DATE:
June 24, 2025
CATEGORY:
Consent
DEPT.:
Public Works
TITLE: Shoreline Play Structure Replacement,
Project 20-55—Various Actions
RECOMMENDATION
1. Find that in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act requirements, Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20 -55, is categorically exempt as Class 1, Existing Facilities, and Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction, under CEQA Guideline s Sections 15301 and 15302, respectively.
2. Approve plans and specifications for Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20 -55, and authorize staff to advertise the project for bids.
3. Upon approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and Funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Capital Improvement Projects, authorize the City Manager or designee to award a construction contract to the lowest responsive responsible bidder if the bid is within the available project budget of $1,685,000.
BACKGROUND
The Shoreline at Mountain View play structure (Shoreline Play Structure) is a 25 -year-old play structure that is a replica of the historic sailing scows that sailed from Mountain View to San Francisco in the late 1800s. It is located adjacent to the Shoreline Sailing Lake, northwest of the Shoreline Sailing Lake boathouse (Shoreline Boathouse, see Figures 1 and 2).
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
Figure 1: Location Map
Figure 2: Existing Custom-Built Shoreline Sailing Scow Play Structure
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
The original play structure was custom- built in 2000, and after 25 years , much of the play structure components need replacement. Originally, staff explored the idea of constructing a new type of play structure; however, after evaluation by staff and the City’s consulting biologist, it became apparent that changing the play structure would trigger environmental concerns. The surrounding sensitive wildlife area is habitat for burrowing owl foraging and white -tailed kite nesting. Any changes to the location, shape, height, or profile of the structure in this area could change the foraging and nesting potential for these species.
For that reason, staff determined it would be most beneficial to replace the play structure “in-kind” with a few changes to some materials to improve durability and support long-term maintenance. This approach will keep the new play structure footprint , shape and profile the same as the existing structure thus not impacting the habitat for the important wildlife in this area.
On April 28, 2021
, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved a recommendation for the replacement of the majority of the Shoreline Play Structure equipment in- kind with play equipment manufactured by the original manufacturer, Columbia Cascade, Inc. (Columbia Cascade). Due to staffing shortages, the project was placed on hold until June 2024. During this time, staff reevaluated the original project scope and coordinated with Columbia Cascade.
On May 13, 2025
, Council approved the draft Recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 through Fiscal Year 2029-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The recommendations included an $845,000 amendment to the existing project budget to allow for additions and adjustments to the project scope as detailed in the Analysis section below. This amendment is included in the Recommended Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 CIP p rojects, which are also being considered by Council on June 24, 2025.
ANALYSIS
After the project was reinitiated, staff identified additional project scope needs to fully address the replacement of the Shoreline Play Structure. The additional elements include:
• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance —The initial project scope did not include verification of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance of the path of travel to the play structure . To address this Building Code requirement, staff secured professional surveying services to survey the pathway from the Shoreline Boathouse parking lot to the play structure. Several areas along the pathway were identified as noncompliant due to slopes and will require slope modifications, which have been included in the project scope to meet ADA requirements. See Figure 3 for new project limits.
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
• Replacement of the “Dock” and “Masts ”—The original scope assumed the play structure mast and wooden dock would be reused or remain. After reassessing their condition, replacement is required and is included in the scope. The structural design of the replaced mast and wooden dock required an updated geotechnical report to serve as the basis for the structural design.
• Permit Support—Due to the project site being within the closed landfill area, a permit is needed from the County of Santa Clara Local Enforcement Agency , which oversees solid waste facilities. The project requires County review and permit requiring additional work.
• Material Improvements—The play structure and surfacing materials have been upgraded to improve durability and reduce long-term maintenance needs.
• Construction Drawings —The original scope was to replace components of the play structure without the need for full-construction site drawings. Due to the expanded scope and additional site work, the replacement of the play structure require s fully engineered- construction drawings and specifications, which are now included in the bid set.
Figure 3: Project Limits of Work
The replacement play structure equipment requires a long lead time. Staff has coordinated with Columbia Cascade to identify and initiate procurement of the specific in-kind equipment needed.
The advance material ordering will allow fabrication to proceed in parallel with the bid
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
advertisement period, allowing equipment delivery to occur sooner and minimize construction duration.
The plans and specifications for the project are complete. If Council approves the recommended actions, including approving the Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 CIP p rojects, and a responsive bid is received within the project budget, it is estimated that construction will begin in fall 2025. Construction will be completed by spring 2026.
Environmental Clearance
In accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff has reviewed the scope of this project and determined that it meets the classification for categorically exempt as Class 1, Existing Facilities, and Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction, pursuant to Article 19, Sections 15301(c) and 15302(c), respectively. The project consists of repair and maintenance of existing pedestrian trails and replacement of the existing play structure on the same site and will have the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.
Staff recommends Council make findings that, in accordance with the CEQA requirements, the project is categorically exempt as Class 1, Existing Facilities, and Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction, under CEQA Guidelines (Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 19 of the California Code of Regulations) Sections 15301(c) and 15302(c).
FISCAL IMPACT
Shoreline Playground Structure Replacement, Project 20 -55, is funded with $840,000 from the Shoreline Regional Park Community Fund. As previously noted, Council will be considering the recommended Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 CIP projects on June 24, 2025, which includes an amendment adding $845,000 in park land funds to this project’s budget. Should Council approve the recommended Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 CIP projects, the total project budget will be $1,685,000.
The estimated project costs are as follows:
Construction (including Contingency) $746,000
Equipment (play structure) 261,000
Consultant Services 150,000
City Project Management 140,000
Construction Inspection and Testing 120,000
Permits and Miscellaneous 21,000
Project Contingency 144,000
Subtotal $1,582,000
City Administration 103,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST ESTIMATE $1,685,000
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
Should Council approve the recommended Fiscal Year 2025 -26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26 CIP projects, there will be sufficient funding in the project budget for the project.
No additional appropriation is requested at this time.
LEVINE ACT
California Government Code Section 84308 (also known as the Levine Act) prohibits city officials from participating in any proceeding involving a “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” if the official has received a campaign contribution exceeding $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant within the last 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website:
www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-
play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
Please see below for information about whether the recommended action for this agenda item is subject to or exempt from the Levine Act.
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
☒ Competitively bid contract
For more information about the Levine Act, please see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html .
CONCLUSION
The existing Shoreline Play Structure and adjoining deck are 25 years old, have reached the end of their useful lives . The plan is to replace the structure in -kind to not impact sensitive wildlife habitat in the area. The pedestrian path from the parking lot serving this playground requires corrective grading and asphalt work to meet ADA requirements. Council approval of the staff recommendations, as well as approval of the recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and funding for Fiscal Year 2025 -26 CIP p rojects, will allow the construction of the replacement Shoreline Play Structure and corrective pedestrian path work to commence in fall 2025.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not make environmental findings and approve plans and specifications and defer the project.
2. Provide other direction.
Shoreline Play Structure Replacement, Project 20-55—Various Actions June 24, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICING—Agenda posting.
Prepared by:
Tsan Liu
Senior Project Manager
Reviewed by:
David O. Printy
Principal Project Manager
Edward Arango
Assistant Public Works Director/
City Engineer
Approved by:
Jennifer Ng
Public Works Director
Audrey Seymour Ramberg
Assistant City Manager
TL/LL/1/CAM
995-06-24-25CR
205235
cc: APWD— Arango, PPM—Printy, SPM—Liu, SMA—Goedicke, SMA—Doan, File (20-55)