PARK
MEMORIAL
SPECIFIC
PLAN
CITY OF CUPERTINO, FEBRUARY 2024
Memorial Park
revitalize
ATTACHMENT A
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Acknowledgments I
City Council - 2024 City Council - 2023
Sheila Mohan, Mayor Hung Wei, Mayor
J.R. Fruen, Vice Mayor Sheila Mohan, Vice Mayor
Liang Chao Liang Chao
Kitty Moore J.R. Fruen
Hung Wei Kitty Moore
Parks and Recreation Commission - 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission - 2023 Jennifer Shearin, Chair Carol Stanek, Chair
Hemant Buch, Vice Chair Jennifer Shearin, Vice Chair
Claudio Bono Sashi Begur
Carol Stanek Hermant Buch
Seema Swamy Seema Swamy
Bicycle Pedestrian Commission - 2024 Bicycle Pedestrian Commission - 2023 Herve Marcy, Chair Joel Wolf, Chair
Joel Wolf, Vice Chair Herve Marcy, Vice Chair
Ilango Ganga Ilango Ganga
Grace John Grace John
John Zhao John Zhao
City Staff
Susan Michael, Capital Improvement Programs Manager
Rachelle Sander, Director of Parks and Recreation
Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Consultants
Gates + Associates, Landscape Architecture and Planning David J. Powers and Associates, Environmental Consulting and Planning Ninyo & Moore, Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences
TJKM, Transportation Consulting
Sandis, Civil Engineering
Acknowledgments
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Table of Contents III
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................1 Chapter 2
About the Park
..............................................................................................................7 Chapter 3
From the Community ..................................................................................................27 Chapter 4
Park Concept
..............................................................................................................37 Chapter 5
Implementation...........................................................................................................73 Executive Summary
.......................................................................................................................VII ■
IV Memorial Park Specific Plan
Figure 2-1: Memorial Park Location in the City of Cupertino .............................................................................................................. 10 Figure 2-2: Memorial Park Context ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Figure 2-3: Existing Vehicular Circulation
............................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2-4: Existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation ....................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 2-5: Existing Amenities
.................................................................................................................................................................. 19 Figure 2-6: Existing Areas to Preserve
..................................................................................................................................................... 23 Figure 3-1: By the Numbers - Community Engagement
...................................................................................................................... 29 Figure 3-2: Outreach Process
.................................................................................................................................................................. 29 Figure 3-3: Top 5 Most Liked Current Park Features (Round 1 Outreach) .......................................................................................... 30 Figure 3-4: Desired Scenarios for Current and Future Identity of Memorial Park (Round 1 Outreach) .......................................... 31
Figure 3-5: Shared Key Themes Between Memorial Park & Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Community Outreach 33 Figure 3-6: Preferred Concept Breakdown (Round 2 Outreach) ....................................................................................................... 34 Figure 3-7: Top 10 Most Important Features for the Final Design of Memorial Park (Round 2 Outreach)...................................... 34 Figure 3-8: Preferred Concept Plan Presented at the June 2023 City Council Meeting ................................................................. 35 Figure 4-1: Final Concept Plan................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Figure 4-2: Site Programming and Zone Key Map ................................................................................................................................ 41 Figure 4-3: Photosimulation of the Passive Garden Walk
.................................................................................................................... 42 Figure 4-4: Final Concept - Zone A......................................................................................................................................................... 43 Figure 4-5: Enlargement of Senior Center Deck / Plaza
...................................................................................................................... 44 Figure 4-6: Final Concept - Zone B
......................................................................................................................................................... 47 Figure 4-7: Photosimulation of the Event Lawn
..................................................................................................................................... 48 Figure 4-8: Photosimulation of the Event Plaza
..................................................................................................................................... 50 Figure 4-9: Final Concept - Zone C
........................................................................................................................................................ 51 Figure 4-10: Final Concept - Zone D....................................................................................................................................................... 55 Figure 4-11: Festivals and Event Areas
................................................................................................................................................... 59 Figure 4-12: Enlargement of Critical Intersection (1)
............................................................................................................................ 60 Figure 4-13: Enlargement of Critical Intersection (2)
............................................................................................................................ 60 Figure 4-14: Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
................................................................................................................................... 61 Figure 4-15: Vehicle Circulation
.............................................................................................................................................................. 63 Figure 4-16: Proposed Tree Preservation ............................................................................................................................................... 65 Figure 4-17: Proposed Tree Removals
.................................................................................................................................................... 67 Figure 4-18: Proposed Trees and Landscaping
.................................................................................................................................... 69 Figure 5-1: Phasing Plan
........................................................................................................................................................................... 77 Table of Figures
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Table of Contents V
Table 2-1: Parking Lots and Stall Quantities........................................................................................................................................... 14 Table 3-1: Outreach Methods ................................................................................................................................................................ 32 Table 4-1: Proposed Tree Palette ........................................................................................................................................................... 68 Table 4-2: Proposed Tree Palette (continued)
...................................................................................................................................... 70 Table 4-3: Proposed Tree Palette (continued)
...................................................................................................................................... 71 Table 5-1: Total Project Cost Estimate
.................................................................................................................................................... 78 Table 5-2: Phase 1A Cost Estimate
......................................................................................................................................................... 79 Table 5-3: Phase 1B Cost Estimate.......................................................................................................................................................... 80 Table 5-4: Phase 2A Cost Estimate
......................................................................................................................................................... 81 Table 5-5: Phase 2B Cost Estimate.......................................................................................................................................................... 82 Table 5-6: Phase 2C Cost Estimate
......................................................................................................................................................... 83 Table 5-7: Phase 3 Cost Estimate
............................................................................................................................................................ 84 Table of Tables
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Executive Summary VII
Executive SummaryExecutive Summary
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VIII Memorial Park Specific Plan
Executive Summary
The City of Cupertino has a robust parks and
recreation system that serves its diverse community
of over 60,000 residents. Memorial Park is well-
known as a key amenity for recreation, leisure, and
celebration. As the largest park in the city, Memorial
Park hosts concerts, festivals, and ceremonies that
attract visitors from across the Bay Area year after
year.
As identified in the Cupertino Parks and Recreation
System Master Plan, Memorial Park is an ideal
location to expand recreational opportunities to
serve the greater community. This system-wide plan,
adopted in 2020, also provides recommendations to
improve circulation, infrastructure, and accessibility
within the park. In immediate response to these
recommendations, the City of Cupertino began
developing a comprehensive vision for a revitalized
Memorial Park.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan is the result of
careful analysis and planning efforts in collaboration
with City staff, local residents, and park visitors.
This document analyzes the existing conditions
of the park, documents previous planning efforts,
contextualizes the park as a key component of the
Cupertino community, and synthesizes feedback
received from stakeholders. Over 3,300 people
provided valuable input about their favorite park
features, prioritized potential new amenities, and
explored other important topics during community
outreach events held both in-person and virtually.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan presents a conceptual
design that responds to the community’s preferences
and priorities; celebrates existing historical, cultural, and environmental features; and proposes new
amenities and infrastructural upgrades to enhance
the overall visitor experience. Key renovations to
the amphitheater and stage, an updated pathway
network, new high-quality playgrounds, and
dedicated pickleball courts are among the proposed
improvements.
This plan also explores potential pathways for
achieving the shared vision of a revitalized Memorial
Park. A phasing plan, cost evaluation, funding
strategy, and a summary of the environmental
review findings are included in this plan. Serving
as a comprehensive roadmap for stakeholders and
decision-makers, the Memorial Park Specific Plan
aims to ensure that this popular and well-known
community park remains an active, safe, and
accessible public resource.
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CUPERTINO
Introduction
Chapter 1
Introduction 1
Introduction
Chapter 1
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Introduction 3
Overview
Memorial Park is the largest park in the City of
Cupertino park system. This popular 22-acre
community park includes several acres of lawn,
walking paths, a gazebo, two playgrounds, an
amphitheater, a lighted softball field, reservable
picnic areas, and six lighted tennis courts. Memorial
Park features the Cupertino Senior Center, the
Quinlan Community Center, and the Cupertino
Veterans Memorial. This centrally-located park
serves the entire community and hosts a variety of
large social and civic events. Memorial Park is open
daylight hours to 10:00 pm and has several on-site
parking lots.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan seeks to celebrate the
unique cultural, historical, and natural assets of the
park. This plan will guide the future enhancements
based on the vision and priorities of the community.
This Specific Plan is a forward-looking document that
studies the existing park site and context, analyzes
the results of the extensive community engagement
process, presents a comprehensive site concept, and
recommends an implementation strategy for the
future of Memorial Park. This plan aims to:
Project Purpose
The Parks and Recreation System Master Plan,
adopted in 2020, presents Cupertino’s vision for
expanding civic event and community gathering
spaces while improving the existing natural features
in Memorial Park. The Parks and Recreation System
Master Plan envisions the park as a community hub
with robust multi-use and civic-focused event spaces,
with updated event infrastructure—particularly the
existing amphitheater—and improved circulation
for visitors during large events. The development
of the Specific Plan is identified as an immediate
enhancement opportunity, recognizing this park as
an ideal location to host programs, events, fairs, and
festivals for visual, performing, and fine arts.
The Parks and Recreation System Master Plan
additionally proposes that the park design preserves
the existing lighted sports field, repurposes the pond, maximizes shade, enhances accessibility, integrates
inclusive and experiential nature play elements,
updates walkways and seating options, and considers
a multi-court pickleball tournament venue.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan directly responds
to the Parks and Recreation System Master Plan by
providing recommendations to enhance the park’s
unique identity and sense of place. The Specific Plan
presents a comprehensive suite of improvements
to achieve a balance between the built and natural
environments. The final concept plan, driven by
extensive community outreach, ultimately aims
to meet the present and future event, gathering,
recreation, and open space needs of Cupertino.
Build upon the vision of the Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan;
Respond to community input and
priorities;
Locate new amenities and enhance
existing ones;
Investigate costs, funding mechanisms,
and project partners; and
Summarize existing environmental
review efforts and outline a strategy for
moving forward.
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4 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Guiding Principles
Guiding principles for the project build upon the
goals in the Parks and Recreation System Master
Plan, which were focused on supporting an engaged,
healthy, and active community. The guiding
principles for the Memorial Park Specific Plan are:
•
Reinvigorate and revitalize parks and recreation
facilities to support broad and inclusiv
e recreation
interests (Goal 4: Enhancement);
•
Provide programs, ev
ents, and services that foster
social cohesiveness and lively, diverse activities for
people of all ages, abilities, cultures, and interests
(Goal 5: Activity); and
•
Create high quality
recreation experiences, places,
and services that are welcoming, safe, responsible,
comfortable, and reflective of Cupertino’s unique
character (Goal 6: Quality).
Project Process
The Memorial Park Specific Plan was developed over
a period of a year and a half. During that time, an
extensive community outreach process took place
which invited local stakeholders and community
members to discuss their priorities and preferences
for a revitalized Memorial Park. Events were held in-
person as well as virtually to reach over 3,000 diverse participants.
Participants were presented with design concept
alternatives and responded to surveys that provided
critical feedback to guide the planning and design
process. Meetings were held with neighborhood
groups, local civic and community organizations,
cultural groups, school districts, advocacy groups,
and City of Cupertino staff to develop a design
concept and vision that is tailored to the needs of the Cupertino community.
Image 1-1: Memorial Park Sign
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Introduction 5
Document Organization
The Memorial Park Specific Plan is organized
into five chapters. Each chapter builds upon the
prior, culminating in the final concept plan and
implementation strategy for a revitalized Memorial
Park.
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter discusses the purpose, process, and
guiding principles of the project.
Chapter 2: About the Park
This chapter provides context about the City of
Cupertino and describes the existing conditions of
Memorial Park.
Chapter 3: From the Community
This chapter summarizes the findings of the
community engagement process that shaped the
final concept plan.
Chapter 4: Park Concept
This chapter presents the final concept plan,
developed in response to community input and
feedback, for Memorial Park.
Chapter 5: Implementation
This chapter outlines the implementation strategies
to revitalize Memorial Park.
Appendix
The appendices are bound under a separate cover and
include supporting documentation for the Memorial
Park Specific Plan, including reports, assessments,
and analyses.
Appendix A. Parking Study
Appendix B. Tree Inventory Report
Appendix C. Community Engagement Data
Appendix D. Preliminary Concepts
Appendix E. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Appendix F. Geotechnical Evaluation
Appendix G. Planning Context
Appendix H. Site Assessment
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About the Park 7
About the Park
Chapter 2
About the Park
Chapter 2
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About the Park 9
Overview
This chapter will present background information on
the park and its surroundings. The sections in this
chapter include:
•
Site Context
•
The P
ark
•
Surrounding Uses
•
P
ark Access
•
P
ark Circulation
•
Existing Amenities
•
Areas to Preserv
e
•
Community Ev
ents
•
Recent City Projects On-Site
The full Site
Assessment is found in Appendix H.
Relevant planning documents that were consulted
for the Memorial Park Specific Plan are discussed in
Appendix G.
Image 2-1: Memorial Park (September 2023)
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10 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Context
The City of Cupertino (City) is nestled into the
foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the west
end of Silicon Valley. The City owns or manages
224 acres of community or neighborhood parks,
recreational facilities, trail corridors, school sports fields, and special use sites across 34 locations.
