DATE:
April 2, 2024
TO:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
FROM:
Rebecca Sermeno, Committee Secretary
SUBJECT:
Parks & Recreation Committee Annual Report On Committee Goals, Principles And Accomplishments For Calendar Year 2023; And Proposed Committee Priorities For Calendar Year 2024 Committee Goals and Principles
The Parks and Recreation Committee advocates, advises and supports the City to maintain, improve and expand parks, green space, and recreation programs for the community. We strive to improve access for Emeryville residents to park spaces and increase recreational opportunities for the local community. We also advocate for building resilience to climate change, restoring public lands and ecosystems, and equitably connecting people to nature, for improved mental, physical and social health of our community.
AccomplishmentS for Calendar Year 2023
Recommendations to Council for improving Committee function and impact (liaison, quorum, dedicated park planning and development staff, childcare reimbursement to enable meeting attendance) Recommended CIP Priorities
Opened Davenport Park
Reviewed & commented on Christie Avenue Park Expansion plan, and proposed art installations at Marina and Pt. Emery Park Made a recommendation for staff to coordinate efforts with appropriate agencies to install air quality monitors on the Marina Park.
Davenport Park Beach Deck improvements.
Representation on the Community Grants Selection Committee and Huchiun Park naming committee.
Advised DPW on Stanford Park fencing and adding nature elements.
Committee member Brewer submitted grant application for Watershed Education to CA State Parks Outdoor Equity Program, in partnership with Scientific Adventures for Girls, Wholly H2O, and potential additional partners.
Recommended Tree Canopy Study be expanded to tree replacement at the Marina, and that replacement of lost Davenport Park trees be expedited as an essential park feature.
Continue to advocate for a city led Children and Nature program.
Ongoing:
Receive updates on Community Services events and programs, Planning Division developments, changes in state and local laws affecting parks, coordination with DPW on park related projects, Tree Canopy Project Study, and other items.
PRIORITIES for Calendar Year 2024
Continue to make recommendations for children and nature programs through park improvements, urban greening, and programming.
Continue to encourage progress for McLaughlin Eastshore Park.
Continue to encourage prioritization of parks as essential infrastructure throughout City operations, management, planning, funding and coordination with the P/R advisory committee.
Have the Park Community Survey finalized and made public.
Advocate for increased access and funding for outdoor recreation in the City of Emeryville.
Continue to advocate for prioritized Parks & Recreation CIP projects.
Continue to advocate for projects and actions related to climate resilience, rewilding, and equitable access to nature.
Continue to advocate for urban greening of our city and parks as both an environmental health strategy and community health strategy.
First Highlighted Priority
Finalize the Park Community Survey and make the results public.
Second Highlighted Priority
Continue to advocate for prioritized Parks & Recreation CIP projects.
Conclusion
The Park and Recreation Committee will continue to advocate for the City to continue to prioritize parks and recreation and the operations and maintenance of all parks. This Committee considers Parks to be essential infrastructure.
PREPARED BY: Rebecca Sermeno, Community Services Director Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Parks & Recreation Committee Annual Report
City Council Meeting | April 2, 2024
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM