The 2017 Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan envisioned Sportsfield Park as a destination spot and recreation facility for the City of Newark. The Master Plan proposed that the park provide an all-weather artificial turf field, a community skate park, and several updated natural turf fields as major community-serving projects. Additional proposed facilities included group picnic areas, playgrounds that incorporate traditional and water play features, a concession stand with restroom, updated pedestrian pathways, and an extended parking lot to serve additional demand.
With the completion of the new skate park, group picnic area, and allweather multi-use sports field, Sportsfield Park has become invaluable to the youth sports and recreation community and their families. Given the strong interest in baseball within Newark, the Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update recommends converting one of the multi-use sports fields into a dedicated baseball field. Feedback from the Newark baseball community highlighted the value of adding batting cages, and Sportsfield Park would be an ideal location for these, adjacent to the dedicated baseball field. Additionally, the inclusion of lighting at the baseball field would significantly enhance usability and safety for the community.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED PROJECTS
The following updates and projects are recommended at Sportsfield Park. The extent of these improvements will require a phasing plan:
• 3 natural turf, multi-sport field (140 ft x 200 ft)
• 1 natural turf, multi-sport field (200 ft x 300 ft)
• 1 natural turf, regulation soccer field (210 ft x 330 ft) • 1 group picnic area with shelter
• 1 group picnic area without shelter
• 1 school-age play area
• 1 tot play area
• 1 dedicated baseball field
• Batting cage
• Updated pedestrian pathway
• 1 new restroom and concession stand
• Updated existing restroom
• Updated planting and irrigation
• Parking lot
• Lighting
• Bike racks
• Trash receptacles
ALIGNED MASTER PLAN GOALS
protect
and
support
demands
in
service
community
identity
foster
connection
ESTIMATE OF COST
$5,409,358
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Figure 23 – Sportsfield Park 2
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Figure 24 – Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park
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SUSAN JOHNSON BRIDGEPOINTE PARK
Location: Spruce Street at Bridgepointe Drive
Size: 4 acres
Use: Neighborhood Park
OPPORTUNITIES AND VISION
Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park is a neighborhood park located along the northwest edge of Newark. Currently the park has grass lawn, a playground, and two group picnic areas. To activate the site, while better meeting the identified recreation need in the city, the 2017 Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan proposed the creation of half court basketball and a volleyball court as well as an update to the existing playground.
During the 2017 Parks Master Plan process, volleyball was identified as a desirable community amenity. However, recent community feedback indicates that it is no longer highly valued. Instead, the Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update recommends installing a climbing wall at Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park in place of the previously suggested volleyball court. This addition would serve a wide range of community members across various age groups.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED PROJECTS
The following updates and projects are recommended at Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park:
• 1 updated school-age play area
• 1 half court basketball
• 1 climbing wall
• Bike racks
• Trash receptacles
ALIGNED MASTER PLAN GOALS
protect
and
support
demands
in
service
ESTIMATE OF COST
$1,276,800
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SUSAN JOHNSON BRIDGEPOINTE PARK
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IMPLEMENTATION
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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SECTIONS
6.1 Proposed Projects
6.2 Prioritization Process
6.3 Priority Projects
6.4 Financial Analysis and Management
6.5 Capital Project Funding
6.1 PROPOSED PROJECTS
Individual park projects were identified throughout the planning process.
These projects range in variety of recreation provided and are listed below:
• Children’s Play Areas
• Amphitheater
• Bike Skills Park
• Community Garden
• Grass Turf Fields
• Group Picnic Areas
• Splash Pads
• Restrooms
This section provides information on the project types proposed in the Citywide Parks Master Plan; their location and description, as well as their cost considerations, necessary standards of maintenance, operating cost models, and potential revenue analyses.
Table 3 reports the probable annual maintenance cost, per proposed project.
Table 3 – Estimated Maintenance Costs
Project Annual Maintenance
Low High
Children’s Play Areas (9) $2,000 each $4,000 each
Shirley Sisk Grove $16,000 $22,000
Bike Skills Park $12,000 $19,000
Bike Skills Park $12,000 $19,000
Community Garden $6,000 $10,000
Grass Turf Fields $300,000 total $350,000 total
Group Picnic Areas $80,000 total $90,000 total
Splash Pads $4,000 each $6,000 each
CHAPTER 6: IMPLEMENTATION
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CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS
Site
Birch Grove Park
Byington Park
Civic Center Park
Jerry Raber Ash Street Park
Mayhews Landing Park
Mirabeau Park
Musik Park
Newark Community Park
Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park
Description
Playgrounds offer a host of opportunities for children to develop important skills such as cognitive, physical and social skills. Playgrounds serve as community spaces offering children the opportunity to engage in unstructured play that helps build social skills as well as a reduction in stress. Play equipment in most children’s playgrounds gets much use and needs to be replaced every 10-15 years with the most popular equipment needing repair or replacement more frequently. Surfacing such as a resilient playground surfacing (rubberized and cushioned play surface) and rubber mulch (shredded sustainable and resilient recycled rubber) needs annual assessment to assure safe fall zones. Shade structures should be added to playgrounds without shade from trees.
With most playgrounds in Newark’s parks being more than 10-15 years old, maintenance/repair or replacement is needed. A safety inspection and audit of Newark’s playground was conducted by a certified playground inspector in March of 2024. Several safety deficiencies were noted and recommendations for repair or replacement were made. In addition, the Consultant team identified ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) deficiencies with the assessment of Newark’s parks.
Replacement of tot and school age playgrounds is recommended for the parks with the most severe deficiencies. There should be consideration of replacement with equipment that is focused on inclusivity accommodating all children including children with disabilities. With parks currently containing both tot and school age playgrounds, an all-inclusive playground may be considered. These are designed as a single playground combining both areas into one space that is physically accessible and welcoming to all children of all ages.
Cost Considerations
Regular repair and maintenance of play equipment is essential for safe children’s play areas.
• When using shredded wood (fibar) surfacing, the depth of the material needs to be regularly checked and replaced as needed.
• When using shredded rubber mulch or resilient play surfacing, the depth of the material needs to be regularly checked and replaced as needed to ensure that fall zones are maintained as safe and compliant. 111
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• Underground drainage is necessary to keep playgrounds dry during the winter.
• Equipment should be regularly cleaned.
• Shade structures should be added in playgrounds with no shade.
Standard of Maintenance
Children’s play areas should be maintained to ensure the safety of the children who use them.
• Inspect regularly. Perform daily, weekly and monthly inspections of the area and equipment.
• Check for hazards. Look for trash, broken glass and other debris.
Check for tripping hazards such as exposed roots, rock or footings. • Repair or replace when needed. Fix loose or missing components and replace parts that are damaged or worn.
• Cover hard objects. Ensure that surfacing covers all foundations. • Lubricate moving parts. Ensure all moving parts operate smoothly. • Check for vandalism. Look for signs of vandalism or inappropriate use of the area.
• Check for drainage. Ensure that the areas are draining to prevent standing water.
• Keep track of inspections. Keep a record of each inspection including the date, the items that need repair and who made the repair. • Encourage the community to report problems they observe with the equipment.
• Correct hazards immediately or prohibit access until the problem is fixed.
Operating Cost Model
The children’s play areas would be available for drop-in use at each of the 9 locations. Maintenance could be scheduled in a way that would have 1 off-line while the remaining 8 were still in use by the community.
This is an amenity that could be used throughout the day by caregivers, stay at home parents, childcare providers, home school groups, etc.
Depending on the amenities within the children’s play area B*K would estimate the operating cost to be $2,000-$4,000 per location.
Potential Revenue Analysis
Traditionally speaking it is extremely difficult to monetize children’s play areas like those described. However, when coupled with other park amenities like a shelter, they can enhance the rentability of those spaces.
There is also the opportunity for sponsorship of these amenities by local businesses, non-profits, etc.
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AMPHITHEATER
Site
Shirley Sisk Grove
Description
The proposed improvements to Shirley Sisk Grove will replace and expand the existing temporary facilities to provide a permanent venue for the site’s existing concert and performing art series, creating a permanent community outdoor amphitheater. The proposed enhancements will include a fixed restroom, band shell, storage, play area, parking, a vehicular loading zone, and grass lawn for outdoor seating.
Shirley Sisk Grove has hosted the city’s free summer concert series since its inception in 1987. Currently the site consists of approximately 2 acres of unimproved open space without permanent facilities or services such as a stage, restroom, or on-site electricity. To support the concert series, portable equipment is provided and installed on site. Additionally, the site has limited ease of access and no permanent parking for events.
Outdoor amphitheaters are valuable community assets that promote community cohesion, support of cultural arts, and connection to available natural resources.
Cost Considerations
City-sponsored summer concert series are popular in communities throughout the Bay Area, however cost considerations specific to the maintenance and sustainability of outdoor amphitheaters must be considered in the financial analysis of this project.
To minimize or manage maintenance costs of the proposed project, the city should:
• Provide adequate drainage to prevent standing water on turf • Incorporate a method to close the site during inclement weather • Open the facility only when programmed or reserved
• Provide a trash enclosure to contain debris and garbage • Install hand-washing stations outside of the restrooms for easy access Additionally, as an enhanced outdoor venue, there are limitations to year-round programming due to weather constraints.
Standard of Maintenance
For sustained use of the enhanced site, the city will need to adopt maintenance standards for the venue. Typical maintenance needs for an outdoor amphitheater include:
• Refuse pick-up and garbage removal
• Signage maintenance
• Path maintenance
• Restroom cleaning and stocking
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• Graffiti removal, as required
• Stage cleaning
• Landscape maintenance
• Routine inspection
Operating Cost Model
The 2023 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Field Report reports that median expenditures for maintenance of parkland is nearly $8,106 per acre for communities of similar size to Newark. Based on this national median, maintenance expense for the 2-acre site and proposed amenities are expected to range from $16,000 to $22,000, annually.