This includes indoor and outdoor athletic facilities
offering baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, volleyball, swimming, and more. The City
also provides a sports/teen center, senior center,
community center, civic center, and golf course.
The Park
Memorial Park is a 22-acre community park centrally
located on Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino
(Figure 2-1). This park sits one mile away from City
Hall and is home to both the Quinlan Community
Center and Cupertino Senior Center. Constructed
in the mid-1970s, Memorial Park initially included a
softball field, tennis courts, and a gazebo. Additional amenities and recreational facilities have been added
over time, such as the large amphitheater, multi-use
event lawn, playgrounds, walking paths, and Sister
City monuments. Memorial Park hosts community
events throughout the year, drawing visitors from
across Cupertino and the Bay Area.
Figure 2-1: Memorial Park Location in the City of Cupertino City of Cupertino
Interstate 280
Memorial Park
State Route 85
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About the Park 11
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12 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Surrounding Uses
Memorial Park is located along Stevens Creek
Boulevard, a main commercial corridor with retail,
restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses. The
surrounding area of the park is generally known as
the residential Garden Gate neighborhood.
Memorial Park is near Garden Gate Elementary
School, William Faria Elementary School, Abraham
Lincoln Elementary School, and Homestead High
School. Across from Stevens Creek Boulevard to
the south is De Anza College, a public community
college that offers over 70 associate degrees.
The Cupertino Sports Center is southeast of the
park at the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard
and North Stelling Road. This multipurpose facility
offers tennis, pickleball, racquetball, basketball, and badminton. The facility hosts fitness classes, sports
clubs, leagues, and camps for youth and adults.
The southwest corner of the park is adjacent to the
Westport Cupertino development project. The 8-acre
mixed-use development will include single-unit
attached residences, senior housing, and commercial
uses along Mary Avenue and Stevens Creek
Boulevard.
Lastly, the Mary Avenue Dog Park is located
northwest of the park. This dog park has separate
fenced areas for small and large dogs and is open
from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There are shaded
benches, drinking fountains, and trash receptacles.
Park Access
Visitors typically travel to the park via Stevens Creek Boulevard (arterial running west to east) which
borders Memorial Park to the south. Stevens Creek
Boulevard connects to the West Valley Freeway (State
Route 85) approximately a quarter-mile west of the
site. State Route 85 connects to Interstate 280 at an
interchange to the northwest of the park. De Anza
Boulevard, an arterial running north to south, is
located less than a mile east of the park (Figure 2-2).
There are several bus stops along Stevens Creek
Boulevard as well as North Stelling Road, which
partially borders Memorial Park to the east. Cupertino
is served by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation
Authority (VTA). The bus stop near the Cupertino
Senior Center on Stevens Creek Boulevard is serviced
by the local bus line (route 51), which also stops at
the intersection of Stevens Creek Boulevard and
North Stelling Road. The bus stop at Stevens Creek
Boulevard and North Stelling Road is also serviced
by the rapid bus line (route 523). The park is near
a stop within the De Anza College campus that is
serviced by the frequent bus line (route 23).
There are several bicycle routes to the park, most
notably, the buffered bike lanes along Stevens Creek
Boulevard, North Stelling Road, and Mary Avenue.
To the west of Homestead High School is a pedestrian
and bicycle route that connects to the northern end of
Mary Avenue. This paved shared-use separated path
utilizes the Don Burnett Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge
(also known as the Mary Avenue Bridge) to cross
over Interstate 280. The bridge was opened in 2009
and connects Memorial Park to neighborhoods on
the northern side of the interstate.
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About the Park 13
Figure 2-2: Memorial Park Context
Bike Lane Bus Stop
Interstate 280
North Stelling Road
Mary Avenue
South Stelling Road
South De Anza Boulevard
North De Anza Boulevard
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Bike/Pedestrian
Bridge
Pedestrian Bridge
Garden Gate
Elementary
School
Abraham Lincoln
Elementary School
William Faria
Elementary
School
Homestead
High School
Cupertino
Sports Center
De Anza
College
Mary Avenue
Dog Park
Memorial Park
State Route 85
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14 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Park Circulation
Vehicle and Parking
There are three vehicle access points into the park at
Mary Avenue, Alves Drive, and North Stelling Road.
The vehicle entrances lead into the three parking lots
within the park. There is no internal vehicle circulation at Memorial Park, except for City maintenance and
emergency vehicle access (Figure 2-3).
The southwestern parking area contains Lots 1, 2, and
3. Lots 1 and 2 are divided by a small speed bump
and are both reserved for patrons with a Cupertino
Senior Center permit. Lot 3 does not require a permit
but has a two hour time limit from 8:00 am to 5:00
pm. Lot 3 terminates at a roundabout that allows for
easy turn-around.
The parking lot along Alves Drive (Lot 4) is
unrestricted (no permit requirement or time limit).
During large civic events such as the Cupertino Holi
Festival of Colors, this parking lot is converted to a
food court area with food trucks, tables and chairs,
portable restrooms, and handwashing areas. There is
additional street parking on Alves Drive near this lot.
Lots 5 and 6 are primarily used for the Quinlan
Community Center and can be accessed via North
Stelling Road or Alves Drive. This parking lot
features electric vehicle chargers and a pick-up/drop-
off roundabout. This parking lot is also unrestricted,
but there are several stalls reserved for City vehicles only.
The on-site parking lot stall inventory is shown in
Table 2-1. There are 258 total on-site parking stalls,
with an additional 55 on-street parking stalls,
resulting in a total of 313 parking stalls available. All of the 55 on-street parking stalls are unrestricted and located on the north and south sides of Alves Drive.
There are no other unrestricted on-street parking
stalls along any other park frontage street.
The full Parking Study is found in Appendix A.
On-Site Parking Lots and Stall Quantities
Lot Access From
Total
Stalls
Accessible
Stalls1
1 Mary Avenue 61 6
2 Mary Avenue 27 1
3 Mary Avenue 34 2
4 Alves Drive 50 2
5 North Stelling Road 42 2
6 North Stelling Road 44 1
All 256 14
1 Accessible stalls are included in the total stalls quantities Source: TJKM Parking Study, 2022
Image 2-3: Parking Lot 4 along Alves Drive
Image 2-4: Parking Lot 3 Roundabout
Table 2-1: Parking Lots and Stall Quantities
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About the Park 15
Major Public Road
Minor Public Road
Public Access
Maintenance Access
# Parking Lot
Accessible Stall
4 5
6 3
2 1
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Cupertino
Senior Center 100’ 0 200’
Figure 2-3: Existing Vehicular Circulation
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---
- [IT]
0 ➔
··>
16 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Bicycle
Stevens Creek Boulevard and North Stelling Road
have buffered bicycle lanes on both sides of the road
(Figure 2-4). Mary Avenue has unprotected bicycle
lanes on both sides (Class II), which transition north
of the Cupertino Senior Center entrance to a buffered
bicycle lane on the east side (also Class II) and a
separated bikeway on the west side (Class IV). The
Bicycle Transportation Plan recommends a separated
bikeway on both sides of North Stelling Road and
both sides of Stevens Creek Boulevard (Stevens
Creek Boulevard is in progress as part of an ongoing
phased project).
Since the park does not currently feature any
designated bicycle trails, bicycle riding in the
park is discouraged due to potential conflicts with
pedestrians. There are several bicycle lockers at the
Cupertino Senior Center’s northern entrance.
Pedestrian
There is pedestrian access to Memorial Park on
all sides except along the western edge, where the
park abuts a residential development. Mary Avenue
has a sidewalk along the park’s western frontage
and a protected pedestrian island by the Cupertino
Senior Center parking lot vehicle entrance. To the
north, along Christensen Drive, there is a pedestrian
access point at the park’s northwest corner. To
the east, along North Stelling Road, pedestrians
must go through or around Quinlan Community
Center to access the park. Along Alves Drive there
are sidewalks and several pedestrian access points.
There is a pedestrian access point along Anton Way
near the historic gazebo. To the south, Stevens Creek
Boulevard has a continuous sidewalk but there is
only one pedestrian access point into the park in the
southeast corner. The south side of Christensen Drive
and both sides of Anton Way do not have sidewalks.
Paved paths connect all uses and amenities to a
comprehensive interior pedestrian network. The
looped paths range in width from 4 to 6 feet and
consist of concrete, asphalt, decomposed granite, or
pavers, although a majority of them are 6-foot-wide
asphalt paths. Cracking and tripping hazards are
common; various areas do not provide accessibility
features such as ramps or level surfacing.
Image 2-5: Concrete, Asphalt, and Dirt Paths Converge
Image 2-6: Asphalt Paths with Varying Elevation Changes Image 2-7: Cracked Asphalt Path
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About the Park 17
Figure 2-4: Existing Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Bicycle Lanes (Buffered, Class II)
Bicycle Lane (Unprotected, Class II)
Planned Separated Bikeway (Class IV)
Sidewalk
Pedestrian Circulation
Pedestrian Access
Building Access
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
100’ 0 200’
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18 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Existing Amenities
Memorial Park is a heavily utilized and amenitized
park (Figure 2-5). There are two community facilities
at opposite ends of the site, an amphitheater, picnic
areas, multi-use lawn spaces, playgrounds, a softball
field, tennis courts, and other amenities such as
such as restrooms, benches, drinking fountains,
bike racks, storage areas, and trash receptacles to
support the function of the park. This section serves
as an overview of the amenities, while Appendix H
provides the full Site Assessment.
Quinlan Community Center
The Quinlan Community Center is a 27,000-square-
foot recreation facility located in the southeastern
portion of Memorial Park. The Quinlan Community
Center, opened in 1990, is home to the City’s Parks
and Recreation Department and the Cupertino
Historical Society and Museum. The facility is named
after Robert W. Quinlan, Cupertino’s second City
Manager who served from 1971 to 1989. The building
is multi-use, offering classrooms and a variety of
other rooms available to rent for business or personal
needs. The Quinlan courtyard on the western side
of the building features a small shade structure
that is bracketed by the wings of the building. The
Quinlan event lawn lies immediately west of the
courtyard. The courtyard is well-connected with the
park’s pathway network, with walkways from both
the north and south ends of the courtyard wrapping
around the Quinlan event lawn leading into the park.
Cupertino Senior Center
The Cupertino Senior Center, a membership-based
recreation facility, is a 15,500-square-foot building
located in the southern portion of Memorial Park
along Stevens Creek Boulevard. The main entrance to
the building is on the north side, served by a parking
lot accessed via Mary Avenue. The main entrance
features a memorial bench and low seat wall with
engraved tile dedications bordering a paved plaza
with shaded circular picnic tables and a decorative
pergola. There is a small deck facing the park on the
east side of the building.
Image 2-8: Quinlan Community Center, Street Frontage
Image 2-10: Quinlan Community Center, Courtyard
Image 2-9: Cupertino Senior Center, Street Frontage
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About the Park 19
1 Amphitheater
2a Picnic (Drop-in)
2b Picnic (Reservable)
3 Multi-Use Lawn
4a Playground (2-5)
4b Playground (5-12)
5 Softball Field
6 Tennis Courts
7 Spectator Seating
8 Restrooms
9 Maintenance/Storage
10 Cell Tower
32b
4a
4b
69 7
5 9
9 10
32a
2a
2a
3 1
8 3
3 7
8 Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Cupertino
Senior Center
Quinlan
Community
Center
100’ 0 200’
Figure 2-5: Existing Amenities
0 0
0 0
\
\
0 0
0 0
0 I
I
-- - -- - __ .J
0 0
0 0
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20 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Amphitheater
Memorial Park is home to the only public
amphitheater in Cupertino. It hosts the Summer
Concert Series and Shakespeare in the Park,
which both run during the summer months. The
amphitheater is highly valued by the community.
Terraced concrete seat walls are built into a small
hillside area to provide formal seating. The seat walls are surrounded by lawn and are backed by a grove
of trees. There are no ramps, stairs, or handrails and
therefore limited accessibility.
Picnic Areas
The park has multiple picnic areas for drop-in use,
as well as a large reservable picnic area, which can
accommodate social gatherings of all sizes. These
areas are largely without shade, which inhibit their
use on hot and sunny days. The large reservable
picnic area has a capacity of 113 people with 16
picnic tables, 2 serving tables, 3 barbeques, and a
counter area with a sink. Electricity is available with a reservation to further enhance the usability of this
key amenity. There are two smaller general use
picnic areas around the softball outfield, each with
two picnic tables and two barbeques. Lastly, there
is a large general use picnic area near the 5-12 year
old playground with space for multiple groups and
barbeques. However, there is a lack of separation
between the tables to create clear groupings.
Multi-Use Lawn Spaces
There are several areas of unobstructed multi-use
lawn in Memorial Park. The northern portion of
the park contains the largest multi-use lawn. It is
rectangular, largely flat, and sits between the Quinlan Community Center and the reservable picnic area.
The lawn is bounded on the remaining sides by a
walking path within an allée of trees. The park also
has smaller lawn spaces serving passive use activities.
