DATE: November 18, 2024
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Derek Schweigart, Parks and Recreation Director
Frank Fanara, Parks Manager
SUBJECT: PARKS MASTER PLAN PROJECT (CIP 301-682) – PROJECT UPDATE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by Minute Order, receive and accept the update on the Parks Master Plan Project.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Foster City Parks Master Plan Project (CIP 301-682), initiated in December 2023, is a comprehensive effort to guide future development and improvements of the City’s park facilities and programs. The City Council approved a Request for Proposal/Qualifications (RFP/Q) for professional planning services, leading to the selection of Wallace Roberts & Todd Design, LLC (WRT) as the project consultant. WRT’s role includes preparing the Master Plan, conducting a Park Needs Assessment, managing public involvement processes, and producing the final Plan for public distribution and implementation.
The project began in August 2024 with the approval of a Public Participation Plan, designed to engage a broad spectrum of community members and stakeholders. A wide range of engagement strategies have been implemented, including the creation of a project website, public banners and signage, and multiple pop-up events at highly attended community gatherings and special events. These efforts have encouraged significant participation, with residents sharing feedback on park amenities and their vision for the future of the City’s parks. A Parks Master Plan Task Force was established, with the first meeting held in October, and several Focus Group sessions with targeted community members have been conducted.
WRT also conducted a comprehensive Park Needs Assessment, which evaluated the current condition and functionality of Foster City’s parks. The findings reveal that most parks are performing well, particularly in terms of connectivity, safety, and overall park
condition. These results, combined with community feedback, will inform the development of improvement recommendations for the Parks Master Plan.
This report provides an update on the progress of the Parks Master Plan Project, highlighting key milestones and the ongoing efforts to engage the community in shaping the future of Foster City’s parks and recreational facilities.
BACKGROUND
On December 18, 2023, the City Council approved the Request for Proposal/Qualifications (RFP/Q) for professional services to develop a new Parks Master Plan. The RFP/Q was issued on January 4, 2024, with proposals due by February 2024.
The City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement to Wallace Roberts & Todd Design, LLC (WRT) on May 6, 2024, to provide professional planning and consultant support services for the Parks Master Plan Project (CIP 301-682). The scope of services for this project includes the master plan preparation, an inventory and assessment report, project management, development and execution of a public involvement process, working closely with staff to prepare the Plan, and creating a document for distribution to the public.
On July 22, 2024, WRT met with staff to discuss the community engagement strategy, including the timeline, task force, stakeholder and focus group meetings, project website, and surveys. Based on this discussion, an initial Parks Master Plan Public Participation Strategy was drafted for staff and City Council’s review and acceptance. WRT in coordination with City staff developed a comprehensive and strategic Public Participation Plan with the aim of advancing and informing the project through key milestones in the Needs Assessment phase. On August 19, 2024, City Council accepted the Parks Master Plan Public Participation Plan by Minute Order No. 1990.
ANALYSIS
Staff and WRT began Phase I of the Plan immediately upon City Council’s approval on August 19, 2024. Phase I (Project Initiation) of the planned 18-month project schedule included implementation of the Public Participation Plan and the Park Needs Assessment.
Public Participation Plan
An important element of an inclusive, equitable, and diverse Parks Master Plan is to understand the local community character, needs, and aspirations. A comprehensive outreach was implemented to engage a diverse and widespread group of participants.
August to October 2024
•Project website was created www.fostercity.org/parksmasterplan: The website will keep the community informed about the scope and progress of the project and includes a link where they can share comments or feedback. •Banners posted at all City parks with QR code link to project webpage: Park patrons can scan the code and provide their input on a specific park. This idea is intended to capture users of each neighborhood park that might not attend events. This strategy has been effective.
•Popup Events: A total of 7 popup events were held from August to October.
These were scheduled around other City events and programs with historically large attendance, such as Summer Days and Soccer Season Opening Day, in the hopes of maximizing participation. Attendance estimates for each event are below:
1. Foster City Summer Days: August 16, Leo J. Ryan Park (200 participants)
2. AYSO Soccer Opening Day: September 7, Sea Cloud Park (35 participants)
3. Fall Movie Night: September 13, Leo J. Ryan Park (250 participants)
4. Off the Grid: September 25, Senior Wing parking lot (50 participants)
5. 55+ Club Meeting: October 3, Community Center (30 participants)
6. Off the Grid: October 24, Senior Wing parking lot (45 participants)
7. Halloween Festival, October 26, Leo J. Ryan Park (250 participants) Three engagement boards were shared at the events: 1) Information Board about the Plan; 2) “What Would You Like to See More of” Board with images of different park and program elements. Adults and youth were asked to place stickers by their choices (different color stickers were used to distinguish between adult and youth); 3) “Share Your Ideas Board” contained questions where public could add their comments to: “What do you like about parks and recreation facilities and programs in Foster City?” and “What is your vision for parks and recreation facilities and programs in Foster City? What should be improved?”