The biggest cost associated with the operation of the amphitheater will be the maintenance of the location, as outlined above. That figure will increase or decrease depending on the number of events, rentals, and programs that are held annually. It is also important to note that the costs associated with offering a summer concert series are typically offset by the organization, or through donations. In some instances, those donations will support a series of concerts 4-8. There are also instances where city’s will seek sponsors for individual concerts to expand the concert series.
Potential Revenue Analysis
The existing concert series program has been supported through:
• Corporate and local business in-kind sponsorship
• Newark Betterment Corporation nonprofit funding
• Measure U (utility users’ tax) to maintain staffing levels By investing in this location, the city moves from a temporary seasonal facility to a year around amenity. In addition to the summer concert series, the city could consider renting the space for a variety of special events (ex. group picnics, school performances, graduation ceremonies, weddings, etc.) Rentals and other special events could be enhanced with the addition of food trucks and rentals of space.
Outside of renting this amenity it also provides an opportunity to enhance the program offerings to the community. Those programs could include, but are not limited to:
• Youth/Adult Theater
• Dance Performances
• Group Exercise Opportunities (yoga, Tai Chi)
• Poetry Readings
The programming that takes place in that space should be driven by community input. It is assumed that with those programs, they would be run by the city, or a vendor, and follow the prescribed pricing and cost recovery strategy.
With the combination of concert series opportunities, rentals, and programming this location could become a cultural hub of the community.
With the proposed enhancements at this location, renting the Grove for large group picnics at a fee of $500 for a day use with 10 rentals over the summer (1 per week) could generate $5,000 in fees. Additionally, the popularity of food trucks creates an opportunity to rent parking stall spaces during concerts, generating additional funds.
The city might strongly consider a set-up and cleaning fee in addition to the rental rate.
Table 4 – models potential annual revenue based on the strategies mentioned
Strategy Potential Revenue
Grants/Sponsorship of Concert Series $25,000-$40,000
Rentals (20 annually @ $500 per rental) $10,000
Programs (1 per month, 20 participants
$50/participant)
$12,000-$15,000
Total $47,000 - $65,000
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Maintenance Reserve Funding
The use of this facility during active summer seasons, exposure to the elements, and its slightly secluded location necessitates a replacement plan and funding strategy. The cost of the amphitheater and stage shelter is estimated at $532,000. If the amphitheater has a 40-year life, the annual commitment to reserve funding should be $15,000 to $18,000.
This figure should be cost adjusted for inflation.
BIKE SKILLS PARK
Site
Birch Grove Park
Description
The proposed bike skills park will be the first of its kind in the tri-city area, located at Birch Grove Park in the City of Newark. The project will host several pre-fabricated bike skills structures as well as user amenities such as shaded seating. These features will allow users to develop bikehandling skills and to create in a space exclusively for this activity.
Bike skills parks are specialized recreational facilities that provide a variety of features used for teaching, training, and competing in bike sports.
Typical bike parks include features such as undulated ramps and surface mounds for users to hone their abilities. Bike skills parks create a safe place to ride without pedestrian and vehicular conflict and allow bike riders to practice skills outside of traditional skate parks. Additionally, bike skills parks host specialized features for users to perform and practice skills while also serving as a community gathering area. 115
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Cost Considerations
The proposed bike skills park will be open during standard park hours, sunrise to sunset, dependent on weather. As the tracks are weather sensitive, similar to grass fields, the facility should be closed during inclement weather. The bike skills park will be fenced and located in a high visibility location within the city’s Birch Grove Park, to limit undesirable uses. Signage will be important to emphasize site rules and frequent inspections of the bike park, in accordance with other park elements, will be important to offset potential maintenance issues. In consideration of cost, the City of Newark should also provide adequate drainage from the site and utilize high quality materials and structures that will sustain use, weather and time.
Standard of Maintenance
For sustained use and success of the proposed project, the City should adopt maintenance standards to ensure the site’s care. Though maintenance requirements vary upon materials used for construction, typical maintenance requirements for bike parks include:
• Cleaning of seating areas
• Structure maintenance
• Landscape maintenance, as necessary
• Litter and debris pick-up, removal of hazardous rocks • Erosion maintenance
• Routine inspection and maintenance of signage, fencing and gates • Storm water control features
• Park closure as needed during inclement weather
Operating Cost Model
As the development of bike skills parks is new to traditional recreation planning, historic maintenance cost data is limited, with costs varying widely. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), however, recommends an annual maintenance budget of approximately 3% to 5% of the park’s construction cost. Based upon these guidelines, the annual estimated maintenance cost for the proposed bike skills park would range from $12,000 to $19,000. This estimated annual expense includes maintenance of the structures, park grounds, perimeter fencing and gates, and seating areas. The IMBA, a non-profit educational association, is a resource to the biking community and is active in supporting development of bike skill parks to teach skills and bike safety.
Local benchmarks for comparison include bike facilities supported in the cities of Lafayette and Pleasanton. The proposed Lafayette bike park, at
1.8 acres, is expected to generate maintenance costs of $15,000 annually.
Pleasanton’s dirt, BMX bike park, at 2 acres, generates nearly $7,200 in maintenance costs annually.
The use of volunteers may reduce maintenance costs through organized workdays and the provision of in-kind services. However, those volunteers will need to be scheduled, potentially trained, and supervised.
Potential Revenue Analysis
Admission to a bike skills park is generally without charge. These parks are viewed as community assets with recreational value. Biking programs, classes, skill camps, private rentals, competitions, and exhibitions may be a source of limited revenue. However, the provision of programming may reduce net revenue due to associated program costs to the city.
Revenue potential for the proposed project is estimated to range from $10,000 to $12,000, annually. The following is illustrative of the programming and assumptions made to achieve this projected potential revenue.
• Bike Skill Park Rentals for Parties or Private Events: Revenue Potential $3,000
○ 2-hour rental
○ $125 rental rate
○ 4 rentals per month
○ 6-month spring-summer season
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• Morning and Afternoon Skill Camp: Revenue Potential $9,600 ○ 6 half day, week-long camps
○ $160 x 60 participants
○ 10 participants per camp
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Site
Cedar Boulevard Linear Park
Description
The community garden will be a focal point of the proposed Cedar Boulevard Linear Park. The enclosed garden will provide 43 raised planting beds, irrigation, communal storage, and decomposed granite pathways. This project is expected to be a user-friendly amenity that encourages ownership and food production for personal consumption and contribution. The proposed facility will be member-based with the rental of a garden plot and the expectation that members maintain common areas.
Community gardens are desirable assets that provide not only a safe space to grow produce, but also add aesthetic and cultural vibrancy to their surroundings. Community gardens support community cohesion and gathering, and can also serve as places of environmental education.
Some established gardens serve as horticulture teaching centers with interpretive signage, planting information kiosks, and scheduled programs relating to topics such as composting.
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Cost Considerations
To minimize the cost of this proposed project, the city should consider volunteer organizations to aid in the site’s construction and development. Additionally, the site should utilize weather tolerant materials.
Standard of Maintenance
For sustained use of the proposed community garden, the city will need to adopt maintenance standards for the project. Community gardens require relatively little maintenance, with standard maintenance practices including:
• Refuse pick-up for offsite disposal
• Irrigation and watering system repairs
• Signage maintenance, if applicable
• Path maintenance
• Fence maintenance
In many cases, however, municipalities interested in developing such a project partner with local organizations, such as garden clubs, to support basic maintenance needs. This often results in basic maintenance tasks included in the community garden’s membership policies and completed by site users.
Operating Cost Model
The projected maintenance costs for this facility are minimal as it is assumed users provide most of the daily upkeep. Dependent upon member and volunteer group support, the annual maintenance cost estimate ranges from $6,000-$10,000
Potential Revenue Analysis
Plot rentals provide the basis for cost recovery at community gardens.
Comparable rates for cities neighboring Newark follow.
Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF) is a member-based community garden organization in Fremont. This group provides garden plots, at its LEAF Center, to residents of Fremont, Newark and Union City. The cost of plot membership includes water, access to a portable restroom, trash and recycling, and maintenance and repairs. Plot users are members required to assist with the maintenance of the common areas. LEAF also provides members with classes, demonstrations, workshops, and planting materials for purchase. LEAF’s membership prices are included below.
Table 5 – LEAF Membership Prices
Plot/Planter at LEAF, Fremont Annual Membership Fee
Standard Planter: 4’x12’x18” raised bed $300
Membership at the Union City Community Garden is prioritized based on members’ residency within the city. This garden maintains 17 plots and membership fees include, water, compost, sand and fertilizer, and gardening tools. As is typical, members of the Union City Community Garden must assist with maintenance and upkeep of the common areas.
Membership prices are included below.
Table 6 – Union City Community Garden Membership Price
Plot/Planter at Union City Community
Garden
Annual Membership Fee
Standard Planter: 15’x30’ raised bed $250
Based on the above information, the proposed Newark community garden may be expected to generate $10,750 annually if membership is priced at $250 per person for the 43-plot site. This revenue does not include the potential donation of excess garden food to non-profit organizations, or the potential to showcase a farmers’ market in adjacent areas as a special event.
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Cost Considerations
Grass fields require regular maintenance and water usage in order to sustain playing field conditions. Grass turf requires resting periods to recover from intense sport use and thereby may experience overuse if the demand for practice and game time is high. Grass fields easily suffer from drought conditions which increases maintenance needs due to gopher holes, bald spots, overuse, and field tracks. Adversely, there is also the loss of days the fields are usable due to weather that renders the turf not viable.