Image 2-12: Reservable Picnic Area
Image 2-11: Amphitheater Seating
Image 2-13: Multi-use Lawn near Quinlan Community Center ■
About the Park 21
Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds at Memorial Park. A
playground appropriate for 2-5 year old children is
located on the north end of the site, situated between
the softball field and tennis courts. A playground
appropriate for 5-12 year old children is located on the southern end of the site adjacent to Anton Way and
the amphitheater. Both playgrounds are connected
by pathways, within walking distance of restrooms,
and have unshaded seating areas. Playgrounds are
buffered from vehicle traffic by other park amenities.
The play structures lack clear paths of travel and
accessible ramps. The play surfacing is composed
of wood fiber surfacing bounded by concrete curbs,
which does not provide an accessible transition.
Softball Field
Memorial Park features the only lighted softball field
in the City. The softball field is primarily used by
Cupertino Parks and Recreation sponsored leagues
and local teams, but is also available for drop-ins and reservations during the weekends and off-season.
This field attracts players and spectators from around
the entire South Bay region given the high quality of
this amenity.
Tennis Courts
There are six lighted first come, first served tennis
courts, one of which is dual-striped for pickleball.
The tennis courts are oriented north/south and are
divided by a low fence with gaps to allow movement
between courts. The tennis court area is protected by
a high fence with privacy and wind screens.
Image 2-15: Playground, 2-5
Image 2-16: Softball Field
Image 2-14: Tennis Courts
■
22 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Areas to Preserve
There are several areas and site elements of Memorial
Park that were not considered for redesign as part of
the Memorial Park Specific Plan, shown in Figure 2-6.
These existing features are critically important to the identity of the park and/or otherwise constrained.
The Quinlan Community Center building will not
be altered, which includes the small patio attached
to the southern wing and the small play area
attached to the northern wing. The Cupertino Senior
Center building will also not be altered, although
modifications to the existing deck were considered
to improve the building’s connection to the park’s
pedestrian network.
Several cultural elements in Memorial Park will be
preserved. The Veterans Memorial, the grove of trees
that encompass the memorial, and the other memorial
trees were not considered for redevelopment in the
Memorial Park Specific Plan. The two stone lanterns
will remain, although their exact locations are subject to change. The gazebo, identified as a historic site in the General Plan, is fragile and therefore cannot be
altered or relocated.
Lastly, the cell tower and its associated transformers
have an active lease through 2040 and cannot be
moved.
Image 2-17: Veterans Memorial
Image 2-18: Stone Lantern
Image 2-19: Cell Tower
■
About the Park 23
4 Cell Tower
5 Stone Lanterns
6 Memorial Trees
1 Recreational Buildings
2 Veterans Memorial
3 Historic Gazebo
1 1
2 3
4 6
6 5
5 Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Cupertino
Senior Center
Quinlan
Community
Center
100’ 0 200’
Figure 2-6: Existing Areas to Preserve
0 0
0 \
I
I
--- ___ .J
0 0
0 ■
24 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Community Events
Memorial Park frequently hosts large community-
wide and regional cultural events. Throughout the
year, over a dozen events are held by organizations
such as the local Rotary Club chapter, Cupertino
Chamber of Commerce, and the Sister City program.
These large events can attract thousands across the
Bay Area to the park.
The Bay Area Diwali Festival of Lights is a free public event that showcases multicultural music, dance,
workshops, arts and crafts, and food. For over 20
years, this family-friendly event has partnered with
vendors and sponsors to provide fun and educational
experiences for the greater region. Memorial Park
also hosts the Cupertino Holi Festival of Colors, the
Heritage India Faire & Purab Fest, the Cupertino
Cherry Blossom Festival, the Summer Concert Series,
Shakespeare in the Park, and more.
In addition to festivals and performances, Memorial
Park is also home to ceremonies focused on reflection
and remembrance. For example, the annual Veterans
Day Ceremony recognizes local veterans at the
Veterans Memorial statue titled “The Guardians.” The
ceremony includes remarks by notable community
members who offer commendations to all veterans,
active duty military, and first responders.
Memorial Park also hosts the annual Bell Ringing
for Peace Ceremony, which recognizes the bombing
of the City of Toyokawa, Japan on August 7, 1945—
a few weeks before the end of World War II. This
ceremony hosts guest speakers that recount the
tragedy, pledge a peaceful relationship, and celebrate
over four decades of City sisterhood. The attendees
gather around the senbazuru, a tower of 1,000
origami cranes prepared by the student delegates
of the Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister Cities program,
while the bells are rung for 30 seconds.
Image 2-20: Diwali Festival (2022)
■
About the Park 25
Recent City Projects On-Site
Memorial Park Ponds Repurposing Project
The Memorial Park Ponds Repurposing Project
removed approximately 71,000 square feet of existing
concrete lining from the ponds located at the park
during the summer and fall of 2022. The ponds were
previously emptied and without water since 2013
due to drought conditions. The area was backfilled
and graded, the irrigation systems were modified,
and landscaping, turf, and pathways were installed.
During construction, the stone lantern located in
the central pond was temporarily relocated and
subsequently returned to the original location. The
project was completed in August 2023.
Image 2-21: Ponds at Memorial Park Before Removal (2012) Image 2-22: Ponds at Memorial Park After Removal (2022) ■
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Intentionally
Left Blank
From the Community 27
From the Community
Chapter 3
From the Community
Chapter 3
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
From the Community 29
Community Engagement Overview
The success of the Memorial Park Specific Plan relies
on the involvement of community members to shape
the project’s vision, goals, and priorities. Outreach
and engagement are pivotal components of any
public project to ensure that the final plan accurately and holistically represents the community and its
diverse residents.
Community outreach questions were developed
around three identity scenarios—Civic Event
Space (e.g., festivals, concerts, sports), Community
Gathering Space (e.g., playgrounds, picnics, classes),
and Natural Site and Park (e.g., green space, walking
paths, nature areas)—which link directly to the vision
outlined for Memorial Park in the Cupertino Parks
and Recreation System Master Plan (2020).
The initial goal for Memorial Park outreach was to
collect data on the community’s likes, needs, and
wants in terms of park identity scenarios, elements,
and amenities. A second round of engagement
focused on collecting feedback about preliminary
concept plans and prioritizing features for the
development of a final concept plan. Community
input was gathered in September/October 2022
(Round 1) and January/February 2023 (Round
2) through online and in-person engagement
activities. Over 3,300 community responses were
received in the first two rounds of public outreach,
providing essential input to shape the revitalization
of Memorial Park. Participants representing a wide
range of ages and ethnicities were excited about the
opportunity to revision the park and eager to share
their opinions in conversations with the project team
and in online responses. A third and final round of
outreach included a public review period and final
presentations of the Memorial Park Specific Plan
to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City
Council.
September to November 2022
WHAT DO
WE WANT?
PUBLIC REVIEW
PERIOD
WHAT ALTERNATIVE
IS BEST?
ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3
January to June 2023 August 2023 to April 2024
Pop-Up Events (3)
Online Survey
Community Webinar
Focus Group Interviews
Design Concept Open House
Online Survey
Community Webinar
Commission & Council
Presentations
Commission & Council
Presentations
Online Design Concept
Review
Figure 3-2: Outreach Process
Figure 3-1: By the Numbers - Community Engagement
■
30 Memorial Park Specific Plan
The outreach efforts revealed that Memorial Park
is a well-utilized and beloved community asset
drawing visitors for a wide range of activities.
Among the community members surveyed, most
visit Memorial Park to attend a festival or event, and
the park’s reputation as a popular venue for public
performances and celebrations is an important part
of its identity. Walking paths, natural areas, trees,
open lawn space, events, and playgrounds were top-
rated features of the park, illustrating how effectively Memorial Park balances active and passive recreation,
play experiences, nature elements, and community
connection.
While planning for the park’s future, the community
favored building on Memorial Park’s strong
foundation, citing new recreation amenities including
water play and nature play, better connections for
bike access, more amenities for all ages/abilities, and an expanded tree canopy to provide more shade as
the most desired enhancements. Although it was
a popular park amenity during initial community
engagement for the Memorial Park Specific Plan,
water play did not align with the City of Cupertino’s
sustainability goals and was not furthered in the
design process.
Community outreach participants preferred a park
design that combines a variety of recreation options,
such as pickleball and tennis, with expanded
opportunities for play, social gathering, and the
enjoyment of nature. Garden areas, trees, shaded
picnic areas, playgrounds, sports courts, upgraded
restrooms, and an upgraded amphitheater were all
important priorities for the final concept plan.
Overall, the community supports the unique features
and diverse uses of Memorial Park, while desiring
enhancements to social and recreational experiences
and improvement of the park’s natural amenities.
The public recognizes the multi-faceted ways the
park serves the Cupertino community by providing
a trifecta of equally engaging identity scenarios as a
civic event space, community gathering space, and
natural site and park.
Image 3-1: Round 1 Pop-Up Event, September 2022
Figure 3-3: Top 5 Most Liked Current Park Features
(Round 1 Outreach)
■
---- TOPS ----
PARK FEATURES
MOST LIKED
II
I
El
II
I
Combined online and in-person
-.
NATURAL AREA ~)ip
AND TREES ■--~---..
FESTIVALS AND ·'<·~ :_
EVENTS -I .. (ii~ ;
•.~ I • ,, ... I •
.f, ... '
From the Community 31
The community envisions a future Memorial Park
that perpetuates these three identities as it evolves.
Enhanced opportunities for access, play, recreation,
events, social gathering, and experiencing nature are
methods to further the uniqueness of the park.
For detailed information about outreach efforts and
results, see Appendix C.
Methods
Community engagement for the project was
conducted in a hybrid manner, utilizing virtual and
in-person formats to solicit input and provide a variety of convenient options to get involved. Outreach
activities included virtual focus group meetings,
two webinars, two online surveys, several public
presentations, a public comment period, and several
in-person events in Cupertino. The engagement
strategy utilized multiple avenues to increase public
awareness of the project and its community outreach
events, including digital and printed promotional
materials. See Table 3-1 for a list of outreach efforts.
The identity scenarios of
Civic Event Space,
Community Gathering Space,
and Natural Site & Park
which directly align with key
community outreach themes and
recommendations for Memorial Park
outlined in the City’s Parks and
Recreation Master Plan
will form the foundation of the
Memorial Park Specific Plan.
Figure 3-4: Desired Scenarios for Current and Future Identity of Memorial Park (Round 1 Outreach)
SCENARIOS
CURRENT
AND FUTURE
MEMORIAL
PARK
IDENTITY
Survey Questions #6-7
and In-Person Votes
42%
NATURAL
SITE AND
PARK
32%
CIVIC
EVENT
SPACE
COMMUNITY 26%
GATHERING
SPACE
■
z ■ NATURAL SITE AND PARK
w
g;j COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
:::,
U CIVIC EVENT SPACE
w a,::
:::,
t
:::,
...
NATURAL SITE AND PARK
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
CIVIC EVENT SPACE
32 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Method Intent/Purpose Media Duration
Engage
Cupertino
(Project Website)
An information resource for residents and
location to post status updates about the project. Online Entire project Survey To gather community input on existing
conditions and future desires for Memorial Park.
Online; available in English,
Chinese, and Hindi
September 15 to
October 9, 2022;
January 25 to
February 22, 2023
Pop-up Events To complement the online survey with in-person participation opportunities.
In-person; printed boards
with interactive dot stickers
September 17, 24,
and October 8, 2022
Open House To complement the online survey with in-person participation opportunity.
In-person; printed boards
with interactive dot stickers February 4, 2023
Focus Group
Interviews
To begin the outreach process with City staff and
the community. Virtual September through
December 2022
Community
Webinar
To gather community feedback on existing
conditions and future desires for Memorial Park. Virtual September 15, 2022 February 9, 2023
Commission
and Council
Presentations
To present the project, gather input, and report
on the project status. Virtual; presentation
February 2, 2023
February 23, 2023
June 1, 2023
June 21, 2023
Public Comment
Period
To present the preferred site plan to the
community for input. Virtual August/September
2023
Park Sign To inform about the project status and
encourage community input.
In-person; posted in
Memorial Park Entire project
Social Media
Post
To spread the word about community
engagement efforts and generate participation.
Online; Facebook and
Instagram profiles Entire project
Postcards and
Door Hangers
To spread the word about community
engagement efforts and generate participation.
Postcards distributed to all
City residences and door
hangers to park-adjacent
residences
September 2022
January 2023
Commission
and Council
Announcements
To announce the project, gather input, and
encourage participation.
Virtual and in-person;
presentation
September and
October 2022
January and
February 2023
City Newsletter To spread the word about community
engagement efforts and generate participation. Virtual and hard copies January 26 and February 2023
Table 3-1: Outreach Methods
■
From the Community 33
Round 1: Community Themes
Community outreach efforts during the initial stage
of the project collected input on a wide range of topics including current park features, usage habits, and
ideas for revitalizing Memorial Park. Engagement
activities consisted of three pop-up events, an online
survey, a community webinar, and five focus group
interviews. Outreach themes highlighted during the
first round of engagement align with several themes
and priorities identified in the City’s Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan, as outlined below.
Overall, the community wants Memorial Park
to be easy to get to and move through, include
distinctive spaces for social activities, offer a wide
variety of engaging recreation options in a nature-
oriented setting, and support a healthy, cohesive
community in a manner that is uniquely Cupertino.
