arrived, and staff worked to install it immediately. Additionally, extra parts of the slide were purchased for quick replacement should another component fail. Skate Park Update Parks staff recently received and installed several k-rails in the skate park at Orange Memorial Park. These rails serve a few purposes for the skate park. Primarily, they prevent any vehicles from driving into the skate area, but they also are skateable objects for users of the skate park. This allows for skateboarders to use the park safely while also increasing the potential uses of the site. Additionally, the rails are an effective way to keep an open feel to the skate park which has been identified as a primary need by the skate community. The Parks Division is currently awaiting receipt of a few additional skate elements which are presently being manufactured. Parks and Recreation Department Update October 20. 2022 Page 2 of 3 Building Maintenance Division Update City Manager’s Suite Carpet Replacement Building Maintenance staff were tasked with replacing the carpet in the City Manager’s suite at City Hall. The existing carpet was stained and stretched. Staff assisted the flooring contractor in removing the furniture in preparation of replacing the carpet. The carpet was replaced with a similar color and design. In addition to the carpet, staff was also charged with repainting the wainscotting. The carpet installation has been completed and staff are completing the painting of the wainscotting this week. Recreation Division Update Thanksgiving Fun Run 2022 South San Francisco’s annual Thanksgiving Fun Run is returning for its 49th year. This fun event is a great opportunity for community members of all ages to stay active. Whether you are looking for a challenging competition or an excuse for an enjoyable family stroll along the beautiful Bay Trail, this race is for you! Participants can join the Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, November 19, on the Genentech Campus (340 Point San Bruno Blvd.) for a 9:00 a.m. race start time. There will be prizes for top finishers in each age group, as well as raffle prizes given out after the race concludes. All participants can also purchase a Thanksgiving Fun Run T-shirt at an additional cost. Pre- registration is highly encouraged at www.ssf.net/rec-catalog. Parks and Recreation Department Update October 20. 2022 Page 3 of 3 41st Annual Holiday Boutique Enjoy a day of shopping while supporting local artisans and vendors. This year’s event features new vendors with handcrafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, housewares, and more. This annual event will take place at the Municipal Services Building on Saturday, November 5, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: October 27, 2022 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Cultural Arts Commission – “Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead-A Celebration in Art” Event The final South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission show of 2022 took place on October 14 and 15. The event highlighted themes from the Day of the Dead celebration. This cultural tradition of joyful festivities, observed in Mexico and Central America honors the life of deceased family members and friends. The Commission’s multi-media celebration in art encompassed both an adult, juried art exhibit and hundreds of whimsical artworks created by the Parks and Recreation Department’s Child Care programs. Guests enjoyed the event, as one visitor exclaimed, “wonderful show and great people.” Friday’s opening event delighted visitors with a musical performance that included interludes of dance by the trio, Cascada de Flores (www.cascadadeflores.com). The bi-national musical group founded in 1999 is recognized for its performances of Mexican and Latino traditional music in theaters, libraries, venues throughout the Bay Area, statewide, and in Mexico. Saturday’s activities featured craft making activities for all ages. Highlights included mask making by Commissioner Lynn Boldenweck and face painting by artist Ashley Dawson. Local artist and Day of the Dead expert, Evangelina Portillo, donated supplies and facilitated a sugar skull decorating activity. In addition, Evangelina installed a special “Ofrenda” exhibit in the Municipal Services Building (MSB) atrium window and juried the adult art entries. Evangelina’s art was available for purchase at her vendor table. Public art master plan consultants, Art Builds Community (ABC), also attended in their final scheduled community outreach pop up. Seventeen artists submitted a total of 26 entries in the juried art exhibit. Ten entries were awarded ribbons in the two media categories. The Best in Show cash prize was awarded to first time participant, Irene Parks and Recreation Department Update October 27, 2022 Page 2 of 4 Feiks, for her three-dimensional sculpture. The finalists will be formally acknowledged at the November Cultural Arts Commission meeting. In addition, several of the finalists’ winning entries are on the extended exhibit in the MSB atrium display window. Selected entries will also be included in a virtual gallery exhibit. The online gallery location will be posted on www.ssf.net/culturalarts. Viewing is free. The extended art exhibits will run from October 24 through November 28, 2022. A YouTube video of the event can be enjoyed at https://youtu.be/vQQw9pYD8Ts. Youth Enrichment Services Between June and September, HIP Housing hosted a contest for their 2023 calendar. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade were eligible to enter a drawing of a home with a quote on what home means to them. HIP Housing distributes this calendar throughout San Mateo County to educate the community about their services. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Program included this contest as an activity during summer camp and at the after-school programs and had over 100 entries. The YES Program is excited to announce that one of the program participants, Taryn, a kindergartner from the Monte Verde After School Recreation Program, was selected for the calendar. In addition to her picture being featured in the calendar, Taryn will receive a $25 gift certificate. Departmental Upcoming Special Events Each fall season through the end of each year is the busiest time of the year for the Parks and Recreation Department due to the amount of annual special events that are hosted. Please see the list below for a quick reference of the Parks and Recreation Department’s upcoming special events and take note of the items with an asterisk indicating that City Council registration/RSVP is requested if you would like to participate. More details can be found on the attached flyers, the Parks and Recreation social media pages, or at www.ssf.net/rec. Public Art Master Plan Online Survey Now through October www.ssf.net/PRMasterPlans We are pleased to announce the launch of the City's first ever Public Art Master Plan. Throughout the month of October, community members are encouraged to provide input to help guide the future of art in South San Francisco. The purpose of the Public Art Master Plan is to develop a clear set of goals, policies and objectives that will guide the City in arts planning on a long-term “My home is special to me because my family is there. It is where I feel comfortable and safe.” - Taryn Parks and Recreation Department Update October 27, 2022 Page 3 of 4 basis. Art is for everyone; please take the time to make sure your input is included in our comprehensive plan by completing the survey. For more information visit: www.ssf.net/culturalarts Holiday Boutique Saturday, November 5, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building Questions: (650) 829-3822 or [email protected] Early Learning Resource Fair Thursday, November 10, 2022 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building Questions: (650) 829-3983 or [email protected] Night of Fun Family Thanksgiving Feast Friday, November 18, 2022 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Roberta Cerri Teglia Center Questions: (650) 829-3822 or [email protected] Thanksgiving Fun Run* Saturday, November 19, 2022 Race Begins at 9:00 a.m. sharp Starting point is at 340 Point San Bruno Blvd, SSF Pre-registration is recommended, but participants can also register the same day. Please email [email protected] to RSVP or if you have any questions. Please include requested t-shirt sizes when RSVPing as well. IPP Wreath Making Workshop Fundraiser* Saturday, December 3, 2022 Joseph A. Fernekes Building 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Family Friendly) 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Adults Only) Pre-registration required. Please email [email protected] to RSVP. Fee: $30.00 Santa Comes to Town* Sunday, December 4, 2022 City Hall Steps 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please email [email protected] to RSVP. Parks and Recreation Department Update October 27, 2022 Page 4 of 4 SSF Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker* December 16 & 17, 2022 Location TBD Times TBD Please email [email protected] to RSVP. Please include which date, time, and number of tickets that you will be requesting (limit two tickets per person). BoutiqueBoutique Fun for the Whole Family Variety of Vendors Free Refreshments SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO SENIOR SERVICES HolidayHoliday S a t u r d a y , November 5 Enjoy a day of shopping while supporting local vendors. This year’s event features new vendors with handcrafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, housewares & more! 41st41st FREE ADMISSION 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Municipal Services Building 33 Arroyo Drive, South San Francisco SSF Senior Services | (650) 829-3820 | [email protected] North Pole DeInviernoDeInvierno Diversión para toda la Familia Variedad de Proveedores Refrigerios gratis Presentado por Servicios para Personas Mayores de SSF BoutiqueBoutique S a b a d o , 5 d e Noviembre Disfrute de un día de compras y apoya a los proveedores locales. ¡El evento de este año presenta nuevos proveedores locales con joyas, ropa, accesorios, artículos para el hogar y mucho más! 41a41a FREE ADMISSION 10:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. Edificio de Servicios Municipales 33 Arroyo Drive, Sur San Francisco SSF Senior Services | (650) 829-3820 | [email protected] Polo Norte THANKSGIVING 340 POINT SAN BRU NO , S SF 9 4080 S A T U R D A Y 9 :0 0 A .M . NOV 19, 2022 GENENTECH CAMPUS R EG ISTRA T ION R EQU IR ED R E G I S T E R O N L I N E : W W W .S S F .N E T /R E C -C A T A L O G FOR QUESTIONS CALL: (650) 829-3800 OR EMAIL: [email protected] ALLAGES! 