Board #1
Board #2
Board # 3
•Parks Master Plan Task Force Meeting # 1, October 29, 6-8pm at the Community Center: Core to the multilayered Public Participation Plan was the formation of a Parks Master Plan Task Force. The first Task Force meeting was held in October. Seventeen members of the community, City staff and WRT staff were present. The goals and objectives of the plan were discussed as well as the Park Assessment and Public Outreach components
of the plan. The plan is for the group to meet 4 more times during the duration of the project.
Task Force Takeaways:
Current State: Foster City parks are popular community hubs, but they require modernization, additional amenities, and improved accessibility.
Opportunities: Enhancements to amenities and better integration with the City’s waterways could elevate Foster City parks as appealing destinations for both residents and regional visitors.
Vision: Develop vibrant, accessible community spaces that connect people with nature, promote outdoor activity, and strengthen community bonds.
Planning Process Feedback:
oWaterways: The city’s lagoons and waterways are integral to Foster City’s identity and should be a focal point in the Master Plan to enhance the recreational landscape.
oCommunity Engagement: Expanding outreach efforts, including partnerships with local schools and employers, offers valuable opportunities to involve the community in park planning and improvements.
October to November 2024
•Focus Groups: A series of Focus Group events were held to include input from specific community groups, partners, and other departments. oOctober 2, 2024, Recreation Center, 6pm-8pm
Staff Led Focus Group with Civic Academy participants
oNovember 6, 2024, Vibe Teen Center
Contractors/Organized Fitness & Sports: 5pm-6pm
Youth Advisory Committee: 6:30pm
oNovember 7, 2024, Vibe Teen Center
Programs / Event Partners: 4pm-5pm
Inclusion & Specialized Users: 5:15pm-6:15pm
oNovember 14, 2024
Other City Departments: 3:30pm-4:30pm
•Staff Workshops, November 7
Facilities & Maintenance: 10am-12pm, Corporation Yard
Programs & Events: 1pm-3pm, Vibe Teen Center
Parks Needs Assessment
In August 2024, WRT completed a qualitative assessment of Foster City parks to evaluate how well they meet residents’ needs and to identify potential deficiencies. This assessment, which complements other analyses and public input, will inform recommendations for the Parks Master Plan. Parks were assessed on the following criteria: Access & Connectivity (e.g., signage, paths, safe crossings), Comfort & Sense of Safety (e.g., seating, lighting), Functionality (recreational suitability), and Condition (upkeep). Using a 1-10 rating scale with weighted criteria, most parks scored well across categories, with Leo J. Ryan Park serving as a benchmark. Leo J. Ryan Park was used as a benchmark due to its high usage, functionality, and diverse amenities, providing a strong standard for evaluating other City parks.
The assessment found that, while Foster City’s parks are of high quality overall, targeted improvements would enhance accessibility, comfort, and functionality. Key areas for improvement include better path connectivity, lighting for safety and enhanced use, increased shade, seating, and restroom facilities. Sustainable landscaping and more intensive maintenance, especially in water-adjacent parks, are recommended to address functional needs and manage geese impacts. Parks such as Leo J. Ryan, Port Royal, Catamaran, and Ketch received top ratings, while Bridgeview, Pompano, and Baywinds scored lower, highlighting specific areas for future enhancements.
Detailed scores, field notes, and photos provided insight into the performance of each park; Attachment 1 includes specifics on parks that rated highest and lowest, with explanations.
NEXT STEPS
1. Conduct a community statistically-valid survey by early December 2024
2. Finish Existing Conditions / Needs Assessment (Park Usage Analysis, Maintenance and Programs Assessments, Opportunities Analysis etc.)
3. Public workshop in January 2025
Staff will provide update reports to Council at key milestones throughout the Project.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This agenda item which is intended to provide a progress report to the Council on the Park Master Plan is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq. and the CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code Regs. §§ 15000 et. seq.), including without limitation, Public Resources Code section 21065 and California Code of Regulations 15378 as this is not a “project” that may cause a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to accept report.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 – WRT Parks Assessment Summary Report