Suggested improvements for the park focused on a
combination of passive and active uses, as well as
social and individual experiences. Improving event
spaces such as the amphitheater, enhancing the tree
canopy and shade, adding recreation activities and
amenities, enhancing nature experiences, expanding
inclusive options, and improving park access
were recommendations outlined in the Parks and
Recreation System Master Plan equally supported by
outreach input for the Memorial Park Specific Plan.
Additionally, participants in Round 1 outreach
supported the following park features:
•
Multi-use pathw
ays and bike-friendly access
points
•
All-abilities, nature, and w
ater play amenities
•
Nativ
e plant and demonstration gardens
•
Spaces for festiv
als and community events
•
Dedicated pickleball and tennis courts
•
Picnic areas with shade
Figure 3-5: Shared Key Themes Between Memorial Park & Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Community Outreach Community Outreach Themes from 2020 System Master Plan that Align with Memorial Park Specific Plan Outreach Results
Residents want easy, enhanced access
to parks and recreation opportunities.
Community members want more
opportunities to connect to nature.
Cupertino desires a variety of play
experiences for all ages and abilities.
Parks and recreation opportunities
should reflect Cupertino’s character,
heritage, and diverse community.
Residents and visitors desire a wide
range of recreation options.
Residents appreciate community
events and would like to see more
spaces in Cupertino for bringing
people together.
PARK & FACILITY
ACCESS
UNIQUELY
CUPERTINO
NATURE
EXPERIENCE
RECREATION
VARIETY
EXTRAORDINARY
PLAY
SOCIAL GATHERING
& CELEBRATION
■
34 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Round 2: Preferred Design
The second round of community engagement
presented three preliminary concept plans and
collected feedback to develop a preferred design for
Memorial Park. Engagement opportunities included
an online survey, webinar, community open house,
public presentations, and the public comment period.
The goal of this round of outreach was to gauge
public sentiment about different concept options and
determine priorities for the final plan.
Each park concept was inspired by one of the three
identity scenarios—Civic Event Space, Community
Gathering Space, and Natural Site and Park. Concept
A (Community Focus) offered a wide range of
community-oriented activities while balancing the
natural and civic elements of the park. Concept B
(Nature Focus) expanded and enhanced the park’s
natural elements and blended them with other civic
and community-oriented spaces. Concept C (Civic
Focus) enhanced opportunities for civic engagement
while integrating nature and community-oriented
elements of the park. Appendix D contains the three
preliminary concept plans.
Concept Priorities
Results from Round 2 outreach revealed the
community’s preferences and priorities for Memorial
Park’s design. In general, the community preferred
a balance of passive and active amenities, including
play, social gathering, fitness, nature, and civic
engagement, and favored the concept plan that best
reflects those priorities. Features such as playgrounds, pickleball courts, a passive garden walk, and the
amphitheater ranked as favorite elements of each of
the three concepts.
When asked to select the most important features
across all three concept plans to be included in the
final design, the community again focused on a
unique combination of play-based recreation, nature
elements, and social amenities (see Figure 3-7). The
majority of participants chose Concept A as their
preferred concept, which focused on recreation and
play with a relocated/expanded playground as part
of a multi-age play area to replace the softball field.
TOP 10
MOST
IMPORTANT
FEATURES
FOR THE FINAL
DESIGN OF
MEMORIAL PARK
All Outreach Methods
185PASSIVE GARDEN WALK
DEDICATED PICKLEBALL COURTS
RELOCATED/UPGRADED RESTROOMS
UPGRADED PLAYGROUND
PICNIC AREA WITH SHADE
ADDITIONAL TREES
UPGRADED AMPHITHEATER
RELOCATED/EXPANDED PLAYGROUND
NATURE PLAYGROUND
GROUP PICNIC AREA WITH SHADE
177
174
173
164
150
139
135
127
total
number
of votes
111
Figure 3-7: Top 10 Most Important Features for the Final Design of Memorial Park (Round 2 Outreach)
IDENTIFY YOUR
PREFERRED CONCEPT
50%
13%
37%
CONCEPT A:
COMMUNITY FOCUS
CONCEPT B:
NATURE FOCUS
CONCEPT C:
CIVIC FOCUS
All Outreach Methods
Figure 3-6: Preferred Concept Breakdown (Round 2 Outreach) ■
-----. L
IHI~
fir
al
rti
-~
~
L------ ,~~
~
■
■
■
From the Community 35
Preferred Concept Plan
Feedback from the community, as well as City
staff and commissioners, was synthesized into the
preferred concept plan for Memorial Park. This design
used Concept A—the favorite concept from Round 2
outreach—as a base, while blending some of the most
popular features from Concepts B and C into a single
plan that cohesively serves the diverse needs of the
community. A key feature of the preferred plan was a
large multi-age play area with a relocated/expanded
playground and three dedicated pickleball courts
on the site of the existing softball field, as shown in Concept A.
The preferred concept was presented to City Council
in June 2023. In consideration of public comments
received, the preferred design was approved by
Council with the condition that the softball field
remained in its current location and the new features
included in the preferred design for that area be
relocated.
Revised Preferred Concept Plan
A revised preferred concept plan was available
online for public review in August/September 2023.
In the updated design, the softball field remained
in its existing location, as per Council’s direction, in place of the previously proposed multi-age play area.
Several new park amenities were relocated to other
areas of the park, including four dedicated pickleball
courts in the southeast corner of the park. Feedback
received from the local pickleball community during
the public comment period for this design indicated
that the number of pickleball courts should be
increased to a total of eight to accommodate growing
demand.
The following chapter presents the final concept plan
and its amenities, proposed site circulation, trees and landscaping, and other components of the revitalized
Memorial Park.
Figure 3-8: Preferred Concept Plan Presented at the June 2023 City Council Meeting ■
SITE PLAN
(i) Event Lown
0 New Parking Lo
0 Relocated/ Upgraded Restroom
© Expanded Senior Center Courtyard
© Bocce Court
© Nature Playground
0 Enhanced Pede sirian/B tke Access
© Veterans Memorial
© Upgraded Amphitheater and SI0ge
@ Gozebo Picnic Areo
j @ Possive Gorden Wolk
" @ Ployground 12-5. 5- 12, Tricycle lrack)
,i
~ @ New Restroom
I @ Baskelbol l Court
@ Pickle ball Courts
@ Off- Leash Dog Area !Fenced)
@ Existing Tennis Coutts.
@ Reservable Picnic Area
@ Upgraded Quinlan Courtyar d
@ Existing Parking Lot
Proposed Tree$
•
Existing Trees
Sfevons Crest Soulovad D D BO' 1.0' 320'
~-.~
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Intentionally
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Park Concept 37
Park Concept
Chapter 4
Park Concept
Chapter 4
■
38 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Final Concept
The final concept plan (Figure 4-1) emerged as a result of the comprehensive outreach approach discussed in
the previous chapter. The proposed design provides
a cohesive park space that has clear organizational
hierarchy, directly responds to the priorities identified in the community outreach process, and builds upon
the shared vision for Memorial Park as outlined in
the Parks and Recreation System Master Plan.
This chapter presents a conceptual design that
celebrates Memorial Park’s existing historical
and environmental features while proposing new
amenities and infrastructural improvements to
enhance the overall visitor experience. The design
preserves important cultural features of the park,
such as the Veterans Memorial, as well as preserving
key recreational opportunities, such as tennis and
softball. A renovated amphitheater and stage,
dedicated pickleball courts, and an all-abilities
playground are among the proposed improvements
to revitalize Memorial Park.
The final concept plan considered the existing and
future uses of the park amenities to provide a balanced and functional outdoor space. Trash receptacles,
drinking fountains, benches, and bicycle racks will be
incorporated strategically near amenities, restrooms,
and other destinations to enhance visitor comfort
and convenience. Additional trees, plantings, and
bioretention areas are recommended to maintain the
park’s aesthetic environment while enhancing its
ecological value. Lastly, the final concept improves
park circulation with an expanded multi-use path
network that provides bicycle connections to the
City’s extensive active transportation system.
The remainder of this chapter discusses the
programming of the park, outlines the new or
enhanced site elements, provides character images
to communicate ideas, describes the improved
circulation network, explores event and festival
considerations, and summarizes the landscaping
recommendations.
1 New Site Arrival
2 New Parking Stalls
3 Upgraded Restroom
4 Passive Garden Walk
5 Pickleball Courts
6 Expanded Senior Center Deck / Plaza
7 Fitness Station
8 Bocce Court
9 Reservable Picnic Area
10 Nature Playground
11 Enhanced Pedestrian / Bicycle Access
12 Veterans Memorial
13 Upgraded Amphitheater and Stage
14 Historic Gazebo
15 Event Lawns
16 Event Plaza
17 All-Abilities Playground
18 New Restrooms
19 Basketball Court
20 Existing Softball Field / DOLA
21 Dedicated Tennis Courts
22 Upgraded Quinlan Courtyard
23 Upgraded Parking Lots
■
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 Park Concept 39
Cupertino
Senior Center
100’ 0 200’
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
16 11
18 18
17 15
15 14
13 2
5 4
76 8
10 12
11 1
1 20
3 21
15 23
23 23
23 9 22
19 Figure 4-1: Final Concept Plan
■
0 40 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Programming
Site programming involves the thoughtful
planning, design, and arrangement of distinct areas
within the park to support specific activities and
experiences. Effective site programming ensures
that each designated area can accommodate its
intended purpose while also considering factors like
accessibility, safety, and aesthetics.
The programmed areas accommodate a diverse
range of community needs, interests, and priorities.
Their organic arrangement ensures that the park’s
layout is balanced and cohesive, while establishing
a harmonious, vibrant, and functional blend of active
and passive recreation opportunities. Programmed
uses are also separated into well-defined pockets to
avoid interference and conflict between incompatible
uses while maintaining a permeable, attractive, and
approachable hierarchy of activities. Deliberate and
intentional site programming produces an engaging
and enjoyable rhythm as a visitor travels through the
park.
Figure 4-2 shows the primary programmed areas:
sports, play, social gathering and picnic, festivals
and events, and experiential garden. The general
definitions and benefits of the programmed areas are
discussed below. Specific site elements and physical
design features within Memorial Park are explored in
the following section, organized by the zones labeled
in the figure.
Social Gathering and Picnic
This area provides a space for casual social
gatherings as well as opportunities for relaxation
and passive enjoyment. Picnic tables and barbeques
provide spaces for cookouts and communal dining
experiences to share and enjoy meals with family and
friends, while also supporting passive uses such as
reading, studying, crafting, and board games. Some
of the amenities in this programmed area are rentable,
including the Quinlan courtyard, large picnic area,
and historic gazebo.
Play
Play areas are designed for children and families
to engage in a variety of physical, social, and
imaginative activities. These areas support family
outings, caretaker-child bonding, quality outdoor
experiences, and community building. They provide
opportunities for children to develop skills and
explore their interests in a safe and supervised
environment.
Experiential Garden
Experiential gardens are valuable for promoting
relaxation, contemplation, and mindfulness by
offering a tranquil and meditative space. This area
allows a visitor to peacefully explore and appreciate
the natural environment. Experiential gardens may
showcase a variety of materials and plant species,
focusing on unique textures, fragrances, and colors
that create a sensory and educational experience
while supporting the health and resilience of the
local ecosystem.
Festivals and Events
By allocating spaces for festivals and large events, a
park can enrich the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the community. These areas provide opportunities
for celebrating cultural diversity through educational
and artistic exhibitions and performances; boosting
tourism and the local business economy by attracting
outside visitors from the greater region; and building
a community sense of pride and identity by creating
platforms for local performers, artists, and vendors to gain recognition.
Sports
This programmed zone features recreational facilities
and spectator areas designed for sports-related
activities. Although sports fields and courts typically have striping and features aligned with the rules and
requirements of one particular sport, they are often
flexible to accommodate a wide range of casual athletic hobbies. Athletic areas may support organized sports
leagues and competitive tournaments as well as
casual and spontaneous games. This usage category
plays an important role in promoting physical fitness,
social interaction, and community engagement.
■
Park Concept 41
100’ 0 200’
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
SportsPlay
Social Gathering and Picnic Festivals and Events
Experiential Garden Zones
A
B
C D
Figure 4-2: Site Programming and Zone Key Map
■
0 0
0 0
.,. ___ _ . - -. . - -.
42 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Elements - Zone A
Passive Garden Walk
The passive garden walk provides a quiet and aesthetic
space for meditation and passive enjoyment of the
natural environment. This amenity features walking
paths that meander through planting and landscaped
areas. The passive garden walk will feature native
and adapted low-water plant species, providing
visual interest and species richness. Seating elements
with back support are placed strategically along the
meandering pathways, encouraging visitors to linger
is this serene setting (Figure 4-3).
In response to the City’s Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Plan, the site will include stormwater
treatment areas with educational signage. Stevens
Creek Boulevard frontage will also accommodate
street stormwater runoff.