Standard of Maintenance
A minimum standard of maintenance will preserve the proposed fields for public use while addressing safety concerns. This minimum standard includes weekly mowing during seasons of use, weed control, seeding, fertilizing, rolling, topsoil placement, irrigation maintenance, debris cleanup, field drainage maintenance, and special event preparation and cleanup.
Intensification of scheduling and multi-use pushes the limits of turf recovery with excessive foot traffic leading to compaction and bare areas. The proposed fields will require recovery periods and rotation of use to maintain ideal field conditions. The fields must also have effective drainage systems to move water off site. The city should note that intense play schedules require an increase in materials and equipment, irrigation repairs, staff labor, field aeration, and mowing.
Operating Cost Model
Table 7 identifies the likely costs for maintenance of the proposed grass turf fields. The cost model is without set-aside funding for replacement of the fields.
GRASS TURF FIELDS
Sites
Birch Grove Park 2 Multi-Sport Fields 140’ x 200’
1 Open Play Field 140’x 200’
Civic Center Park 1 Multi-Sport Field 140’ x 200’
Jerry Raber Ash Street Park 1 Multi-Sport Field 140’ x 200’ Sportsfield Park 4 Multi-Sport Fields 200’ x 140’
2 Multi-Sport Fields 300’ x 200’
2 Regulation Soccer Fields 330’ x 210’
Macgregor Field Soccer Fields, potential Cricket Pitch
Sanctuary Park 1 Open Play Field 140’x 200’
Description
The City of Newark proposes the creation of new grass turf fields throughout its park system, with the majority of the fields irrigated with underground systems. Though grass playing fields are a popular and reliable source for recreation, they face challenges that impact their use and maintenance. Grass fields are susceptible to weather conditions and require regular closure to allow their rest and prevent overuse.
Grass fields are the most common field playing surface provided by municipalities, with lighting occasionally also provided to maximize use.
The proposed grass fields will not be lit.
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• If the City does not already do so, there needs to be a field reservation system put in place, so that the City knows what groups are using the fields when. While drop in play should be encouraged, groups, practices, and competitions need to be scheduled.
Fee Assumptions
• The rates are based on Newark community use
• The rates are based on community use during the weekday and primetime/tournament use on weekends
• Rates are based on single category/group classification. Fee adjustments for group categories will impact recovery rates Table 8 – Revenue Potential from User Fees of Grass Turf Fields Field Use Revenue
Per Day Field
Availability
Average
Hrs Per
Day
No. of
Days per
Year
% of Hrs
Used
Estimated
Total No.
of Hrs
Used
Rental
Fees/Hr
Totals
Weekday
(MondayThursday)-
Spring/Summer
9 104 80% 749 $35 $26,215
Weekday
(MondayThursday)-Fall
7 51 60% 214 $35 $7,490
Weekend (FridaySunday)-Spring/
Summer
9 76.5 80% 551 $35 $19,285
Weekend (FridaySunday)-Fall7 38 60% 160 $35 $5,600
Revenue from
User Fees Per
Year
$58,590
Table 7 – Operating Cost Model (assumes 1 acre, or 43,560 sf) Annual Maintenance
Mowing $2,500
Irrigation Repair $500
Sweep, Cleaning, and Trash $500
Annual Turf Repair and Striping $1,000
Over-seeding $2,000
Aeration $1,500
Top Dressing $3,000
Materials - Natural Turf $1,000
Water Use $15,000
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Per
Field without Set-Aside $27,000
The proposed grass fields comprise nearly 11 acres in size (482,600 sf), making their estimated annual maintenance cost range from $300,000 to $350,000. Depending on the standard of care the city agrees to, these costs could increase exponentially.
Potential Revenue Analysis
The community demand for field use is high and cannot be met by the City’s existing supply of grass fields, with the current demand for field use highest among youth sports organizations. The scenario below is an example of the revenue that could be generated based on the assumptions listed.
General Operating Assumptions
The preliminary operating assumptions are summarized below. • Community use on weekdays and primetime use on weekends • Field availability is March through November with fields closed for the winter season from December through February, annually
• Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am - Dusk
Friday-Saturday-Sunday 8am - Dusk
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Table 9 – Rental Rate Comparisons for Grass Turf Fields Field Use Rental Rates
City Type Resident Non-Resident
Newark 1 Sportsfield Park & Birch Grove
- no lights.
$25-$45/hr $35-$50/hr
Fremont Grass Sports Field-no lights $10-$20/hr $40/hr
Union City Ball Fields and Open Grass
Rates
$5/hr-$20/hr $25/hr
1 Newark Summer Activity Guide 2016
GROUP PICNIC AREAS
Site
Bayshore Park (2)
Birch Grove Park (1)
Civic Center Park (1)
Dumbarton Neighborhood Park (1)
Jerry Raber Ash Street Park (1)
Newark Community Park (4)
Sportsfield Park (2)
Sanctuary Park (2)
Description
The city’s proposed group picnic areas will provide tables and benches and include barbeques and food preparation areas at several specific sites. Dependent on the park site proposed, the picnic areas may be shaded or sited under a permanent structure. Depending on the city’s policy, the new group picnic areas will be reservable for guaranteed access or provided on a first come, first served basis.
Group picnic areas provide an ideal location for warm-weather gatherings. Cities generally provide group picnic areas and barbeque facilities to encourage utilization of parks, social interaction, family cohesiveness, and promotion of outdoor leisure activities. These facilities are used to host a variety of family and group events including reunions, 121
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birthday parties, team outings, company events, and informal social gatherings. Typical amenities offered may include stations for washing and cleaning, barbeques, electricity, lighting, and signage. Convenient and accessible trash and recycle receptacles are additionally important to facilitate the cleanup process.
Cost Considerations
To minimize costs, the city should take in to account the importance of clear signage to deter unwanted uses and alleviate potential tensions regarding reserved times. Additionally, additional City staffing hours may be necessary to manage participant needs throughout the proposed sites.
Standards of Maintenance
To ensure the success and sustainability of the proposed picnic sites, the City should adopt a standard of maintenance for the picnic facilities.
Typical maintenance needs include:
• Refuse pick-up for offsite disposal
• Signage maintenance
• Cleaning of food preparation areas
• Maintenance and cleaning of seating areas
• Graffiti removal, as needed
• Blowing of debris and path clearing
• Barbeque cleaning
Operating Cost Model
The City of Newark does not currently reserve group picnic areas. The city should strongly consider instituting a reservation program, for which there will be expense and revenue implications. Expense examples include the need for increased staffing when necessary, such as on weekends and holidays when picnic reservations are most frequent.
The proposed group picnic areas vary in size, type and quantity of site furnishings and amenities provided. The cost estimates listed in Table 10 identify new maintenance costs to the city and do not include current maintenance costs for existing park acreage and existing picnic areas. To estimate the probable maintenance expenses for the facilities the Newark Public Works Department projected unit costs, within accepted industry standards, which were applied to the various sites and their proposed amenities.
Table 10 – Annual Maintenance Cost
Picnic Amenities Quantity Maintenance
Cost Total
Shelter, picnic tables, pad w/ barbecue pit 8 $7,700 $61,600 Shelter, picnic tables, pad w/o barbecue pit 1 $6,700 $6,700 Picnic tables, pad, w/ barbecue pit 1 $6,000 $6,000
Picnic tables, pad w/o barbecue pit 2 $5,000 $10,000
Total 12 $84,300
Potential Revenue Analysis
To generate revenue to partially offset operating costs from the provision and reservation of group picnic areas, a fee schedule and reservation policy should be instituted with support and enforcement of the permit process. With reservations come expectations from the community that the city will support the program for it to be successful. The city’s role will be to process reservation requests, provide and update website descriptions, issue use permits, collect fees, and coordinate with the parks staff to provide enhanced cleanup and maintenance, and enforce site reservations. Reservations are generally viewed as a service and benefit to the community for which they must contribute toward the expense.
A comparative analysis of local group picnic reservations provides a benchmark for establishing fees, with fees varying up the sites’ capacity and location. The following information puts forth the reservation fees enforced by the cities of Fremont and Union City.
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The City of Fremont hosts 7 different parks with reservable space at picnic sites. Table 11 outlines the reservation fees enforced at Fremont’s Central Park based on several of the park’s reservable areas, as designated by the city.
Table 11 – Fremont Central Park Group Picnic Reservation Fees, by Reservable Area
Fremont Central Park - Reservable Area Capacity
(Individuals)
Resident Fee Non-Resident
Fee
Mammoth 20 $50 $55
Dock 30 $75 $85
Brook 2 40 $100 $115
Triangle 1 50 $125 $145
Always Dream 1 60 $150 $175
Kennedy 70 $175 $205
Always Dream 2 80 $200 $235
Lions 2 90 $225 $265
Area B 100 $200 $235
Area A 350 $660 $930
Area C 350 $740 $1,040
*By reservable area
Union City hosts a variety of reservable picnic sites at 12 of its parks.
Table 12 outlines reservation fees enforced at a selection of Union City’s parks and their reservable picnic sites, as designated by the city.
Table 12 – Selection of Union City Picnic Reservation Fees by Park and Site
Park and Site Capacity
(Individuals)
Resident
Fee Non-Resident Fee
William Cann Civic- Egret 10 $35 $70
Shorty Garcia 20 $40 $80
Accinelli Park 30 $45 $90
Arroyo Park 40 $55 $110
Seven Hills Park- Kitayama 60 $80 $160
Kennedy Park- Camarillo Brown 70 $82.50 $165
Old Alvarado- Gazebo 75 $115 $230
Dry Creek 80 $95 $190
Contempo 100 $125 $250
Kennedy Park- Amphitheater 125 $150 $300
Kennedy Park- Daniel Camarillo 130 $165 $330
The fee schedules developed for the cities of Fremont and Union City consider site capacity, the number of people served, popularity of the designated site, and the associated amenities. Popularity of group picnic sites is based upon the park amenities, such as sports fields, and the scheduling of tournaments and game play.
