STAFF REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
DATE: Regular Meeting of October 24, 2023
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Dante Hall, City Manager
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Roberts, Public Works Director/City Engineer SUBJECT: Refugio Valley Park Tree Succession & Shade Structure Plan - Review of Community Survey and Selection of Preferred Alternative RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive a report on the Refugio Valley Park community survey and Tree Succession and Shade Structure Plan conceptual alternatives, discuss, and provide direction to staff on the preferred alternative.
BACKGROUND:
This past summer approximately 40 eucalyptus trees were removed in Refugio Park due to public safety concerns from falling branches. The trees were concentrated in the highest-use areas, including the parking lot and adjacent picnic tables as well as the children’s play area.
The services of Gates & Associates, a landscape architecture firm on the City’s pre-qualified vendor list, was subsequently secured to assist with developing a succession plan for the trees that had been removed and the shade they provided.
Guidance for this effort was obtained from the Draft Parks Master Plan as cited below:
Potential Priority Projects for 10-Year Action Plan
Refugio Valley Park – Restore and enhance entire site
II. Site Recommendations - Refugio Valley Park
6. Where trees have been removed, provide shade structures near parking lot and group picnicking area Prioritization Process – Steering Committee Direction
Concentrate efforts at some of Hercules’ larger, aging parks that will provide visible results to the community Implement small projects that have a big impact
The public was engaged through a survey at a pop-up event on Friday, September 15 during movie night. The survey then ran on a web-based application for the following 2 weeks. Over 350 people participated in the survey, which was a very strong turnout. A high-level recap of the survey, which is described and illustrated more fully in Att #1, is as follows:
Option A is the preferred distribution of trees. This option is to install trees around the walking path loop versus only replacing trees in the areas where they were removed at the southern end of Refugio Park.
Top trees:
Red Maple
New Zealand Christmas
Frontier Elm
Valley Oak
California Pepper
Southern Live Oak
Permanent shade structures are preferred at the picnic area.
Hip roof is the preferred shade structure style.
Top trends from open comments:
The community is interested in native species of trees, preferably options that are wildlife-friendly, drought-tolerant, and grow well in the area.
There were numerous requests for planting mature trees and/or fast-growing trees so the shade can be enjoyed in a shorter time frame.
The trees and shade structures should be selected to minimize maintenance and expense over time.
Demographics show a good representation of the diverse local community:
91% of respondents reside in Hercules.
Participation included all five age groups listed, youth to seniors, as well as multiple different ethnicities.
ANALYSIS:
Using guidance from the Draft Parks Master Plan and community input from the survey, 3 alternative conceptual plans were developed for the Refugio Valley Park Tree and Shade Succession Project which are described and illustrated more fully in Att #1.
Alternative 1 – Trees only (could also include Temporary Fabric Shade Structure) Planning Level Cost Estimate - $99K ($149K total with Temporary Fabric Shade Structure) Pros:
Replaces the trees that were removed and adds new trees around the northeast side of the walking trail.
Is the least expensive option.
Cons:
It will take at least a decade for the trees to mature to the point that they effectively shade the picnic area. An interim fabric shade structure could be installed, which would cost an additional $50K and require more intensive maintenance.
Does not address the needed repairs and generally poor condition of the picnicking surfacing and tables, which would benefit from being replaced in their entirety.
Alternative 2 –Trees, Shade Structure, Asphalt Concrete Repairs & Picnic Table Repairs Planning Level Cost Estimate - $578K
Pros:
Replaces the trees that were removed and adds new trees around the northeast side of the walking trail.
Provides attractive Hip Roof shade structure over the picnic area.
Makes spot repairs to asphalt concrete surfacing in damaged locations.
Repairs picnic tables where they were damaged from falling tree limbs.
Cons:
Is more expensive than trees alone.
May create an attractive nuisance given the shelter it provides.
Does not address the generally deteriorated condition of the asphalt concrete (i.e. blacktop) surfacing for the picnic area or replace the tables, which are outdated and also in poor condition.
Alternative 3 –Trees, Shade Structure, New Portland Cement Paving & New Picnic Tables/BBQ Planning Level Cost Estimate - $721K
Pros:
Replaces the trees that were removed and adds new trees around the northeast side of the walking trail.
Provides attractive Hip Roof shade structure.
Replaces the picnicking surfacing with Portland cement concrete (i.e. similar to sidewalks) and installs new picnic tables and barbeques.
Cons:
Is the most expensive option.
May create an attractive nuisance given the shelter it provides.
Staff recommends proceeding with Alternative 3 as this option most closely aligns with the goals of the Draft Parks Master Plan and preference of the community. While the most expensive option, it would transform Refugio Park and have the most positive impact of the 3 alternatives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Adopted FY 23/24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes $200K for an undesignated park improvement project, which was to be selected once the priorities for the Parks Master Plan had been sufficiently developed. It is recommended this funding be designated for the Refugio Valley Park Tree Succession & Shade Structure Project. The funding would initially be used for the installation of the trees during this Winter and to complete the final design, which would provide a bid-level cost estimate. At that time any additional funding could be appropriated from the General Fund/Capital Reserves to fully fund the project.
ATTACHMENTS:
Summary of Community Outreach and Conceptual Alternatives Nos. 1-3.