Figure 4-3: Photosimulation of the Passive Garden Walk
Image 4-1: Passive Garden Walk
■
Park Concept 43
1 Passive Garden Walk
2 Pickleball Courts
3 Nature Playground
4 Expanded Senior Center Deck / Plaza
5 Event Lawn
6 Bocce Court
7 Fitness Station
8 Park Sign
9 New Restroom
10 Upgraded Parking Lot
11 New Parking Stalls
Cupertino Senior Center
KEY MAP
Mary Avenue
3 6
1 4
7 8
5 9
2 11
10 A
Figure 4-4: Final Concept - Zone A
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 ■
44 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Pickleball Courts
The final concept includes eight dedicated pickleball
courts located in the southeast corner of the park.
This location is ideal due to the proximity to the
Cupertino Sports Center, which has overlapping
and compatible uses. The reservable courts will be
contained by a 6-foot fence and feature waiting areas
with benches and drinking fountains at the eastern
entrances.
The pickleball courts are oriented north/south and
are organized into two clusters of four courts with
permanent nets. The pickleball courts are expected
to accommodate multiple games to accommodate
the growing pickleball demand. Lighting is
recommended to allow for evening use.
Nature Playground
The nature playground features boulders, logs, and
other natural materials for creative and imaginative
play. Nature playgrounds provide opportunities
for unstructured activities that bolster sensory
development and environmental education. This
amenity is the smaller of the two playgrounds in
the park, and is accompanied by an adjacent small
reservable picnic area with a barbeque.
Expanded Senior Center Deck / Plaza
The Cupertino Senior Center deck will be expanded
to accommodate a larger number of guests for events
and activities held at the facility. The deck will feature a gentle ramp that connects to the pathway network
and a small plaza at the ground level (Figure 4-5).
Event Lawn
The event lawn provides a large open space that is
flexible and multi-use. The grassy area would be
ideal for events and social gatherings, quiet lounging
and relaxing, or informal lawn games. The event
lawn features seat walls along the edge allowing
for rest and observation. This amenity would also
accommodate spillover from the adjacent nature
playground and picnic area.
Figure 4-5: Enlargement of Senior Center Deck / Plaza
Image 4-2: Pickleball Courts
Image 4-3: Nature Playground
■
Park Concept 45
Bocce Court
The proposed bocce court is north of the Cupertino
Senior Center and is expected to be utilized by
members of this facility. This amenity is reservable
but open for drop-in use when not otherwise
occupied. The bocce court will have a shade structure
and seating for additional comfort, and will require
little maintenance aside from periodic compaction.
Fitness Station
The park design features an outdoor fitness station,
which will be equipped with exercise equipment for
visitors to engage in strength and balance training.
The fitness station intends to provide free access to
physical exercises guided by signage and featuring
accessible design.
Park Sign
A relocated park sign will enhance the arrival
experience for a visitor entering the park from the
southeast corner. The sign, centered between two
entry pathways, will improve visibility of the park
for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers traveling
along Stevens Creek Boulevard.
New Restroom
A small restroom building will provide bathroom
stalls as well as drinking fountains and storage for
park equipment. This restroom replaces an existing
restroom planned for removal, and will serve the
adjacent amenities such as the nature playground
and pickleball courts.
Upgraded Parking Lot
The Cupertino Senior Center parking lot is
recommended for resurfacing and restriping. While
the arrangement and number of parking stalls would
not change, landscape improvements to the planting
areas and an asphalt concrete overlay would enhance
the visitor arrival experience. A new speed table at
the northern edge of the parking lot would serve as
a traffic calming device that improves circulation,
safety, and accessibility, as discussed further in the
Site Circulation section.
New Parking Stalls
The pickleball courts will be bordered to the east by
nine new parallel parking stalls. One of the eight
stalls is accessible. The adjacent sidewalk connects
the stalls to the park’s circulation network. Directly
north of the parking stalls is a 15-foot maintenance
vehicle access point off of Anton Way.
Image 4-4: Bocce Court
Image 4-5: Fitness Station
■
46 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Elements - Zone B
All-Abilities Playground
A primary focal point of the park’s design is the
large all-abilities playground. This key amenity
accommodates people of all abilities, including those
with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
Adaptive equipment such as handrails, transfer
platforms, and specialized seating accommodate a
variety of physical needs, in addition to ramps and
pathways that allow efficient access for individuals
with mobility devices. The all-abilities playground
aims to create a welcoming environment to support
many types of play by including multi-sensory
elements and variety of social spaces. These features
are built upon the primary elements of play, which
include balancing, sliding, brachiating, spinning,
climbing, swinging, running, and free play.
The all-abilities playground will feature resilient
rubber surfacing and will utilize the existing natural
topography for locating slides and pathways.
This amenity is the largest of the two proposed
playgrounds in the park and will be accompanied by
an adjacent picnic area with accessible picnic tables.
Upgraded Amphitheater and Stage
The existing amphitheater and stage are highly used
amenities in Memorial Park, frequently hosting
concerts and theatrical performances. As part of this
final concept plan, the amphitheater will be expanded
in size and will receive upgrades to seating, stairs, and pathways to enhance accessibility. The amphitheater
and stage will feature new shade structures to extend
usage during hot and sunny days, new surfacing,
and technological enhancements that will expand
entertainment opportunities. The existing hill behind
the amphitheater seating will continue to offer
additional informal seating options for viewers.
Image 4-6: All-Abilities Playground
Image 4-7: All-Abilities Playground
■
Park Concept 47
Figure 4-6: Final Concept - Zone B
1 All-Abilities Playground
2 Upgraded Amphitheater and Stage
3 Historic Gazebo
4 Event Lawn
5 Veterans Memorial
6 Seating / Picnic Area
7 Upgraded Parking Lot
8 New Restroom
Anton Way
KEY MAP
B
2 7
3 4
6 6
6 6
5 1
8 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 ■
48 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Historic Gazebo
As discussed in Chapter 2, the existing gazebo is
identified as a historic site in the General Plan. While there will be no alterations to the historic gazebo’s
structure, the planting area along its border will
be refreshed and its paved platform area will be
resurfaced. The paved area will feature several picnic
tables for drop-in use. The gentle improvements to
this cultural amenity are expected to increase its
aesthetic character, celebrate its history, and increase visitation as a key destination in the park.
Event Lawn
This additional event lawn provides extra flat and
open space for picnics, lounging, and playing
games. Crowds can spill over into this area, which
is expected to occur during large events at the
amphitheater. The proposed event lawn is flexible
and can accommodate a variety of uses (Figure 4-7).
Figure 4-7: Photosimulation of the Event Lawn
Image 4-8: Event Lawn
■
Park Concept 49
Veterans Memorial
Similar to the historic gazebo, the Veterans Memorial
will be preserved in its existing condition. The
memorial will feature minor adjustments to the
existing surrounding topography. The brick pavers
featured in the Veterans Memorial have inscribed
messages that will continue to be maintained. This
cultural amenity will continue to accommodate
quiet moments of reflection for visitors, the annual
Veterans Day Ceremony, and other community
events and gatherings for many years to come.
Seating / Picnic Area
Additional seating opportunities are proposed
at several key locations in this portion of the
park. Benches, picnic tables, and seat walls are
recommended to improve visitor comfort and
accessibility. Where feasible, these areas may be
accompanied by educational signage highlighting
landscape and garden elements.
Upgraded Parking Lot
The final concept plan recommends resurfacing
and restriping this parking lot. An asphalt concrete
overlay will follow minor adjustments to the parking
lot planting areas to accommodate a widened
pedestrian and bicycle multi-use path. While the
locations of the parking lot stalls will shift, the overall number of stalls available to visitors will not change.
New Restroom
A small restroom structure will provide convenient
access to bathroom stalls, drinking fountains, and
park storage for the adjacent amenities and uses.
Image 4-9: Seating Opportunities
Image 4-10: New Restroom
■
50 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Elements - Zone C
Event Plaza
The new event plaza offers additional opportunities
for small to medium-sized gatherings. It bridges the
proposed event lawn areas, allowing for overflow
during highly-attended events. This public space
serves as a primary entry into the park, conveniently
located adjacent to a parking lot as well as the
pedestrian entrance accessible from the Alves
Drive sidewalk. The event plaza features decorative
pavement colors and textures, creating a distinctive
pedestrian experience while also allowing a key point
of access for emergency vehicles. A grid arrangement
of trees, with seating elements under the canopy,
provide a shady spot for park visitors to enjoy. The
event plaza is expected to be a heavily-used park
amenity and destination given its convenient location
and aesthetic characteristics (Figure 4-8).
Figure 4-8: Photosimulation of the Event Plaza
■
Park Concept 51
1 Event Plaza
2 Existing Softball Field / DOLA
3 Reservable Picnic Area
4 Basketball Court
5 Dedicated Tennis Courts
6 Upgraded Spectator Seating
7 Upgraded Restroom
Christensen Drive
KEY MAP
C
2 6
7 6 5
3 4
1 Figure 4-9: Final Concept - Zone C
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
■
52 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Softball Field / DOLA
Memorial Park features a high quality lighted softball
field with a scoreboard that attracts visitors from
across the South Bay region. This amenity has field
preparation services (such as dragging, watering,
chalking, and bases) made available through the
Parks and Recreation Department reservation system.
The final concept plan recommends that this amenity
serve a double purpose as a dog off-leash area
(DOLA) when not in use for softball during regular
hours of park operation. At present, the softball field is informally used by dog owners. Formalizing this
existing usage would improve safety and mitigate
potential conflicts, such as spillover from the adjacent all-abilities playground interfacing with off-leash
dogs. Improvements to accommodate this usage
include closing the gaps in the fencing to enclose the
area, as well as new site elements such as drinking
fountains with pet bowls, trash receptacles, and
additional bag dispensers to supplement the existing
ones placed strategically throughout the park. The
final concept plan recommends modernizing the
existing field lighting and control system, as well as
annual inspection and maintenance of the system, to
ensure this amenity remains safe during evening use.
The softball field will remain as a reservable amenity
that continues to host organized league events
given its high quality condition and functionality.
In addition to the proposed upgrades to the
lighting system, the final concept plan recommends
enhancements to the spectator seating area and
adjacent restroom facilities, as well as adjustments
to the topography and plantings of the bermed area
behind the spectator seating to further enhance the
visitor experience.
Reservable Picnic Area
The picnic area adjacent to the Quinlan event lawn
will be expanded in size. As the largest and only
reservable picnic area in the park, this amenity is
used for celebrations and gatherings such as birthday
parties, family reunions, community cookouts, and
more. The ample counter space, electricity outlets,
and trash/recycle/compost receptacles establish this
area as a valuable community resource. The existing
sinks, barbeques, seating elements, and concrete
surfacing will be upgraded to ensure that this space
continues to facilitate safe and convenient food
preparation and cleanup for large groups.
The reservable picnic area will be further improved
by the addition of two new shade structures to extend
usage on hot and sunny days. The existing terraced
stairs on the eastern side of the picnic area, sloping
downwards to the Quinlan event lawn, functions
as an informal stage. This feature will be expanded
and improved to further accommodate events and
community gatherings.
Image 4-11: Softball Field (Existing)
Image 4-12: Reservable Picnic Area with Shade
■
Park Concept 53
Basketball Court
A full-size basketball court, available for drop-in
use, will accompany the other sports opportunities
in this portion of the park. The court is also adjacent to the reservable picnic area and event plaza. Given
the adjacency to the cell tower and transformers, the
court’s location preserves maintenance access, and is
compatible with the adjacent softball use.
The court will be 84 feet by 50 feet, which is the
standard dimension for high school and middle
school games. It will feature lighting for evening use
and seat walls along the sides of the court for players and spectators. The existing berms provide casual
seating opportunities, partially shaded by existing
trees, to supplement the seating opportunities in the
event plaza.
Dedicated Tennis Courts
One of the six existing lighted tennis courts has dual
striping for pickleball, providing four pickleball
spaces within one tennis court. As part of the park’s
design plan, the pickleball usage will be moved to
dedicated courts in the southeastern portion of the
park, and the dual striping will be removed. Aside
from updates to the striping, the tennis courts
are in good condition and will not receive direct
improvements.
While the tennis courts are first come, first served,
this area can host several simultaneous games and
is therefore used for casual tournaments organized
informally by community members. The tennis
courts are expected to continue to host casual
tournaments given their high quality condition,
existing lighting, and nearby restroom facilities. The
bermed area to the west of the courts will remain,
with minor improvements to the topography, as well
as enhancements to the spectator seating area.
Upgraded Spectator Seating
Both the tennis courts and the softball fields are
accompanied by concrete and brick terraced seat
walls serving as an opportunity for spectator
viewing. While not currently accessible, the final
concept plan recommends upgrades to the existing
spectator seating to allow for free and full access to
the amenity for visitors of all ability levels.
Upgraded Restroom
The existing restroom nestled under the tennis
court spectator seating will be renovated to provide
features that are compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). These crucial upgrades will
enhance the visitor experience and ensure safety for
all park users. This restroom is expected to be a key
amenity for tournaments and organized sports events
held at the tennis courts and softball field, as well as large events in other areas such as the Quinlan event
lawn.
■
54 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Elements - Zone D
Quinlan Courtyard
The Quinlan Community Center is a very active
hub of the City. This facility frequently hosts events
organized by the City as well as local organizations
and residents. The Quinlan courtyard is frequently
used as an outdoor component of events occurring
inside the building’s lobby, such as the annual
Community Tree Lighting in December.