Fee assumptions were developed to identify the potential revenue for the City of Newark. The Consultant developed assumptions that assume an average fee, system-wide, and that participant capacity will be 30 to 60 individuals per site. Changing any of the assumptions may have a significant impact on the estimated revenue.
Table 13 reveals the proposed Newark park reservation fee structure.
Table 13 – Proposed Newark Park Reservation Fee Structure Sheltered or Unsheltered Picnic
Site
Capacity
(Individuals)
Resident
Fee
Non-Resident
Fee
With Shelter 30 to 60 $85 $150
Without Shelter 30 to 60 $65 $120
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Based on the proposed fee structure, Table 14 represents projected revenue estimates regarding the 12 new group picnic site reservations, assuming demand is equal for all sites.
Table 14 – Projected Revenue Estimate
Revenue Assumptions -Summer Weekends - Saturday & Sunday Assumptions Site Rental Days Fees Collected Revenue
Potential
9 Shelter Group Picnic Sites-Proposed
(Saturdays and Sundays) 234
Percent of Site Rentals (90%) 211
Rentals by Residents (80%) 168 $85 $14,280
Rentals by Non-Residents (20%) 42 150 $6,300
Holidays and Special Events 90 $250 $22,500
3 Non-Shelter Group Sites-Proposed
(Saturdays and Sundays) 78
Percent of Site Rentals (90%) 70
Rentals by Residents (80%) 56 $65 $3,640
Rentals by Non-Residents (20%) 14 $120 $1,680
Revenue Potential $48,400
This conservative estimate may be doubled if the city grants half-day permits, allowing 2 rentals per site each weekend day. The provisions of electrical power or a process for renting a jump house are also examples of opportunities to generate additional income.
SPLASH PADS
Sites
Birch Grove Park (481 sf)
Byington Park (1,252 sf)
Description
A new splash pad is recommended for Birch Grove Park as the existing splash pad at the park is not in working condition and an update of 1 existing splash pad, at Byington Park. These facilities will be comprised of rubberized matting, water spray heads, and various play structures for youth.
Splash pads are user-friendly, outdoor aquatic amenities that often serve as destination features for community members with toddlers, preschoolers, and depending upon the features, pre-teens. Popular splash pad features include vibrant colors and shapes and sequencing spray patterns that maintain the interest of young users. A healthy outdoor play amenity, splash pads offer unique water-based recreation for children and families.
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Cost Considerations
There are 2 typical approaches to the creation of splash pad water systems. The first operates similar to a pool facility with chemicals, filters, and pumps (as well as UV and other sanitizing agents) stored in a tank below the play surface that re-circulate water through spray features. The second approach uses potable water from a city’s system, which flows through the splash pad once before it is sent to the municipal sanitary system or repurposed another way, such as irrigation. The option the city selects will have implications for the maintenance budget, staff resources, and the community’s commitment to water-wise conditions.
Note: Some states are leaning toward the concept of requiring UV and treating water.
Standard of Maintenance
To ensure the success and sustainability of the proposed splash pads the city should adopt a standard of maintenance for the facilities. Typical maintenance needs necessary for community splash pads include:
• Refuse removal
• Signage maintenance
• Cleaning and maintenance of surfaces and features
• System check and repairs for valves, spray heads and filtration system • Removal of organic plant material
• Sanitization protocols
Operating Cost Model
Splash pads typically maintain low maintenance costs when compared with outdoor pools. Based on Consultant experience and standards, the aforementioned maintenance practices will be expected to cost between $4,000 and $6,000, annually, per splash pad. This projection does not include utilities or chemicals if the city were to select that option.
Revenue Potential
Despite the popularity of this feature, the revenue potential is limited.
The proposed splash pads are integrated into the city’s park system, are not fenced, and are provided as a site amenity. Private rentals for parties can be a source of limited revenue, however, this requires policies regarding closing the facility to the public, notification, and ensuring access to renters. If the city offered rentals of the splash pads during specified times, the revenue potential would range from $2,000 to $3,000, per site, or a total of $6,000 to $12,000 for the 3 sites. These figures assume a 2-hour rental at a cost of $100, with 2 to 3 rentals at each park per week for 10 weeks.
As a potential revenue generator, the consultant team recommends renting splash pads. In many instances these amenities are viewed much like a child play area. If the splash pad is in close proximity to other “rentable” amenities it increases the attractiveness of said amenity and potentially increases that rental rate and frequency.
6.2 PRIORITIZATION PROCESS
The consultant team conducted a detailed prioritization process to evaluate each of the proposed recommendations.
This process was guided by seven key criteria, each of which was assigned a value based on its relative importance.
The evaluation criteria were as follows:
• Code and Regulation (5)
• High Priority of the Community (4)
• Fulfills Unmet Needs (3)
• Service Area (3)
• Potential Revenue Generation (2)
• Included in Previous Planning Efforts (2)
• Operational Efficiency (1)
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Each criterion was assigned a value from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest, reflecting the level of importance relative to the other criteria. A recommendation could earn up to 20 points in total, with the highest points awarded to those meeting Code and Regulation requirements.
Based on survey results and community feedback, the recommendations were evaluated and assigned points, with final scores ranging from 1 to 14 points. The top-scoring recommendations, which focused on site improvements, received either 13 or 14 points. This prioritization process revealed that the community values the enhancement of existing facilities over the introduction of new elements in parks. These insights have directly informed the priority projects, which are discussed in further detail in Section 6.3, Priority Projects.
For a detailed break out of the prioritization matrix Appendix F.
6.3 PRIORITY PROJECTS
The following park projects have been identified as the top four actionable priorities in the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update. Prior to this update, the City of Newark recognized several recreation projects that were highly desired by the community. Both the 2017 Citywide Parks Master Plan and the 2013 General Plan highlighted the need for a skate and bike park, multi-purpose all-weather turf fields at Sportsfield Park, and a dog park for community use. Since then the skate park, multipurposed all-weather turf fields, and the dog park have been completed.
In response to an updated assessment of community needs, the Master Plan Update now prioritizes the following key projects:
1. Children’s Play Areas
2. Restrooms – Improved or new facilities.
3. Maintenance and Play Fields – Upgrades and enhancements to existing fields.
4. Trails and Pathway Improvements – Enhancements to
connectivity and access.
Based on community feedback gathered from outreach events, digital surveys, and stakeholder interviews, the focus of the Master Plan Update has shifted towards the overall upgrade and maintenance of existing park amenities and infrastructure, rather than new, park-specific projects.
Each of these priority areas is discussed in greater detail in the following sections, along with the parks best suited for these improvements.
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA ($902,753)
A certified playground safety inspection and audit of Newark’s playgrounds was conducted by a certified playground inspector with Sedgwick Risk Control on March 19 and 20, 2024. Several playgrounds at multiple parks were inspected, these include:
• Birch Grove Park
• Byington Park
• Civic Center Park
• Newark Community Center Park
• Jerry Raber Ash Street Park
• Mayhews Landing Park
• Mirabeau Park
• Musik Park
• Silliman Preschool Playground
• Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park
The conditions of the playgrounds observed were measured against the standards established by the American Society for Testing Materials Standard F1487-21 and the guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission handbook for Public Playground Safety, Publication #325 (2015).
Hazards identified are prioritized based on the following factors:
• Probability – the likelihood that users would encounter the hazard. • Probability – the probability that users could have an accident as a result of the hazard
• Consequences – the most likely level of injury that would result 126
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Priority 1 – Permanent disability, loss of life or body part (Condition should be corrected immediately)
Priority 2 – Serious injury resulting in temporary disability (Condition should be corrected as soon as possible)
Priority 3 – Minimum non-disabling injury (Condition should be corrected very soon)
Priority 4 – Potential for injury very minimal (Condition should be corrected if it worsens)
Priority 5 – Existing condition does not present a hazard at this time, or the condition is non-compliant with out posing a risk of injury (Action determined by the entity based on its priorities)
See Appendix G for detailed evaluation of each playground Based on the inspection reports, the current condition of the play equipment and the priority list noted above, the children’s play areas at the following parks have emerged as the highest priority projects which are in need of playground infrastructure upgrades, replacement, and/or repair:
• Jerry Raber Ash Street Park
• Mirabeau Park
• Newark Community Center Park
While upgrading the existing children’s play areas will benefit the community, there has been strong feedback and demand for an “AllAbilities Playground” in Newark’s Parks and Recreation facilities. This has been a prominent topic of discussion among community members and staff, highlighting the potential to bring significant value and a meaningful experience to Newark’s families and children.
An All-Abilities Playground is a thoughtfully designed play space that accommodates children of all physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities.
Unlike traditional playgrounds, these inclusive environments are equipped with features such as wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensoryrich play elements, and equipment that encourages cooperative play between children of varying abilities. The goal is to create an environment where every child can safely explore, engage, and enjoy play without barriers. The benefits of an All-Abilities Playground extend beyond physical activity—it fosters social inclusion, boosts confidence and independence, and promotes empathy and understanding among children by encouraging diverse interactions. Additionally, these playgrounds provide opportunities for children to develop motor skills, sensory processing, and cognitive abilities in a fun, accessible, and supportive setting.