5K FOR SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT F U N R U N LITTLE GOBBLERS (0-12 YEARS): FREE THE FEATHERWEIGHTS (13-17 YEARS): $6.00 SEASONED TURKEYS (18 YEARS & UP): $10.00 OPTIONAL T-SHIRT: $19.00 RUNNERS & WAL KERS OF ALL LEVELS W ELCOMED *TOP IN-PERSON FINISHERS IN EACH AGE GROUP WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES. Fresh Holiday Wreath Take-Home Kits 10:00 am - 2:45 pm Register a t: www .ssf.net/rec-catalog (Special Events ) $25.00(R) / $30.00(N) WW22-1000 (10:00am) WW22-1015 (10:15am) WW22-1030 (10:30am) WW22-1045 (10:45am) WW22-1100 (11:00am) WW22-1115 (11:15am) WW22-130 (1:30pm) For questions, contact the Recreation Office at (650) 829-3800 or email [email protected] Register early as spaces are limited and fees will increase to $35/$40 the day of the event. Create a gorgeous natural holiday wreath with fresh materials. Our workshop leaders will provide all the basic materials needed, along with hands-on instruction. This workshop is a fundraiser for the Improving Public Places group, so not only will you learn the technique and leave with a beautiful wreath, but you can feel great about contributing to civic beautification. W r e a t h W o r k s h o pIMPROVING P U B L I C P L A C E S S A T U R D A Y , D E C E M B E R 3 , 2 0 2 2 WW22-145 (1:45pm) WW22-200 (2:00pm) WW22-215 (2:15pm) WW22-230 (2:30pm) WW22-245 (2:45pm) Morning Session 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $30.00(R) / $35.00(N) FA1-610 Family-Friendly Afternoon Session 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. $30.00(R) / $35.00(N) FA1-611 Adult Only (18 years & older) CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: November 3, 2022 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Parks Division Update Dundee Park Repairs Parks Division staff have begun performing enhanced maintenance tasks at Dundee Park after meeting with residents to help address concerns that were recently shared. One of the major concerns was that residents use the park as a dog run, causing issues with pet waste in the playground and aggressive dogs confronting park users. Staff have relocated the dog waste bag dispenser and relocated “keep dogs on leash” signs to make them more visible. Staff have also removed a gate from the park temporarily to prevent people from locking dogs in the park off leash. Parks staff are also working to clean the play structures and remove any rust on the platforms prior to repainting them. Additionally, in the coming weeks, staff will install new playground safety surfacing material throughout the playground. Staff will continue to seek funding for playground equipment replacement as well as a larger renovation of the park as a whole. Bi-Weekly Update November 3, 2022 Page 2 of 2 Winter Storm Preparation The Parks Division team is preparing for the winter season and is working to clear drains and addressing any issues in the parks that may cause concern during the winter months. The Parks Division’s tree crew is also focusing on removing dead trees and limbs. Addressing these trees and other potential hazards is an important part of the Division’s preventative maintenance program prior to the rainy and windy months. Buri Buri Park and Brentwood Park Tennis Courts The tennis courts at Buri Buri Park and Brentwood Park have recently been resurfaced. The condition of these courts necessitated full depth resurfacing to create a safe playing surface. At this time, the courts are unpainted asphalt as the asphalt requires 30 days of curing before they can be colored. The courts will soon be painted red and green with white striping. The courts at Buri Buri Park will also be striped with pickleball lines to replace those that were at the park previously. The Brentwood Park courts will not have pickleball lines at this time. CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM DATE: November 10, 2022 TO: Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Councilmembers FROM: Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Department Update Halloween Extravaganza Update On Saturday, October 22, the Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual Halloween Extravaganza at Orange Memorial Park. The event took place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and several activities were offered throughout the day. • Free pumpkins were distributed to 200 families at the pumpkin patch on the soccer field. • Several Halloween-themed games were set up on the patios at the Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building including Hyde and Eek, Golfing Ghouls, Pumpkin Beanbag Toss, and Pop a Shot. Ten middle school students volunteered to assist with facilitating the games. • “Jungle James” and his assistant showcased several animals on the lawn, including a bearded dragon, a cherry foot tortoise, a red-tailed boa, and an albino Burmese python among others. • Participants and parents from the Department’s Full of Fun Camp, a program for teens and young adults with disabilities, sold healthy and sweet snacks and refreshments inside the Fernekes Building. The snack bar was operated by volunteers to fundraise for programs and events for the Full of Fun Program. By the end of the event, the group raised more than $500 for their program. • Volunteers from a local church offered to take pictures of visitors. Families and friends were able to have their high-quality pictures taken in front of a spooky backdrop. • The Department