The final concept plan recommends extending the
paved area of the courtyard. This extension allows
additional space for a variety of seating opportunities, and will allow the courtyard to accommodate a larger
number of guests and types of activities. The shade
canopy will be enhanced with new trees and shade
structure.
The final concept plan does not recommend alterations
to the building itself or its attached outdoor small
play area and seating node. However, the park design
includes landscape improvements around the edges
of the building and within the parking lots. The trees
in the landscape islands within the parking lot will
be replaced in compliance with the arborist report’s
classification of these trees as having a low suitability for preservation.
Quinlan Event Lawn
The Quinlan event lawn is a popular location for
large community events. At approximately 50,000
square feet, this amenity can also accommodate
regional events such as the Bay Area Diwali Festival
of Lights. This large multi-use lawn also provides
space for spillover from events occurring at the
Quinlan Community Center and its courtyard.
The existing looped pathway around the Quinlan
event lawn is a popular walking route for visitors. At
present, the eastern side of the loop travels through
the Quinlan courtyard. As a result, passive uses
such as strolling or dog walking can conflict with
other uses such as an active celebration or a solemn
ceremony taking place in the courtyard.
The final concept plan recommends an additional
pathway along the eastern side of the Quinlan
event lawn, located west of the retaining wall and
linear arrangement of trees that visually separate
the amenities. This allows pedestrians to complete
the loop without encroaching on events or being
hindered by a crowd. The proposed pathway runs
alongside the existing retaining wall, providing
access to informal seating. The wall is shaded under a
row of existing Purpleleaf Plum trees that offer a pop
of color in the spring, as well as a proposed additional row of Purpleleaf Plum trees, discussed further in the
Trees and Landscaping section.
Image 4-13: Event LawnImage 4-14: Quinlan Courtyard as Event Space ■
Park Concept 55
1 Quinlan Courtyard
2 Quinlan Event Lawn
3 Perimeter Seating
4 Upgraded Parking Lots
Alves Drive
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
KEY MAP
D
2 4
3 3 4
1 Figure 4-10: Final Concept - Zone D
0 0
0 0
0 ■
56 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Perimeter Seating
Seating elements are recommended along the
perimeter pathway that loops around the Quinlan
event lawn. The proposed tree canopy lining the
pathway will provide shade for visitors stopping
to rest while traveling through the park’s extensive
pedestrian network. The additional seating
opportunities are ideal for observing activities taking place on the Quinlan event lawn.
Upgraded Parking Lots
The existing parking lot along Alves Drive will be
enhanced to improve circulation and accessibility to
and within Memorial Park. The parking lot presently
has one entrance at the center of its frontage with
Alves Drive, resulting in congestion during peak
visitation times. The park design proposes two points
of egress on the west and east sides of the parking lot.
This layout is expected to relieve congestion during
events and improve pick-up and drop-off circulation.
Lastly, this parking lot will be resurfaced and
restriped to ensure safety and ease of use. The total
number of parking stalls will not change (50). The
number of accessible will increase from two to four,
which will be evenly split between the northwestern
and northeastern corners of the lot.
The final concept plan proposes minor landscaping
improvements to the Quinlan Community Center
parking lot planting areas, resurfacing, and restriping. ■
Park Concept 57
Image 4-15: Quinlan Courtyard
■
58 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Festivals and Events
The final concept plan recommends accommodations
for festivals, events, and other community gatherings
that are expected to be held at Memorial Park for
many years to come. During the design process,
potential event space was studied and prioritized,
to ensure that present and future events can be held
safely in the park.
Figure 4-11 shows the regions of the park that are
intended to host large gatherings, while the other
areas are intended for individual enjoyment or small
to medium group activities. The figure also shows the
main promenade and primary pedestrian circulation
routes, which conveniently connect all large event
spaces. The festival and event areas are intended for
performances, concerts, speeches, cultural festivals,
public celebrations, civic events, and other gatherings that may include food and merchandise vendors or
temporary structures like stages and canopies.
These open lawn areas are highly adaptable
to different uses. When not hosting events, the
festival and event areas could be used for lounging,
picnicking, sunbathing, meditation, photography,
painting, reading, and other forms of passive
recreation. These areas could also be used for active
recreation activities such as playing frisbee or catch, having a race, flying kites, yoga and stretching, and
other athletic or team-building outdoor activities.
The Parking Study conducted for the Memorial
Park Specific Plan observed parking capacity levels
during the 2022 Bay Area Diwali Festival of Lights.
The analysis found that existing on-street and off-
street parking available to visitors was adequate,
even during peak periods of the event (Appendix A).
The analysis also noted that De Anza College to the
south of the park is occasionally used for overflow
parking during large events. This partnership with
the neighboring college ensures that Memorial Park
will continue to host large-scale community and
regional events that are safe and easy to navigate to.
Image 4-16: Amphitheater (Existing)
■
Park Concept 59
100’ 0 200’
Festivals and Events Area Main Promenade
Primary Pedestrian Circulation
Arrival Node
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Figure 4-11: Festivals and Event Areas
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60 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Site Circulation
The final concept plan considers improvements to
pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle circulation to and
within the park.
Pedestrian
The park design features a strategic network of multi-
use paths to provide an enjoyable walking experience.
Figure 4-14 shows the proposed pedestrian circulation
network, including the main promenade as well as the
primary and secondary pedestrian circulation routes.
The hierarchy of pathways relates to the width of the
path and the expected level of foot traffic. Pathways
vary from 6 to 12 feet and may consist of concrete or
pavers. Several arrival nodes, such as the event plaza, facilitate enjoyable arrival experiences that are key to guide visitor circulation and wayfinding.
The pathway network provides an accessible and
direct connection to all park amenities, while also
offering a meandering option for visitors desiring a
prolonged walking experience. A raised crosswalk
with high-visibility striping is recommended
to replace the existing speed bump north of the
Cupertino Senior Center parking lot. Raised
crosswalks are flush with the height of the sidewalk
to enhance the pedestrian experience, particularly
for visitors with mobility devices. This feature also
acts as a speed table for vehicular traffic calming and improving the visibility of pedestrians to reduce the
risk of potential collisions.
Bicycle
Key components of the final concept plan are the
proposed bicycle enhancements. New bicycle paths
in Memorial Park would provide critical connections
between segments of the existing and proposed City-
wide bicycle network.
Two types of bicycle paths are proposed in the
final concept plan: a Class I, 20-foot-wide bicycle/
pedestrian separated path running west to east and a
Class II 12-foot-wide bicycle/pedestrian shared path
running north to south. The 20-foot separated path
would consist of an 8-foot dedicated bicycle lane on
the north side of the path and a 12-foot dedicated
pedestrian lane on the south side, with crosswalk
striping at all pathway intersections. The 12-foot
shared path would include 1-foot shoulders on each
side of the path. Bollards, signage, striping, and other measures would be included in these multi-use paths
to improve safety and reduce potential collisions.
Figure 4-14 notes the primary bicycle entrances and
critical intersections while Figures 4-12 and 4-13 show key locations for safety striping and signage. Figure
4-13 further highlights how the raised crosswalk
serves as a key connection to the Mary Avenue
bikeway via bicycle lanes along the Cupertino Senior
Center entrance road. Bicycle racks are recommended
along multi-use paths and at park entrances, as well
as signage recommending dismount along non-
bicycle routes.
Raised Crosswalk
Striping & Signage
Striping & Signage
1 2
Figure 4-12: Enlargement of Critical Intersection (1)
Figure 4-13: Enlargement of Critical Intersection (2)
■
0 0
Park Concept 61
100’ 0 200’
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
North Stelling Road
Quinlan
Community
Center
Alves Drive
Christensen Drive
Main Promenade
Primary Pedestrian Circulation
Secondary Pedestrian Circulation
Existing Sidewalk
Pedestrian Entrance
Bike/Ped Separated 20’ Path
Bike/Ped Shared 12’ Path
Planned Bicycle Network
Existing Bicycle Network
Bicycle Entrance
Arrival Node
Critical Intersection
2 1
Figure 4-14: Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
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■
62 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Vehicle
Figure 4-15 shows vehicular access improvements
to Memorial Park as part of the final concept design.
While there is no vehicle circulation for visitors
inside the park, access points and circulation routes
for maintenance and emergency vehicles were
prioritized in the design.
Emergency Access
Well-planned emergency vehicle access requires
careful consideration of pathways and infrastructure
to accommodate the size and weight of ambulances,
fire engines, and other first responders. Access points, as well a turnaround area, were strategically placed
in the final concept plan to ensure the safety and
wellbeing of visitors and staff. These considerations
allow emergency vehicles to navigate the park
efficiently, especially during events with large crowds, stages, outdoor furniture, and other temporary
event-related structures. Careful emergency access
planning also preserves natural areas of the park that
may provide habitat to the local ecosystem.
The event plaza adjacent to the basketball court is a
key location for entry and turnaround of emergency
vehicles. Aesthetic pavement colors and textures are
recommended to accommodate the weight of the
vehicles while maintaining an attractive public space.
Maintenance Access
Maintenance vehicles can also utilize emergency
vehicle access points for regular park maintenance
such as landscaping and trash removal, as well as
upkeep of restrooms, pathways, playgrounds, picnic
areas, and other amenities. A new maintenance
access point is proposed along Anton Way north of
the pickleball courts. This 15-foot pathway allows for
City vehicles to safely enter the park for operational
inspections, event preparation, and other activities to ensure Memorial Park remains safe, attractive, and
functional.
Parking
The Parking Study conducted for the Memorial Park
Specific Plan (Appendix A) found that the existing
parking facilities are generally sufficient for day-to- day and festival use. The final concept plan improves
the quality of the existing parking lots while adding
several unrestricted parking stalls for visitor
convenience. These improvements are intended to
enhance the arrival experience while alleviating
congestion during peak visitation periods.
All parking lots in Memorial Park, as well as
the roundabout adjacent to the softball field, are
recommended for resurfacing with a new layer of
asphalt concrete with subsequent restriping and
ADA-compliant curb ramps. In the Cupertino Senior
Center parking lot, new plantings are recommended
in the center island and the adjacent planting areas. In the rectangular lots directly north, renovations to the planting areas and curbs would shift stall locations.
Specifically, the planting areas adjacent to the
existing speed bump would be widened while those
to the north would become smaller. The existing trees
would be replaced, as supported by the tree analysis
conducted for this Specific Plan. The total number of
parking stalls in this area will not change with the
proposed improvements.
The existing parking lot along Alves Drive has a
singular access point while the final concept plan
proposes two access points to alleviate congestion.
While the overall number of parking stalls would
not change, the number of accessible stalls would
increase from two to four.
The parking lot for the Quinlan Community Center is
recommended for landscaping improvements to the
parking islands, specifically replacing the existing
trees that were identified as having low suitability
for preservation.
Lastly, the final concept plan recommends nine
parallel parking stalls along Anton Way adjacent to
the pickleball courts. One accessible stall and eight
unrestricted stalls would provide a convenient
parking option for the southeast portion of the park.
As recommended in the parking study, other
improvements may include supplemental wayfinding
signs that clarify time and/or permit restrictions while directing visitors to additional parking facilities in
the park.
■
Park Concept 63
100’ 0 200’
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Anton Way
Public Vehicle Access
Emergency/Maintenance Vehicle Access
Emergency Vehicle Turnaround
Parking Areas and Drive Aisles
Accessible Stall (Proposed)
Accessible Stall (Existing)
Figure 4-15: Vehicle Circulation
> >
■
64 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Trees and Landscape
The final concept recommends new planting areas,
lawn areas, and trees. These landscaping elements
aim to create a peaceful natural setting that provides
shade, visual interest, and a cohesive aesthetic theme.
Landscape Zones
Lawn
As discussed previously, portions of the repurposed
pond were recently converted to lawn area. The
final concept plan proposes to shape the lawn areas
strategically around the proposed and existing
park amenities, complementing park features and
providing room for events and passive enjoyment.
The final concept plan proposes multi-use lawn space
north of the passive garden walk and in the area
surrounding the amphitheater, stage, and historic
gazebo. The grass outfield of the softball field will be preserved. The Quinlan event lawn will be slightly
reduced in size to accommodate the improvements
to the perimeter, but overall will be preserved as
an inviting park amenity and valuable community
resource.
Planting Areas
Portions of the repurposed pond area and other non-
landscaped zones are recommended for conversion
to planting areas. Planting areas will prioritize native and climate-adapted species that have minimal
maintenance and irrigation requirements. The
landscaping should elevate the overall quality of the
park by framing and softening the look of structures,
delineating site functions, and providing screening
and buffering from adjacent uses to ensure a visually
appealing landscape design.
Remaining areas not suitable for planting or
lawn conversion will be mulched. Natural mulch,
typically consisting of organic wood chips, protects
soil from erosion, suppresses weeds, and moderates
temperature extremes.
Trees
Preserved Trees
Approximately 71% of the trees found at Memorial
Park are preserved in the final concept plan. Figure
4-16 shows the existing trees to remain, all of which
were identified as having moderate or high suitability
for preservation in the Tree Inventory Report
(Appendix B). High suitability trees are defined as
trees with good health and structural stability that
have the potential for longevity at the site. Moderate
suitability trees are defined as trees with somewhat
declining health and/or structural defects that can
be abated with treatment. The tree will require more
intense management and monitoring, and may have
a shorter life span than those in the “high” category.