After evaluating several parks within Newark’s park framework, the consultant team has identified Newark Community Center Park as the most suitable location for an All-Abilities Playground. This determination was based on the park’s current programming, potential for future expansion, and the availability of sufficient space to accommodate the playground. Given these factors, Newark Community Center Park offers the ideal setting for an All-Abilities Playground that will meet community needs and enhance recreational opportunities.
For a detailed break out of probable costs for the proposed All-Abilities playground at Newark Community Center Park, see Appendix E.
RESTROOMS ($381,867)
Several restrooms within the Newark Park system are outdated, in poor condition, and pose health and safety concerns for the community.
Proper restroom facilities are essential for maintaining the overall usability of park spaces, ensuring that they are safe, clean, and welcoming for all visitors. Inadequate or poorly maintained restrooms not only detract from the park experience but also limit access and discourage community members from fully enjoying the amenities. In response to community feedback, upgrading park restrooms ranked as one of the highest priorities, underscoring the strong demand for modernized, accessible, and sanitary facilities. Addressing this need would significantly enhance the overall park experience by providing 127
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visitors with clean, functional spaces that support longer visits and broader use of the parks.
Making the upgrade and replacement of restroom facilities a priority will directly address the needs expressed by residents, creating a healthier, more enjoyable environment for park-goers of all ages. This investment will contribute to a more inclusive and accessible park system, reflecting the community’s desire for improved infrastructure and demonstrating the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. By modernizing restroom facilities, Newark will further increase the usability, safety, and appeal of its parks, ultimately promoting greater community engagement and enjoyment.
Investing in improved restroom infrastructure will not only increase the usability of the parks but also reflect the city’s commitment to providing a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Masterplan Update recommends prioritizing upgrading and/ or replacing restrooms at all parks which currently have existing restrooms. It is important to note that replacing the restrooms, rather than attempting to upgrade the outdated structures, would be a more equitable and logical approach, as the aging construction and infrastructure make renovation less cost-effective and efficient in the long term.
Additionally, the inclusion of new restroom facilities at the following parks some of which currently do not provide any restroom facilities for the community:
• Lakeshore Park
• Shirley Sisk Grove
As well as new restrooms and updates to the existing restrooms at the following parks:
• Newark Community Center Park
• Sportsfield Park
For a detailed breakdown of probable costs for the proposed restroom additions, replacement and/or upgrades, see Appendix E.
MAINTENANCE AND PLAY FIELDS ($208,421)
Proper maintenance of the open fields within the Newark Park system is essential for the safety and enjoyment of the entire community.
These fields are widely used by various groups for recreational sports practices, organized leagues, and informal play, with soccer being one of the most popular outdoor activities. With many games extending into the evening when natural lighting is limited, it becomes critical to ensure that the fields are well-maintained, free of trip hazards, burrows, and other potential dangers that could compromise the safety of players. Providing safe, level, and hazard-free fields allows community members to continue enjoying outdoor sports with confidence.
In addition, proper field maintenance, including fine grading, is vital to create level playing surfaces that support safe and fair play. This also ensures adequate drainage and irrigation, which are necessary to keep fields in optimal condition year-round. By preventing water buildup and uneven surfaces, proper grading and irrigation extend the usability of the fields in various weather conditions, promoting continuous outdoor recreation. Prioritizing regular maintenance of these fields enhances the quality of outdoor spaces and reflects the city’s commitment to providing safe, accessible, and enjoyable facilities for all. Furthermore, prioritizing the safety of the Newark community—especially its children—demonstrates the city’s commitment to investing in safe, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor facilities for all residents.
The following parks have existing fields that will need regular maintenance:
• Birch Grove Park
• Jerry Raber Ash Street Park
• Mayhews Landing Park
• McGregor Playfields
• Mirabeau Park
• Newark Community Park
• Mel Nunes Sportsfield Park
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While the demand for a dedicated cricket pitch did not emerge as a high-ranking need in the community survey and outreach, the consultant team has conducted evaluations on potential locations for a future cricket pitch, should the city choose to move forward with this project. Based on the spatial and field requirements for cricket, McGregor Playfields has been identified as the most suitable location to accommodate a dedicated cricket pitch. This proactive assessment ensures that Newark is prepared to meet the evolving recreational interests of its community.
TRAILS AND PATHWAY IMPROVEMENTS ($373,395)
Outdoor trails and pathways are a vital component of the open space and parks network in the City of Newark, offering both recreational and practical value to the community. These trails ranked highly among community members during the survey and outreach process, emphasizing the importance of accessible, well-connected outdoor spaces. Trails not only provide opportunities for walking, running, and biking but also enhance the overall park experience by linking individual parks and open spaces, creating a cohesive network of recreational areas.
These exterior connections magnify the enjoyment of each park by allowing residents to easily explore and engage with different amenities, fostering a greater sense of community and encouraging outdoor activity. Well-maintained and thoughtfully designed trails contribute to a more connected, accessible, and vibrant park system that supports the health and well-being of Newark’s residents.
Proper maintenance of paths and trails is essential to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users. Key aspects of trail upkeep include regular fine grading and leveling to maintain smooth, even surfaces, reducing the risk of trip hazards or uneven terrain. Weeding and vegetation control are equally important to keep pathways clear and prevent overgrowth from obstructing users. The removal of trip hazards such as cracks, roots, or debris, along with addressing slippery surfaces, is crucial for maintaining the safety of those walking, running, or biking on the trails.
Ensuring proper surface drainage is also a key component, preventing water accumulation that could lead to erosion or create dangerous conditions. Additionally, all trails must adhere to code-compliant accessibility standards, including maintaining appropriate cross slopes and running slopes to accommodate individuals of all abilities. Consistent maintenance of these elements not only ensures the safety and usability of the paths but also demonstrates the city’s commitment to providing a welcoming, accessible, and well-maintained trail network for the entire community.
In addition to the existing trails and pathways, the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update recommends expanding the current trail system where feasible. Based on an evaluation of current conditions, Cedar Boulevard Linear Park has been identified as the park that would benefit most from the addition of new trails and pathway networks.
For a detailed breakdown of probable costs for Trails and Pathway Improvements, see Appendix E.
6.4 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Parks and recreation costs are commonly separate into two categories, ongoing operations and maintenance costs and one-time capital improvement costs. The city’s current funding approach includes:
• Ongoing Costs. The use of General Fund revenues to cover parks maintenance costs and recreation and community services costs, and, to a lesser extent, user fees.
• Capital Improvement Costs. The use of development impact fees to support park and facility improvements with periodic support from grants.
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This section focuses on the city’s current funding of parks maintenance and recreation and community services and the expected need for funding. The following section focuses on the costs associated with the capital improvements projects identified in the Master Plan, describes the city’s current approaches to capital project funding, and identifies additional funding sources that could be pursued to support parks funding.
Overall, to fund and implement the Master Plan’s capital project priorities and support their ongoing operations and maintenance, additional funding sources will be required. There may be opportunities to generate revenue to partially offset the new costs from the operations of several of the proposed facilities; and volunteers, or external organizations, may be engaged to help with fundraising. However, a reliable and consistent source of funding for both operations and maintenance as well as capital improvements will likely be required.
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS SPENDING OVERVIEW AND
FUNDING NEED
The city provides parks and recreation maintenance and services through:
• Public Works Department - The Parks and Landscape Maintenance division in the Department of Public Works is responsible for operations and maintenance of city parks. FY 2025/2026 spending is expected to be about $3.75 million with most funding from the General Fund.
• Recreation and Community Services Department - This department organizes and oversees recreation programming. FY 2025/2026 spending is expected to be about $7.3 million. Over half of the funding will come from the General Fund ($3.7 million) with about 40 percent from user fees/ charges.
As described further below, in the city’s budget, recreation services and park maintenance activities are supported by the Recreation Cost Center and Maintenance Cost Center, respectively.
Like many other California communities, the City of Newark continues to experience increasing demands for a range of public service expenditures with General Fund revenues unable to keep pace. In response to the fiscal realities the city’s practice has been to provide and maintain public facilities, including parks, as resources allow.
A significant challenge for the city is that the improvements envisioned in the Master Plan will increase the city’s maintenance costs (as well as requiring capital projects funding) while public input also indicates a strong desire for overall improved park maintenance. With current maintenance funding constrained, the city will need to explore new funding options for park maintenance when possible.
MAINTENANCE COST CENTER
The Parks and Landscape Maintenance Division of the City’s Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of all City parks and recreation facilities, in addition to street landscaping and residential culde-sacs. Maintenance of parks, sports fields, playgrounds and recreation facilities includes mowing turf, irrigation repair, hedging, litter removal, weed control, playground safety inspection and repair, and special event support.
The Public Works Department receives funding for a broad range of maintenance activities including street repairs and environmental services as well as parks and landscape maintenance, through the City’s Maintenance Cost Center. The budget of the Maintenance Cost Center has been set at about $8.0 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and $8.35 million in FY 2026-27. The City’s General Fund provides the large majority (over 85 percent) of the funding for this Cost Center, including about $6.9 million in FY 2025-26 and $7.83 million in FY 2026-27. 130
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The portion of the overall Maintenance Cost Center funding allocated to Parks & Landscape Maintenance is $3.76 million in FY 2025-26 and $3.89 million in FY 2026-27. This is approximately 47 percent of the Maintenance Cost Center’s total budget.
RECREATION COST CENTER
The Recreation and Community Services Department receives funding through the City’s Recreation Cost Center. The total budget for the Recreation and Community Services Cost Center in FY 2025-2026 is about $7.3 million. The City has budgeted revenues of $2.7 million in various recreation fees and charges. The City’s General Fund contribution is expected to be $4.1 million in FY 2025-26, representing over 50 percent of the Recreation and Community Services Department’s operating budget.