hosted its first Trunk-or-Treat event in the parking lot adjacent to the basketball courts. Pre-registered vehicles thoroughly decorated their trunks and saw an overwhelming number of young trunk-or-treaters visit with their families. Five of the “trunks” represented City departments, including the City Manager’s Office, City Clerk, Fire, Police, and Parks and Recreation. Parks and Recreation Department Update November 10, 2022 Page 2 of 6 • The Department also hosted its first floating pumpkin patch at Orange Pool. This activity was hosted at two different times, each with 40 participants. Participants swam and played in the pool with 40 pumpkins and at its conclusion, walked away with one of the pumpkins for free. • The storybook walk occurred in the Sculpture Garden. Like last year, this was a very popular activity as participants were told the story of the Big Pumpkin. Groups progressed from one station to the next as the story was told. Five decorated stations were created, and coloring books and crayons were provided to children at the conclusion of the story. • The haunted house was another featured activity and set up inside and outside of the artist studios. • A performance by Music Together of San Francisco was held on the basketball court at 2:00 p.m. The performance was geared towards young children and was full of music, dancing, comedy, and dramatic play. Approximately 40 participants attended the show. Overall, the event was considered successful. Approximately 2,000 visitors attended the event throughout the course of the day. Middle School Fall Sports Update The fall season for the middle school flag football and volleyball season concluded recently. The program started in late August with evaluations, practices, and final games ending Thursday, October 20. Teams played against other cities within the North County Recreation League (NCRL). Due to previous years’ shut down of sports related to the pandemic, this was the first time middle school kids were able to fully experience this type of sports programming offered by the Department. Two sixth grade teams and one seventh/eighth grade-combined flag football team, operated with a total of 27 students. Each team played ten regular season games, and the kids learned valuable lessons in teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership. The sixth grade teams had a lot of fun competing for the first time in this middle school format and are now excited to return next year to improve their skills and form stronger bonds with the players they played with this year. Additionally, the sports program was able to form six teams in total for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade volleyball with 63 girls. Like flag football, each team played ten regular season games and Parks and Recreation Department Update November 10, 2022 Page 3 of 6 gained valuable experiences and developed skills while forming new friendships with fellow players from the other middle schools. Although coaching was limited, several sports staff coached multiple teams so all the students could play. Basketball season for seventh and eighth grade boys and girls will begin in November. Evaluations took place on Tuesday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 2. Big Lift Little Step Preschool Fieldtrips The children at the Big Lift Little Steps Preschool are participating in a series of educational fieldtrips at Filoli. Filoli is a historic house and garden in Woodside that is open to the public and hosts 16 acres of formal gardens, 654 acres of natural lands, and a historic house museum. Through grants and individual donor support, Filoli can offer free field trips to preschools that serve communities with the greatest socioeconomic need in San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Alameda Counties. Little Steps qualifies for this program as it is a Big Lift funded preschool. Field trips are filled with joyful activities and garden exploration. Examples of seasonal activities include: • Visiting the beehives, eating honey, and gathering around for pollinator story time. • Tasting fruit from the orchard and vegetables from the garden. • Identifying patterns and shapes in the garden plants and structures. • Engaging the senses by touching, tasting, and smelling herbs in the garden. Funding includes: • Three visits, one in fall, winter, and spring, for up to 60 students and teachers. • Reimbursement for one bus for each visit. • Student families and preschool staff receive an annual membership so they can visit on their own. • Each student receives a keepsake garden book. Parks and Recreation Department Update November 10, 2022 Page 4 of 6 December Holiday Closure Schedule The Parks and Recreation Department’s community centers will be closed to the public from Friday, December 23, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023. Community centers will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. The exceptions to this schedule are Orange Pool and childcare program sites. This closure is planned in conjunction with the City’s official holiday closures of half days on December 23 and December 30 and full day closures on December 26 and January 2. During the closure, full-time recreation staff will have the option to come to work or take time off using their allotted leave time, as permitted by their supervisor. Community Center Closures