Of the 32 Japanese Flowering Cherry trees identified
in the park, 17 will remain in place. Seven of the
cherry trees will be relocated strategically, including five trees in the southeastern corner that will shift
towards the park sign’s new location along Stevens
Creek Boulevard, as well as the two Sister City cherry
trees and their plaques that will shift to the historic gazebo area. Eight of the cherry trees will be removed
due to their classification of having low suitability for preservation.
All Red Maple trees surrounding the Veterans
Memorial will remain in place, as well as the
Purpleleaf Plum trees that frame the Quinlan
courtyard. The existing Coast Live Oaks along
Stevens Creek Boulevard by the Cupertino Senior
Center will be preserved in alignment with the Heart
of the City Specific Plan, which recommends that
this travel corridor feature informal arrangements of
native trees (specifically Coast Live Oaks). The large
Coast Live Oak that greets visitors entering from
Mary Avenue would be preserved as well.
■
Park Concept 65
Ash Fraxinus spp.
Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese Pistache Pistacia chinensis
Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervierns
Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus serrulata
Japanese Zelk Zelkova serrata
Oak Quercus spp.
Pine Pinus spp.
Purpleleaf Plum Prunus cerasifera
Red Maple Acer rubrum
Sycamore Platanus spp.
Other
Relocated
Memorial
100’ 0 200’
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Figure 4-16: Proposed Tree Preservation
~
~
~
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~
~
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66 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Proposed Tree Removals
With the implementation of the Memorial Park
Specific Plan, approximately 30% of the trees in the
park would be planned for removal (Figure 4-17).
Of these trees, approximately 60% were identified
as having low suitability for preservation. Low
suitability trees are defined as trees in poor health
or with significant structural defects that cannot
be mitigated. These trees are expected to continue
to decline in health regardless of treatment. The
species or individual tree may have undesirable
characteristics for the park landscape and/or the tree
is generally unsuited for this area. Many of these low
suitability trees would be replaced with a new and
healthier tree better suited for the region and park
aesthetic.
The remaining trees would be removed to build
new park amenities such as the pickleball courts
and playgrounds, representing less than 15% of all
moderate and high suitability trees in the park. Only
nine trees that were found to have a high suitability
for preservation would be removed as part of the final
concept plan, which are related to the passive garden
walk, the pickleball courts, parking lot upgrades, and
one of the new restroom buildings.
■
Park Concept 67
Black Walnut Juglans hindsii
Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana
Chinese Pistache Pistacia chinensis
Coast Redwood Sequoia sempervierns
Hollywood Juniper Juniperus chinensis
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos
Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus serrulata
Japanese Zelk Zelkova serrata
Oak Quercus spp.
Pine Pinus spp.
Sycamore Platanus spp.
Other
Low Suitability
for Preservation
Removal for
Park Element
100’ 0 200’
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Figure 4-17: Proposed Tree Removals
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0 68 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Proposed Trees
The final concept plan proposes a variety of options
for new trees at Memorial Park. These trees were
placed strategically throughout the site, intending
to provide shading, screening, buffering, or visual
interest.
Figure 4-18 shows the locations of the proposed trees
and their categories, outlined below in Table 4-1 to
Table 4-3.
Playground Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Coast Live Oak Pinus canariensis 80 20 - 35 Low Evergreen, Columnar or Conical
Crape Myrtle Lagerstroemia spp. 20 - 30 15 - 30 Low Deciduous, Rounded Drake Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’ 45 35 - 50 Low Deciduous, Rounded London Plane Tree Platanus x hispanica 80 50 - 70 Moderate Deciduous, Tough Table 4-1: Proposed Tree Palette
Accent Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Armstrong Red
Maple Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’ 60 15 - 25 Moderate Deciduous, Columnar Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata 50 15 - 30 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded or Conical
Purple Leaf Plum* Prunus cerasifera 25 15 - 20 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded Red Oak Quercus rubra 80 50 - 70 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded Sour Gum Nyssa sylvatica 50 20 - 30 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded or Conical
* For Quinlan Community Center Courtyard only
■
Park Concept 69
Specimen Tree
Playground Tree
Passive Garden Tree
Parking Lot Tree
Plaza Tree
Screen Tree
Accent Tree
Allee Tree
Buffer Tree
Lawn
Planting Area
Existing Tree to Remain
Cupertino
Senior Center
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Quinlan
Community
Center
Figure 4-18: Proposed Trees and Landscaping
100’ 0 200’
■
--0
70 Memorial Park Specific Plan
Buffer Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis 80 20 - 35 Low Evergreen, Columnar or Conical
Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia 70 30 - 70 Low Evergreen, Rounded Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodora 60 20 - 30 Moderate Evergreen Incense Cedar Calocedrus decurrens 90 10 - 15 Moderate Evergreen, Conical Parking Lot Trees
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Chinese Flame Elm Koelruteria bipinnatat 40 15 - 30 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded or Vase
Island Oak Quercus tomentella 50 25 - 40 Low Evergreen, Rounded, Moderate Growth Rate
Netleaf Oak Quercus rugosa 60 20 - 40 Low Evergreen, Oval/Round Topped, Slow Growing
Southern Live Oak Quercus virginiana 70 60 - 100 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded Specimen Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Cork Oak Quercus suber 70 70 Low Evergreen, Rounded
Sawtooth Zelkova Zelkova serrata 70 50 - 65 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded, Moderate to Fast Growing
Silk Tree Albizia julibrissin 35 20 Low Deciduous, Rounded or Vase, Fast Growing
Plaza Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Emerald Sunshine
Elm
Ulmus davidiana var.
japonica ‘Emerald
Sunshine’
35 15 - 25 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded or
Vase, Fast Growing
Sawleaf Zelkova Zelkova serrata 70 50 - 65 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded, Moderate to Fast Growing
Table 4-2: Proposed Tree Palette (continued)
■
Park Concept 71
Allee Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Columbia London
Plane Tree
Platanus x hispanica
‘Columbia’ 80 30 Moderate Deciduous, Conical
Frontier Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia ‘Frontier’ 30 20 Low Evergreen, Rounded/ Weeping
Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba 70 25 Moderate Deciduous, Conical Pin Oak Quercus palustris 70 30 - 40 Moderate Deciduous, Conical Screen Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
African Fern Pine Afrocarpus falcatus 70 10 - 20 Moderate Evergreen, Rounded Kohuhu Pittosporum tenufolium 30 6 - 15 Moderate Evergreen, Conical or Rounded
Marina Madrone Arbutus marina 40 30 Low Evergreen, Rounded Saratoga Laurel Laurus ‘Saratoga’ 40 15 - 30 Low Evergreen, Conical or Rounded
Passive Garden Tree
Common Name Scientific Name Maximum
Height (ft)
Canopy
Spread (ft) WUCOLS General Characteristics
Bigleaf Maple Acer macrophyllum 80 30 - 50 Moderate Deciduous, Rounded Coast Live Oak Quercus agrifolia 70 30 - 70 Low Evergreen, Rounded Coast Silktassel Garrya elliptica 15 8 - 12 Low Evergreen, Rounded Valley Oak Quercus lobata 70 50 Low Deciduous, Rounded
Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis 25 10 - 20 Low Deciduous, Rounded Table 4-3: Proposed Tree Palette (continued)
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Implementation 73
Implementation
Chapter 5
Implementation 73
Implementation
Chapter 5
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Phasing
The phasing process divides the overall project into
distinct, manageable stages for implementation.
Phasing ensures that the project remains adaptable,
manageable, and achievable while providing
tangible benefits to the community throughout the
construction process.
The order and magnitude of construction phases is
determined by the City of Cupertino based on several
factors, including the availability of funds and overall priorities. Once funds are available to implement the
design, careful attention should be given to how park
elements are connected throughout the planning and
construction phases.
Depending on the sequencing of construction,
delaying certain improvements to a later phase
may result in rebuilding, removing, or reworking
certain improvements built in earlier phases. Careful
consideration of the sequencing of construction must
be made to minimize inflation of cost. It is strongly
recommended to revisit the phasing strategy as
construction documents are prepared.
The recommended phasing strategy for the Memorial
Park Specific Plan is to be used for planning purposes
and may change based on funding, community
needs, and site conditions.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan recommends three
implementation phases, as shown in Figure 5-1.
The phases are staggered in order of the prioritized
amenities by the community. Additionally, each
phase is provided a suggested timeline. Phase 1
can be completed in 0 to 5 years, Phase 2 in 6 to 10
years, and Phase 3 in 11 to 15 years. All phasing and
timelines are dependent upon available funding.
Phase 1
Phase 1 includes improvements and new amenities
that were deemed high priority by the community.
The construction time for this phase is 1 to 5 years.
Phase 1A
This initial phase focuses on the construction of
the western edge. This area establishes the main
circulation through the site, most critically the bicycle circulation routes that were identified in the 2016
Bicycle Transportation Plan. Improvements to this
area include:
•
Enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access
•
All-abilities playground
•
Restrooms
•
Upgraded parking lot
•
Improv
ed topography around the Veterans
Memorial
•
Improv
ed emergency vehicle access
Phase 1B
This secondary phase shifts focus to the southern
edge of the park located on Stevens Creek Boulevard
and across from De Anza College. In this area, active
and passive recreation intermingle to create a multi-
use, multi-generational space. Improvements to this
area include:
•
New site arriv
al
•
New parking lot
•
Upgraded restrooms
•
P
assive garden walk
•
Pickleball courts
•
Expanded Senior Center deck
•
Fitness stations
•
Bocce court
•
Reserv
able picnic area
•
Nature playground
Implementation 75■
Phase 2
Phase 2A
Phase 2A enhances the smaller event space located in
the middle of Memorial Park. This phase includes the
following improvements:
•
Extended and upgraded amphitheater and stage
•
Updated picnic area by the historic gazebo
•
Enhanced open lawn space for small ev
ents
Phase 2B
Phase 2B focus on improvements to the active
social area in the northwest corner of the park.
Improvements to this area include:
•
New enhanced arriv
al
•
Reserv
erable picnic area
•
Dev
elopment of a full-size basketball court
•
Enhanced softball field
•
Enhanced tennis courts
•
Upgraded restrooms
Phase 2C
Phase 2C improv
es the larger and main event space at
Memorial Park. This area sits adjacent to the softball
field and Quinlan Community Center. Improvements
in this phase include:
•
Enhanced ev
ent lawn space
•
Upgraded Quinlan courty
ard
•
Upgraded parking lot
Phase 3
Phase 3, the final phase, focuses improvements on
general enhancements around the Cupertino Senior
Center and Quinlan Community Center and in their
adjoining parking lots. These improvements were of
low priority and include upgrades to the landscape
and hardscape to better enhance visitor experience.
76 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
Phase 1A
Phase 1B
Phase 2A
Phase 3
Phase 3
Phase 2B Phase 2C
Stevens Creek Boulevard
Anton Way
Mary Avenue
Alves Drive
North Stelling Road
Christensen Drive
Figure 5-1: Phasing Plan
100’ 0 200’
Implementation 77■
Costs
For each construction phase, a budget range was
established. Cost data for materials and labor were
referenced from recently constructed public parks
and recent bids from contractors. These referenced
projects reflect a similar marketplace, size, and scope.
Current pricing information from suppliers for
materials and furnishings were gathered as a source of
information along with recent trends in construction
costs. All costs established within the Specific Plan
are calculated and adjusted to January 2024 price
index factors. An annual compound escalation rate
of 5% should be added per year from January 2024
to identify the total project cost. The escalation rate should be verified against the current Engineering
News Record (ENR) for current escalation trends.
The Memorial Park Specific Plan proposes a conceptual
level of design with a total project cost that includes typical industry breakdowns for direct construction
(hard costs) and administration and permitting costs
(soft costs). The project hard costs are generated
based on the conceptual design, construction, and
equipment procurement. Soft costs are based on the
total hard costs amount. The purpose of these soft
costs is to address contingencies, unknown design
factors, design and engineering, permitting, and
administration. The cost estimate assumes the project
will be competitively bid on a fixed fee cost basis and assumes construction labor costs will be subject to
prevailing wages.
Phase Subtotal
Phase 1A $20,312,626
Phase 1B $17,275,643
Phase 2A $11,892,443
Phase 2B $17,244,618
Phase 2C $12,549,359
Phase 3 $4,399,489
Total Project Cost: $83,674,178
Table 5-1: Total Project Cost Estimate
The cost for developing the final concept plan in
its entirety is estimated to be approximately $83.7
million. Though the possibility exists that the cost
of construction could come down, it is expected that
costs will increase based on inflation rates and other
market conditions. Delaying implementation of the
plan may result in an increase in construction costs
above this estimate.
Maintenance costs could include servicing the
restrooms, lighting, furnishings, and landscape, as
well as other maintenance tasks such as trash removal
or the periodic compaction of the bocce court.
For budgeting and planning purposes, the Memorial
Park Specific Plan breaks out the cost estimate by
each construction phase (Table 5-1).