The following recreation programs and services are funded by the Recreation Cost Center:
• General recreation services
• Youth/Adult Sports, Fitness & Wellness
• George M. Silliman Activity & Family Aquatic Center
• Community Center Licensed Child Care
• Senior Services
• Paratransit Services
• Newark Resource Center
6.5 CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDING
The Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan has identified a series of park improvements and identified priorities to help allocate funding as it becomes available. This section summarizes the capital cost information, discusses the city’s primary parks capital funding tool, and identifies other options. As for most California communities, raising funding for parks and recreation improvements and their associated maintenance is challenging. The city’s current funding tools will support incremental improvements over time, though the city will need to explore new funding options to accelerate the pace of potential capital improvements while accounting for additional maintenance requirements when possible.
CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COSTS (CIP)
In the budgeting process for the Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-2026 budget cycle, the city evaluated 93 projects of all types for potential funding, of which 28 related to park and recreation facilities. Of those projects, 47 were selected for funding during the biennial budget cycle, including nine (9) for park and recreation facilities. The total known costs for all of these projects add up to about $119.2 million. The nine (9) identified park and recreation improvement projects in this budget cycle are estimated to cost about $1.55 million. These are primarily improvements to the Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center, which comprise 7 of the projects.
Table 15 – Projects Funded by Parks Impact Fees
Park Name Total Cost (2024$)
Birch Grove $4,070,000
Byington Park $1,287,000
Cedar Boulevard Linear Park $5,622,000
Civic Center Park $2,092,000
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Jerry Raber Ash Street Park $1,235,000
Lakeshore Park $3,111,000
MacGregor Playfields $552,000
Mayhews Landing $1,844,000
Mirabeau Park $689,000
Musick Park $962,000
Newark Community Park $4,193,000
Sanctuary Park $1,636,000
Shirley Sisk Grove $3,085,000
Sportsfield Park $5,048,000
Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park $1,277,000
Grand Total $36,703,000
The Master Plan includes an assessment of potential city park capital improvements. As summarized below, the Master Plan identifies improvements to 15 city parks with an estimate total improvement cost of $36.7 million. The overall improvement list and costs includes several of the parks and recreation projects included in the city’s two-year Capital Improvement Plan.
EXISTING CAPITAL FUNDING TOOLS/ PARK IMPACT FEES
The city’s dedication and park fee requirements provide an important source of parkland and improvements/ facilities funding from new development. Specifically, the city requires new residential subdivisions to dedicate land, or pay an in-lieu fee, for parks and open space, as authorized by the Quimby Act (California Government Code Sec. 66477).
In addition, the city charges a fee for the cost to develop parks and recreation facilities.
The fees as of 2024 are presented below. As shown, the fees include a fee associated with park improvements, set at about $9,200 per unit per single family unit and $6,500 per unit for multifamily development.
Developers that choose to dedicate the required amount of parkland only pay this fee, though developers also have the option to pay a higher fee that incorporates a parkland in-lieu fee as well as the park improvements fee component. As shown, for developers that select the parkland in-lieu fee, the fee is about $30,800 per single family unit and $22,200 per multifamily unit.
Table 16 – FY 2024 Parks Impact Fees
Fee per Dwelling Unit ($2024)
Item Single Family Multi-Family
Project without Land Dedicated for Parks $30,788.01 $22,167.76 Projects with Land Dedicated for Parks $9,236.40 $6,527.09 These parks fees represent an important source of parks capital improvement funding for the city, though it is important to note that: (1) the fees are collected to mitigate for the impacts of new development, not correct existing deficiencies; and, (2) cannot be spent on operations and maintenance costs.
When received, the fees are deposited in a separate Park Impact Fee fund. As of FY 2023, the parks impact fee fund balance is approximately $5.8 million, with $1.8 million committed towards funded projects. This leaves about $4 million in remaining uncommitted fee fund balance.
Table 17 – Projects Funded by Parks Impact Fees
Project Name Current Status
Anticipated
Completion
BMX park Location Study and Conceptual Design Pending 2024 Cedar Boulevard Linear Park Area 2 Pending 2025
Citywide Park Signage Program - Phase 1 Underway 2024
Jerry Raber Ash Street Park Sports Facilities Pending 2025 MacGregor Fields Cricket Pitch Underway 2024
Mel Nunes Sportsfield Park Completion Pending 2025
Mel Nunes Sportsfield Outfield Net Replacement Pending 2024 Mel Nunes Sportsfield Park Synthetic Turf Fields
Additional Netting Underway 2024
Park Grid Tree Work Project Planning 2024
Source: City of Newark
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Historically, the city’s parks impact fee program has provided an important source of funding for capital improvements. In addition to the limitations of its use, like all impact fees, the fee revenues are highly dependent on the level of new development in the city. As a result, it is expected to continue to be an important source, if limited source of revenues for the City’s capital improvement projects.
OTHER FUNDING OPTIONS
As noted above, to accelerate the timing of the prioritized capital improvement projects and to ensure adequate funding for the strong maintenance and management of existing parks, the city will want to explore additional funding options at an appropriate point in time. The sections below discuss potential funding options to consider/ pursue, divided into two sections.
The first section includes the pursuit of funding and other support from grants and/or charitable foundations/ volunteers. These efforts require city staff to organize and oversee and can be highly uncertain in terms of the level of funding received. The second section includes the types of taxes, fees, and other mechanism that can be used to support Citywide parks funding, but that typically require either voter-approval or City Council consideration and adoption.
GRANTS AND CHARITABLE FUNDING
Grants and charitable funding do not place a cost incidence on city residents, businesses, or other taxpayers, but do require substantial investment of city staff time.
GRANT FUNDING
Grant funding may supplement other sources of parks capital improvement funding. The city budget indicates that grants have supplied funding for several non-parks capital projects in the city. Like other cities, the City of Newark can compete for state, federal, and in some cases regional grant funding to help fund parks and recreation facilities. For large projects, it is frequently necessary to assemble several grants from sources which may have different purposes but which can contribute to portions of a project. Grant programs typically help fund capital projects but not operations and maintenance costs.
Among the different grant programs, large State parks bonds that have been passed periodically by California voters often provide substantial, but competitive funding. Additionally, in some cases, there may be opportunities to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds - which may be used for a variety of purposes such as affordable housing, community facilities or economic development.
Overall, while grant funds can provide an important source of funding, their competitiveness and limitations on use makes them difficult to incorporate into long term capital improvements program planning.
Additionally, grant funding for parks requires significant staff effort (to seek out and apply for funding and then manage any projects tied to grants won).
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CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONOR CAMPAIGNS
Citizens and businesses alike often recognize the vital importance of the city’s parks and recreation system to the community quality of life and wish to contribute financially. For major projects, cities often mount donor campaigns, which may include major corporate support, to fund high profile facilities. However, this approach can also be helpful for neighborhood projects as well where the community may be willing to conduct fund raising activities and donate volunteer efforts to provide a recreation, cultural, or open space amenity in their neighborhood.
Similar to grant funding, these fund-raising efforts often require coordination and support from city staff with outcomes difficult to predict.
ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES
The city may consider a variety of other financing mechanisms and funding sources to help close the gap on parks and recreation facilities costs and ongoing operations and maintenance. Some of these programs are most tied to new development, so the extent to which new development is expected to be modest, they may be less useful. Others, that require voter-approval, ask residents and/ or property owners if they are willing to tax themselves to support parks improvements and, in some cases, maintenance.
General Obligations Bonds
The city can seek to establish new property tax assessments to support a General Obligation (G.O.) Bond issuance that would be targeted to fund parks capital improvements, potentially in combination with other improvement categories. Raise funds for both capital and maintenance improvements in parks. The new property tax assessments that will pay for the debt service on the new G.O. Bonds will require (two-thirds) voter approval and hence there must be broad support.
Dedicated Local Taxes
Other local taxes may be increased with (two-thirds) voter approval to either pay for capital improvements on a pay-as-you-go basis, to support issuance of a revenue bond for capital improvements, and/ or help fund ongoing parks maintenance cost. For example, Sonoma County has an additional sales tax that funds maintenance of regional parks and allocates funding to jurisdictions for local park improvements.
Parcel taxes and transient occupancy taxes are often types of taxes that can be established as special taxes for specific purposes with voter approval.
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD)
With Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts, cities can allocate a portion of their own property tax increment to help pay for public facilities and improvements (including parks and recreation) in that district. This is essentially a limited form of redevelopment tax increment financing, but only public agencies that agree to participate would allocate their tax increment to the EIFD. EIFD’s both require substantial new development in the district to provide the incremental property tax as well as a willingness to re-direct those property taxes into facilities financing.
Land-Based Financing
Land-based financing programs such as community facilities districts or special assessment districts offer another financing mechanism for cities to generate revenue. Such financing districts are typically established for major subdivisions where the infrastructure or service costs in the new neighborhood cannot otherwise be funded by developer or city sources.
Funding from special districts can also provide funding for maintenance costs. These programs, however, tend to cover a specific area and are dependent on the level of new development.
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APPENDIX 1 2 3
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Appendix A – DOCUMENT REVIEW
CHAPTER 7: APPENDIX
Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
DOCUMENT REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The City of Newark engaged the services of RHAA, Ballard King & Associates LTD, and Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS) to prepare a citywide master plan to address the city’s long-term needs and meet its goals for the provision of parks, recreation and open space; the Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update.