Friday, December 23 – Monday, January 2 • Alice Peña Bulos Community Center • Joseph A. Fernekes Recreation Building • Roberta Cerri Teglia Center • Municipal Services Building • Terrabay Gymnasium and Recreation Center Orange Pool Monday, December 5 – Monday, January 2 Orange Pool will close for four weeks for maintenance and staff trainings. This closure will allow aquatic staff to completely drain the pool, perform maintenance on the pool’s empty basin, refill the basin, and balance the water’s chemistry and temperature. Additional maintenance to the facility will include deep cleaning the locker rooms, restrooms, staff changing room, and the pool deck. The staff storage/first-aid room will be cleaned and reorganized, and any broken lane lines will be repaired or replaced. If time allows, lifeguard training, such as CPR/AED/First Aid and rescue techniques, as well as additional swim instructor trainings, will be performed. Participants affected by the closure will be directed to nearby public pools. Child Care Programs • Preschool: Siebecker, Westborough, Little Steps: Closed Monday, December 19 – Monday, January 2 • After School and REAL Program: Buri Buri, Monte Verde, Ponderosa, Spruce, Martin, Los Cerritos: Closed Monday, December 19 – Tuesday, January 3 (SSFUSD schools are closed during this period.) • Winter Camp Returns: The winter camp program will be offered for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Winter camp is offered to children who are in kindergarten through 12 years of age. Camp will take place on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 19 – 21 and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December 27 – 29 from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. daily. Camp will take place at the Terrabay Gymnasium and Recreation Center. Childcare programming will not be offered on Thursday and Friday, Parks and Recreation Department Update November 10, 2022 Page 5 of 6 December 22 – 23, Monday and Friday, December 26 and 30, and Monday and Tuesday, January 2 – 3. Cultural Arts Update Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead-A Celebration in Art Virtual Exhibit Open In October, the community celebrated the traditions of Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead at an exciting multi-media art show. The juried visual art exhibit featured two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, as well as the whimsical artwork of over 500 participants from the Department’s Preschool and Early Learning Program, and Youth Enrichment Services Program. Day of the Dead is a joyful cultural event, observed in Mexico and Central America, that honors the life of deceased family members and friends. A brief video of the October event highlights is posted online at https://youtu.be/DPOLxZHsCH8. The extended exhibit of selected art at the Municipal Services Building and in the following virtual galleries will be open through November 28. Admission is free. • Virtual Gallery 1 – https://bit.ly/DayODead1-ssf22 • Virtual Gallery 2 – https://bit.ly/DayODead2-ssf22 • Virtual Gallery 3 – https://bit.ly/DayODead3-ssf22 Cultural Arts Commission – 2023 Art Gallery Schedule The Cultural Arts Commission sponsors a series of annual art gallery exhibits designed to showcase the creativity of local and Bay Area artists. At their October regular meeting, the Commission selected having two-dimensional media with the possible addition of a performing arts component at their 2023 art shows on January 27 and 28, 2023. The Youth Art Show, in partnership with the South San Francisco Unified School District, returns on March 10 and 11,2023. October 13 and 14, 2023 will kick off a longer duration Day of the Dead Art Show. The Commission elected to cancel their third art show, scheduled for May 2023. They will direct their focus on fundraising preparations during that time and a potential opera program, which is still being explored. The Cultural Arts BBQ fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, August 27, 2023. Updated information will be posted on www.ssf.net/culturalarts a few of months prior to the event. Parks and Recreation Department Update November 10, 2022 Page 6 of 6 General Election Support Parks and Recreation staff hosted a four-day voting center for the General Elections at the Municipal Services Building and the Alice Peña Bulos Community Center. The schedule for both locations is as follows: • Saturday, November 5, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Sunday, November 6, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Monday, November 7, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Tuesday, November 8, 2022: 7:00 a.m. – 8: 00 p.m. Swimming Pool Pump Replacement Orange Pool had to close unexpectedly at about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 29 for emergency repairs. The circulation pump for Orange Pool stopped working because the pump bearings were completely worn out. Pool code requires the pump to run continuously and maintain a six-hour recirculation rate for the 130,000-gallon pool. The Department worked with contractors to locate a new pump and schedule the repair on Friday, September 30. The new pump was installed by 3:00 p.m. and the pool was able to run regular programming by 6:00 p.m. on September 30. The new pump was an emergency purchase adding up to $10,430 for the new pool pump, including labor.