78 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 1A
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 100 EA $1,500 $150,000
2 Tree Demolition 17 EA $2,500 $42,500
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $52,500 $52,500
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $90,000 $90,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 150,000 SF $3 $450,000 7 Site Utilities (Domestic Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain) 1 LS $500,000 $500,000 8 Site Grading 150,000 SF $6 $900,000
9 Stormwater Retention Area 1 LS $75,000 $75,000
10 Site Electrical and Lighting 1 LS $200,000 $200,000
11 Parking Lot and Drive Aisle 35,000 SF $28 $980,000
12 Multi-Use Paths 50,000 SF $30 $1,500,000
13 Planting and Irrigation 40,000 SF $18 $720,000
14 New Trees 1 LS $40,000 $40,000
15 Relocated Trees 2 EA $2,500 $5,000
16 Picnic Areas and Site Furnishings 1 LS $150,000 $150,00 17 All-Abilities Playground (Resilient Surfacing, Play Structures, Seat Walls) 1 LS $5,000,000 $5,000,000 18 New Restrooms 1 EA $900,000 $900,000
19 Upgraded Restroom 1 LS $500,000 $500,000
20 Perimeter Conform 34,000 SF $15 $510,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $11,785,000
21 Construction Contingency (10%) $1,178,500
22 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $1,237,425 23 Bonding (1.5%) $176,775
24 Insurance (2%) $235,700
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $14,613,400
25 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $4,384,020 26 Design and Engineering (7%) $1,022,938
27 Permits and Fees (1%) $146,134
28 City Administration Fee (1%) $146,134
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $5,699,226
TOTAL PROJECT COST $20,312,626
Table 5-2: Phase 1A Cost Estimate
Implementation 79■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 1B
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 33 EA $1,500 $49,500
2 Tree Demolition 31 EA $2,500 $77,500
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $51,000 $51,000
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $85,000 $85,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 146,000 SF $3 $438,000 7 Site Utilities (Domestic Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain) 1 LS $700,000 $700,000 8 Site Grading 146,000 SF $6 $876,000
9 Stormwater Retention Area 1 LS $50,000 $50,000
10 Site Electrical and Lighting 1 LS $200,000 $200,000
11 New Parallel Parking 1 LS $90,000 $90,000
12 Multi-Use Paths 35,000 SF $28 $980,000
13 New Trees 1 LS $35,000 $35,000
14 Relocated Trees 5 EA $25,000 $125,000
15 Planting and Irrigation 80,000 SF $18 $1,440,000
16 Lawn and Irrigation 8,000 SF $12 $96,000
17 Expanded Senior Center Courtyard 2,000 SF $150 $300,000 18 Picnic Areas and Site Furnishings 1 LS $250,000 $250,000 19 Nature Playground 1 LS $1,500,000 $1,500,000
20 Pickleball Court 8 EA $150,000 $1,200,000
21 Bocce Court and Shade Structure 1 EA $250,000 $250,000 22 Fitness Station 1 LS $300,000 $300,000
23 New Restroom 1 EA $900,000 $900,000
24 Perimeter Conform 18,000 SF $15 $270,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $10,023,000
25 Construction Contingency (10%) $1,002,300
26 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $1,052,415 27 Bonding (1.5%) $150,345
28 Insurance (2%) $200,460
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $12,428,520
29 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $3,728,556 30 Design and Engineering (7%) $869,996
31 Permits and Fees (1%) $124,285
32 City Administration Fee (1%) $124,285
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $4,847,123
TOTAL PROJECT COST $17,275,643
Table 5-3: Phase 1B Cost Estimate
80 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 2A
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 28 EA $1,500 $42,000
2 Tree Demolition 6 EA $2,500 $15,000
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $35,000 $35,000
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $30,000.00 $30,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $45,000 $45,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 78,000 SF $3 $234,000 7 Site Utilities (Domestic Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain) 1 LS $130,000 $130,000 8 Site Grading 78,000 SF $6 $468,000
9 Stormwater Retention Area 1 LS $12,000 $12,000
10 Site Electrical and Lighting 1 LS $200,000 $200,000
11 Multi-Use Paths 9,000 SF $28 $252,000
12 Lawn and Irrigation 47,000 SF $12 $564,000
13 Planting and Irrigation 15,000 SF $18 $270,000
14 New Trees 1 LS $12,000 $12,000
15 Gazebo Picnic Area 5,000 SF $150 $750,000
16 Upgraded Amphitheater and Stage 1 LS $3,500,000 $3,500,000 17 Perimeter Conform 13,000 SF $15 $195,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $6,754,000
18 Construction Contingency (10%) $675,000
19 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $709,170
20 Bonding (1.5%) $101,310
21 Insurance (2%) $135,080
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $8,374,960
22 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $2,512,488 23 Design and Engineering (10%) $837,496
24 Permits and Fees (1%) $83,750
25 City Administration Fee (1%) $83,750
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $3,517,483
TOTAL PROJECT COST $11,892,443
Table 5-4: Phase 2A Cost Estimate
Implementation 81■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 2B
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 36 EA $1,500 $54,000
2 Tree Demolition 16 EA $2,500 $40,000
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $80,000 $80,000
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $135,000 $135,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 235,000 SF $3 $705,000 7 Site Utilities (Domestic Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain) 1 LS $450,000 $450,000 8 Site Grading 235,000 SF $6 $1,410,000
9 Stormwater Retention Area 1 LS $8,000 $8,000
10 Site Electrical and Lighting 1 LS $200,000 $200,000
11 Multi-Use Paths 36,000 SF $28 $1,008,000
12 Planting and Irrigation 75,000 SF $18 $1,350,000
13 New Trees 1 LS $20,000 $20,000
14 Softball Lighting Upgrades and Control Panel 1 LS $650,000 $650,000 15 Softball Amphitheater 1 LS $275,000 $275,000
16 Tennis Court Amphitheater 1 LS $80,000 $80,000
17 Tennis Court Striping Removal 1 LS $10,000 $10,000
18 Picnic Areas and Site Furnishing 1 LS $200,000 $200,000 19 Reservable Picnic Area (Site Furnishing, Shade Structures) 1 LS $2,500,000 $2,500,000 20 Basketball Court (Paving, Striping, Goals) 1 LS $100,000 $100,000 21 Upgraded Restroom 1 LS $400,000 $400,000
22 Perimeter Conform 20,000 SF $15 $300,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $10,005,000
23 Construction Contingency (10%) $1,000,000
24 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $1,050,525 25 Bonding (1.5%) $150,075
26 Insurance (2%) $200,100
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $12,406,200
27 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $3,721,860 28 Design and Engineering (7%) $868,434
29 Permits and Fees (1%) $124,062
30 City Administration Fee (1%) $124,062
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $4,838,418
TOTAL PROJECT COST $17,244,618
Table 5-5: Phase 2B Cost Estimate
82 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 2C
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 77 EA $1,500 $115,500
2 Tree Demolition 40 EA $2,500 $100,000
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $58,000 $58,000
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $100,000 $100,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 168,000 SF $3 $504,000 7 Site Utilities (Domestic Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Drain) 1 LS $300,000 $300,000 8 Site Grading 168,000 SF $6 $1,008,000
9 Stormwater Retention Area 1 LS $35,000 $35,000
10 Site Electrical and Lighting 1 LS $200,000 $200,000
11 Alves Parking Lot Update 1 LS $400,000 $400,000
12 Alves Drive Parking Stall Striping 1 LS $10,000 $10,000 13 Multi-Use Paths 16,300 SF $28 $456,400
14 Planting and Irrigation 68,000 SF $18 $1,224,000
15 New Trees 1 LS $50,000 $50,000
16 Lawn and Irrigation 20,000 SF $12 $240,000
17 Quinlan Courtyard 13,000 SF $150 $1,950,000
18 Picnic Areas and Site Furnishings 1 LS $200,000 $200,000 19 Perimeter Conform 20,000 SF $15 $300,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $7,280,900
20 Construction Contingency (10%) $728,090
21 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $764,495
22 Bonding (1.5%) $109,214
23 Insurance (2%) $145,618
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $9,028,316
24 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $2,708,495 25 Design and Engineering (7%) $631,982
26 Permits and Fees (1%) $90,283
27 City Administration Fee (1%) $90,283
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $3,521,043
TOTAL PROJECT COST $12,549,359
Table 5-6: Phase 2C Cost Estimate
Implementation 83■
COST ESTIMATE - Phase 3
Recommendation Quantity Unit Unit Cost Subtotal
1 Tree Protection 121 EA $1,500 $181,500
2 Tree Demolition 24 EA $2,500 $60,000
3 Erosion Control 1 LS $30,000 $30,000
4 Traffic Control 1 LS $10,000 $10,000
5 Construction Surveying 1 LS $15,000 $15,000
6 Site Preparation and Demolition 112,000 SF $3 $336,000 7 Senior Center Parking Lot Resurfacing 21,000 SF $15 $315,000 8 Quinlan Parking Lot Resurfacing 40,000 SF $15 $600,000 9 Planting and Irrigation 55,000 SF $18 $990,000
10 New Trees 1 LS $15,000 $15,000
Direct Construction Cost (Subtotal) $2,552,500
11 Construction Contingency (10%) $255,250
12 Mobilization and General Condition (10.5%) $268,013
13 Bonding (1.5%) $38,288
14 Insurance (2%) $51,050
Direct Construction Cost (Total) $3,165,100
15 Design and Unknown Factor Contingency (30%) $949,530 16 Design and Engineering (7%) $221,557
17 Permits and Fees (1%) $31,651
18 City Administration Fee (1%) $31,651
Total Administration and Permitting Cost $1,234,389
TOTAL PROJECT COST $4,399,489
Table 5-7: Phase 3 Cost Estimate
84 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
Funding
The implementation of the Memorial Park
Specific Plan will be contingent on funding
availability. Funding will be required for both capital improvements as well as the associated ongoing
maintenance costs. For a general summary of
existing and additional funding sources, please view
Appendix G of the Cupertino Parks and Recreation
System Master Plan. Potential funding sources to
support the implementation of the Memorial Park
Specific Plan are discussed below.
Community Facilities District
A funding tool to generate capital for park projects is a Mello-Roos community facilities district (CFD). A
CFD is a special tax district that aids in financing public infrastructure improvements through imposing a tax
on property within a geographic area. A CFD special
tax could fund a substantial amount of capital costs
depending on the “boundary” or number of property
owners included in the CFD area. The tax continues
until bonds are paid off and then reduced to maintain
investment. According to the City of Cupertino Parks
and Recreation System Master Plan, the City has no
existing CFDs.
Grant Funding
Grants in recent decades have provided substantial
opportunities for cities to invest more in their parks.
Funding from grants can range from local to national
sources and can include public agencies such as the
California Department of Parks and Recreation, as
well as private and non-profit organizations like the
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
California grant programs such as the Per Capita
Program, the Recreational Infrastructure Revenue
Enhancement (RIRE) Program (allocated to Santa
Clara County), and other statewide park programs
could be other potential funding opportunities to
achieve the vision of the Memorial Park Specific Plan.
Grants will require dedicated staff support as they
require specific project reporting protocols. Grants
should be mainly considered a capital funding source.
Other Funding Options
Additional funding opportunities for the City to
consider include Special Assessment taxes, taking
advantage of local sales tax measures to garner
revenue from local retail transactions, parcel taxes
that can offer funds for both capital and operations,
or other Mello-Roos special taxes appropriate for
this project such as Enhanced Infrastructure Finance
Districts (EIFD).
Partnerships, sponsorships, and amenity naming
rights are opportunities to build relationships with
the community while simultaneously building
capital for park improvements. Situated in the heart
of Silicon Valley and visited by various members of
the Cupertino community, there is a high opportunity
for the City to partner with local companies, sports
leagues, institutions, and organizations to help fund
the improvements at Memorial Park. Oftentimes
donations may also directed toward the project from
these invested stakeholders.
Implementation 85■
Environmental Review
In accordance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study/Addendum was
prepared for the Memorial Park Specific Plan. The
Initial Study/Addendum evaluates the environmental
impacts that might reasonably be anticipated to result
from implementation of the proposed project.
The Initial Study/Addendum tiers from the City
of Cupertino Parks and Recreation System Master
Plan Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
(adopted October 2019, State Clearinghouse [SCH]
#2019109066).
Section 15162(a) of the CEQA Guidelines states that
when an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has
been certified or a Negative Declaration adopted for
a project, no subsequent EIR or Negative Declaration
is needed unless there are substantial changes to the
scope, environmental circumstances, or information
available for a given project.
Section 15164(b) of the CEQA Guidelines states
than an Addendum may be prepared if only minor
technical changes or additions are necessary or none
of the conditions described in Section 15162(a) calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR or Negative
Declaration have occurred.
Based on the analysis completed in the Initial Study/
Addendum, the City has determined that the project
would not result in new or substantially more severe
significant impacts than previously disclosed in the
2019 Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Therefore, a subsequent EIR or Negative Declaration
would not be required for the project and an
Addendum has been prepared in accordance with
CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.
The Initial Study/Addendum includes a project
description with anticipated construction phasing,
a conformity analysis documenting the project’s
consistency with the prior environmental review
completed for the Parks and Recreation System
Master Plan, and information sourced from relevant,
project-specific technical analyses.
Please see the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
(Appendix E) and the Geotechnical Evaluation
(Appendix F) for supporting information.
86 Memorial Park Specific Plan■
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MEMORIAL PARK
SPECIFIC PLAN
Memorial Park
revitalize