The following document review summarizes planning documents that discuss existing infrastructure, currently proposed or pending improvements, and various practices and policies. Specifically, goals, policies, and programs from existing city plans and documents that relate to open space and recreational planning are reviewed to inform the policies of the city’s Citywide Parks Master Plan Update. This section additionally reviews documents related to current program offerings and citywide budget and revenue practices to further inform the policies of the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update and ensure that the Plan is consistent with planning, policies, and programs set forth by the City of Newark.
3 Master Plans & Studies ........................................................................................7 City of Newark General Plan...................................................................................................... 7 City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan.................................................................. 18 City of Newark Greater NewPark Masterplan......................................................................... 19 Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan ..................................................... 20 Southwest Newark Residential & Recreational Project......................................................... 21 Recreation & Programming.............................................................................22 Joint Use...................................................................................................................................... 22 Recreational Services & Programming.................................................................................... 22
DOCUMENT REVIEW
5 MASTER PLANS & STUDIES
A. City of Newark General Plan
Document(s):
Newark California General Plan, 2013
The Newark California General Plan is intended to guide the City, looking 20 to 25 years ahead, through changes in technology, transportation, demographics, environment, and the economy; preserving Newark’s existing qualities while planning for its future.
The General Plan, adopted December 2013, meets the requirements for general plans as stipulated by California State law including the seven mandatory elements: land use, circulation, housing, public safety, conservation, open space and noise. This General Plan also includes the optional elements of economic development, health and wellness, and community services and facilities.
The vision of the city’s future as defined by the General Plan process is to:
• Maintain a strong sense of shared community among residents and protect the quality of life.
• Guide the timing and location of development to protect sensitive natural environments.
• Concentrate commercial and industrial land uses along the edges of the city to capitalize on freeway access and buffer more sensitive land uses.
• Focus future growth in key areas of opportunity for development and redevelopment while preserving the character of existing residential neighborhoods.
• Meet the regional need for housing, as defined in state legislation and the Bay Area’s Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS), and provide a wide range of housing opportunities for all housing types and income levels.
• Provide new, higher density housing options that address the needs of senior citizens and cater to the preferences of younger generations, while maintaining the single-family residential neighborhoods that Newark residents value.
• Continue to provide adequate and varied recreational opportunities. • Foster the creation of new high-quality recreational open spaces and the enhancement of existing recreational facilities and open spaces. • Promote public health and safety.
• Develop a more sustainable and healthy community and promote walking and biking through focused transit-oriented development (TOD) and focused high-density housing in proximity to commercial uses.
• Sustain NewPark Mall as a regional commercial attraction, while exploring opportunities for redevelopment of the surrounding area with civic and other uses supportive of the Mall.
• Redefine citywide transportation priorities to better balance the needs of all modes of travel.
• Facilitate cleanup of hazardous contamination sites in the City. • Embrace Newark’s bayfront location.
To formalize the future of Newark’s existing park system, the city’s General Plan called for the creation of Newark’s Citywide Parks Master Plan. The 2017 Master Plan resulted in the prioritization of funds for future park and recreation projects and the creation of a systematic foundation for the future of Newark’s parks. The following assessment of the Newark California General Plan identifies the goals, policies and actions, of each plan element, related to the city’s existing park system.
The Master Plan Update continues and expands on these goals.
LAND USE
The Land Use element of the Newark California General Plan defines the city’s public policy on land use topics of growth and development, use compatibility, community standards, community design and identity, and historic preservation. These policies set the direction of Newark’s future growth to maintain successful neighborhoods, improve civic identity, and enhance the city’s shopping areas and workplaces for coming years.
These policies also provide parameters for future development of the city to enhance Newark’s quality of life.
7 Public open space, and its associated benefits, is identified as a valuable amenity in this element. Supporting various uses, providing civic identity and improving aesthetic appearance, park space is a valued land use protected in the city’s existing land use policy and proposed in Newark’s future planned development.
The following goals, policies and actions relate to parks and recreation.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Goal LU-1: Maintain a desirable quality of life in Newark by preserving a small town, neighborhood-oriented atmosphere and sustaining a balanced mix of land uses.
Policy LU-1.1 Balance of Uses: Maintain a reasonable balance of land uses in the city so that residents can live close to where they work and satisfy their shopping, educational, personal, health, entertainment, and recreational needs close to home.
Policy LU-1.9 Park and Recreation Expansion: Expand park and recreational lands and facilities to keep pace with population growth and support the leisure time needs of Newark residents.
Policy LU-1.11 Centers: Create vibrant centers within Newark that provide focal points and gathering places for neighborhoods, and create identity and stronger sense of place for the city. Centers may include shopping areas, parks and public facilities, mixed-use districts, and other amenities that meet the diverse needs of Newark residents and visitors.
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Goal LU-3: Protect the quality of Newark’s residential neighborhoods.
Policy LU-3.4 Property Renovation: Upgrade existing structures and sites, particularly those located along major thoroughfares, where deficiencies in appearance can create a negative image of the city and/or impact the value of property.
Action LU-3.B Blight Abetment: Continue programs to maintain community standards, including enforcement of illegal dumping regulations, graffiti removal, and other programs to abate blight.
Action LU-3.D Beautification Programs: As funding allows, undertake beautification and revitalization programs which improve the appearance of existing development through landscaping, streetscape improvements, and facade improvements.
COMMUNITY DESIGN AND IDENTITY
Goal LU-4: Enhance Newark’s identity as a city of high quality development that is distinctive from other cities in the Bar Area.
Policy LU-4.7 Lighting: Manage exterior lighting to reduce potential light and glare impacts, improve public safety, and enhance the character of the streetscape.
Policy LU-4.10 Civic Space: Develop spaces in the city which contribute to community building and social interaction. This should include parks, plazas, and other public areas, as well as gathering places within private development that are open to the public.
Action LU-4.C Lighting Improvements: Identify priority locations for lighting improvements along streets, in parks, and public places to address public concerns about safety.
DUMBARTON RAIL TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (D-TOD)
Goal LU-6: Develop a sustainable, transit-oriented development (TOD) comprised of residential, retail, office, parks, and open space uses around the site of the planned Dumbarton Rail station on Newark’s west side.
Policy LU-6.1 Dumbarton TOD Land Uses: Plan for the following activities around the intersection of Willow Street and the proposed Dumbarton Rail Service: (1) a future transit station serving the region as well as neighboring residents; (2) a neighborhood center consisting of 8 retail, grocery, visitor-serving, and higher-density residential uses; (3) up to 2,500 housing units with a wide range of unit types and affordability levels; (4) necessary infrastructure to support the development; (5) contribution toward an overpass on Central Avenue over the Union Pacific railroad tracks, and (6) a network of open space and parks, including a bayside trail.
SOUTHWEST NEWARK RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROJECT
Goal LU-7: Develop the Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project as one of the Silicon Valley’s premier new neighborhoods, with executive housing and high quality recreation.
Policy LU-7.6 Open Space Amenities: Include a major open space and recreational amenity within the Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project boundary. The preferred amenity is an 18-hole golf course with clubhouse. The former solid waste disposal site at the west end of Mowry Avenue should be considered for inclusion in the Golf Course site. In the event a golf course is deemed infeasible, then another recreational use that is acceptable to the city shall be provided through developer fees. In addition, development in this area shall provide for neighborhood parks consistent with the ratios established by the General Plan.
In the event a golf course is developed, its design should minimize disturbance of sensitive natural resources. To the extent feasible, the golf course should contain natural habitat such as native grassland and native trees rather than non-native grass and non-native vegetation.
Action LU-7.C New School and Park: Work with property owners and the Newark Unified School District (NUSD) in the planning of a new public school within this area. A neighborhood park should be designed on an adjacent site, with the two uses functionally integrated to facilitate joint use.
OLD TOWN NEWARK
Goal LU-8: Strengthen Old Town Newark as a vibrant, cohesive mixeduse district that honors Newark’s history while embracing its future.
Policy LU-8.6 Old Town Civic Space: Create civic gathering places, outdoor seating areas, fountains, and other public spaces in Old Town Newark which contribute to the area’s role as the historic center of the city, and make it a more attractive destination for Newark residents, workers, and visitors. Once constructed, such spaces should be programmed for civic events which draw people to the area and create more active street life.
Action LU-8.E Old Town Park/Plaza: Pursue development of a central park or plaza, with the potential to become a focal point for the Old Town area.
TRANSPORTATION
The Transportation element of Newark’s General Plan addresses topics and policies related to travel in and around the city, its accessibility to the larger Bay Area, and the modes by which transportation shapes the city’s identity. In regard to the city’s parks and recreation, this element’s call for enhanced recreational trails and potential open space development along existing transportation Right-Of-Ways, supports Newark’s park system.
The following goal, policies and action relate to Newark’s Citywide Parks Master Plan Update.
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE CIRCULATION
Goal T-2: Create a citywide pedestrian and bicycle network that provides safe access to destinations within the city, connects to an integrated regional network, and is accessible to users of all ages, abilities, and means.
9 Policy T-2.9 Recreational Trails: Develop and maintain trails in parks and open space areas, and between Newark neighborhoods and the city’s open spaces.
Policy T-2.12 Trails Along Railroads and Utilities: Consider the use of railroad, flood control, and utility rights of way for jogging, biking, and walking trails, provided that safety and operational issues can be fully addressed.
Such trails may be considered where the right-of-way is sufficiently wide to address safety considerations, and where a trail project would not interfere with railroad, flood control, or utility operations.
Action T-2.B Cedar Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail: Convert the linear tract of land formerly reserved for a southerly extension of Cedar Boulevard between Haley St. and Willow St. into a bicycle and pedestrian parkway, including a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad. The city will apply for grants and pursue other funding sources to construct this project.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Economic Development element of the Newark California General Plan describes the goals, policies, and actions of the city that will encourage a strong economy, support existing businesses while attracting new businesses, and improve Newark’s overall quality-of-life and fiscal strength. Newark’s public open space is incorporated into the Economic Development element of the General Plan through its potential role in establishing a positive image of the city, enhancing the city’s competitive edge and identity within the Silicon Valley market.
The following goal, policies and action apply to the City of Newark’s parks and recreation.
PROMOTING NEWARK
Goal ED-5: Establish higher visibility and a positive public image of Newark.
Policy ED-5.5 Media Relations: Garner positive media coverage that promotes Newark as a livable city with great weather, a central location, quality shopping and dining choices, diverse housing choices, excellent schools and parks, and an accessible city government.
Policy ED-5.6 Bayfront Location: Promote the public image of Newark as a bayfront city, with amenities such as trails to the shoreline, open space, wildlife refuges, and bay vistas.
Action ED-5.E Community Special Events: Work with the Chamber of Commerce to promote local special events and festivals which draw visitors to Newark, such as the annual Newark Days, summer concerts in the grove, the NewPark Farmers Market, SummerFest, and other arts and crafts events.
CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Newark’s location directly on the San Francisco Bay compels the city to take an important stance on preserving its unique natural resources.
Significantly, just under 50 percent of the city is designated nonurbanized land with a large portion of that dedicated to conservation.
With this ratio, Newark has a unique opportunity to highlight its special relationship to the Bay and the valuable open space resources it hosts.
The Conservation and Sustainability element of the General Plan outlines the city’s public policy on resource management and conservation.
The following goals, policies and actions relate to the role of Newark’s park system in environmental conservation and sustainability, particularly in environmental education, water conservation, urban forestry, and waste management.
10 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Goal CS-1: Protect Newark’s natural environment, landscape and physical features.
Policy CS-1.5 Environmental Education: Support greater
environmental education, awareness, and stewardship among Newark residents.
Action CS-1.C Environmental Curricula: Work with the Newark Unified School District and Ohlone College to promote environmental education and curricula for Newark youth. In addition, encourage Newark Recreation and Community Services Department and East Bay Regional Park District programs, which increase awareness of Newark’s natural environment.
WATER RESOURCES
Goal CS-3: Conserve and enhance Newark’s water resources.
Policy CS-3.2 Water Conservation Standards: Promote water conservation through development standards, building requirements, irrigation requirements, landscape design guidelines, and other applicable city policies and programs.
Action CS-3.E Water Efficient Landscaping: Continue to implement the city’s Rescape Landscaping Guidelines for water-efficient landscaping, including low water use plants and more efficient irrigation systems.
Adopt more stringent outdoor water use policies for individual development proposals where feasible.
Action CS-3.F Retrofitting Water Infrastructure: As funding allows, retrofit water infrastructure and landscaping on municipal property to reduce potable water use.
URBAN FOREST
Goal CS-4: Conserve and manage the city’s tree resources and urban forest.
Policy CS-4.2 Trees and Public Improvements: Manage the city’s trees in a way that preserves the life of public improvements such as curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Ensure that trees that are removed due to their age, health, or potential to damage property, are replaced in kind with new trees that are appropriate for their locations.
Policy CS-4.4 Street Trees as a Community Amenity: Encourage the use of street trees and landscaping to distinguish major thoroughfares and neighborhoods, beautify the city, encourage walking, and create a stronger sense of identity.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Goal CS-8: Reduce landfilled waste through recycling, composting, and source reduction.
Policy CS-8.1 Recycling Program: Actively promote recycling, composting, and waste reduction in order to minimize the amount of waste requiring disposal in landfills. Provide for residential recycling and green waste containers and weekly curbside recycling pickup, to make it as easy and convenient as possible for residents to reduce the volume of trash requiring landfill disposal.
Action CS-8.E Recycling Receptacles in Public Spaces: As funding allows, provide recycling receptacles in parks and public spaces, in addition to trash receptacles.
11 PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space element of the Newark California General Plan sets forth the framework for which the city will manage open space for recreation, conservation, resource production, and public safety. The policies outlined here emphasize the importance of public open space in the community; providing valued opportunity for recreational, social, civic and aesthetic enjoyment. Additionally, this element provides strategy for adaptation of the city’s parks and recreation to meet the changing needs of the city’s residents.
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space element is a guiding framework for both the 2017 City Parks Master Plan and the Master Plan Update.
The Master Plan Update will continue to support the policies, goals and actions outlined in this element to support Newark’s park and recreation goals.
PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE
Goal PR-1: Protect Newark’s open space for a variety of purposes, including public recreation, the managed production of natural resources, protection of environmentally sensitive areas, aesthetics, and public safety.
Policy PR-1.1 Public Open Space: Protect and where possible enhance the public open space resources available within or near Newark.
Policy PR-1.3 Open Space and Community Character: Recognize the value of open space for shaping community character and identity and defining Newark’s image within the region.
Policy PR-1.5 Utility Easements: Encourage public utility agencies such as the San Francisco Water Department (Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct) and PG&E to retain their easements in open space or to improve them with linear parks or trails.
PARKLAND ACQUISITION AND EXPANSION
Goal PR-2: Expand and improve Newark’s parks and recreational facilities to meet existing and future needs.
Policy PR-2.1 New Neighborhood Parks: Develop new neighborhood parks in locations where there is an existing or anticipated need.
Policy PR-2.2 Parks in New Development: Require new parks to be provided within large-scale new development. Where the provision of an on-site park is infeasible, require the payment of an in-lieu fee for parkland acquisition to serve that development.
Policy PR-2.3 Park Service Standards: Establish the following park standards to determine where and how much parkland should be provided in Newark, and to calculate the amount of in-lieu fees where appropriate:
(a) within the city, provide at least 3.0 acres of parkland per 1,000 population. This total shall exclude wetlands and other areas that are not accessible for active or passive recreation,
(b) provide one neighborhood park per 5,000 population, with a park located within ½-mile of each residence, and
(c) provide one community park per 15,000 population, with a park located within 2 miles of each residence.
These standards may be adjusted to facilitate high value and unique facilities such as linear trails, dog runs, formal gardens, and indoor facilities.
Policy PR-2.4 Pocket Parks: Allow a portion of the parkland dedication requirement to be met through the provision of on-site pocket parks and play lots in new development.
12 Policy PR-2.5 New Facilities in Existing Parks: Where constraints to meeting the established park and recreation standards cannot be overcome, explore alternatives for providing additional recreational activities within existing park and recreation facilities.
Policy PR-2.6 Park Expansion: Explore opportunities to expand existing parks through the acquisition of vacant or underutilized land on the perimeter.
Policy PR-2.7 Distinctive Park Character: Ensure that every park and public space has its own unique character. Parks should vary in size and level of activity based on their location, natural setting, and use. Larger parks should include a mix of active and passive recreation areas to ensure that they serve a diverse range of users
Policy PR-2.8 Natural Features in Parks: Design new parks to respect and conserve important natural features. Wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas located within park boundaries should be designated for protection and restored to the greatest extent possible.
Policy PR-2.9 Parks in Nearby Cities: When evaluating the need for recreational facilities, consider the availability of public facilities in nearby cities as a factor.
Action PR-2.A Park Impact Fees: Continue to implement provisions of the Quimby Act which enables the city to collect in-lieu fees for park acquisition.
Action PR-2.B New Park Locations: Develop new public parks in the neighborhoods planned for the western and southwestern edges of Newark.
Action PR-2.C New Park Facilities: Ensure that newly developing neighborhoods have access to a full array of recreational facilities. When determining what specific facilities should be provided in new parks, consider existing citywide deficiencies, so that all Newark residents may benefit.
Action PR-2.D Old Town Park: Consider opportunities for a new neighborhood park in the Old Town Newark area.
Action PR-2.E Donations of Money and Land: Create a mechanism through which individuals can donate money or land to the city for expansion of existing parks or the development of new parks or community facilities.
Action PR-2.F Community Input: Seek public input on improvements to City parks and recreation programs through user surveys, community workshops, and communication with organized recreation and neighborhood groups.
PARK MANAGEMENT
Goal PR-3: Manage Newark’s parks in a way that enhances their natural qualities, conveys a positive image of the city and its neighborhoods, and fully meets the community’s recreational needs.
Policy PR-3.1 Facility Modernization: Periodically modernize or upgrade existing recreational facilities to ensure that they meet the needs of the community, respond to current trends, and make a positive contribution to Newark’s quality of life.
Policy PR-3.2 Quality Materials: Utilize quality materials in the construction of parks, public spaces, and recreational facilities. Park equipment and facilities should promote durability and resilience, be responsive to the Bay Area’s climate, and be resistant to vandalism to the greatest extent feasible.
Policy PR-3.3 Extending Facility Usefulness: Enhance the usefulness of existing athletic fields and active play areas by providing facilities and equipment that support a wider variety of sports and activities.
As funds allow, this could include improvements such as night lighting and the use of artificial turf to extend the hours of operation for playfields.
13 Policy PR-3.4 Park Safety: Ensure that parks are designed and managed to maximize the personal safety of users, maintain the visibility of play areas, and minimize the risk of injury.
Policy PR-3.5 Mitigating Off-Site Impacts: Manage parks to reduce and mitigate the potential for adverse effects on surrounding neighborhoods, such as evening light, noise, and parking.
Policy PR-3.6 Park Landscaping: Maintain high standards for park landscaping. Include a mix of native vegetation and ornamental landscaping to enhance visual quality.
Policy PR-3.7 Park Cleanliness: Keep Newark’s parks clean, well maintained, and free of litter, with an adequate number of trash receptacles and regular trash collection services.
Policy PR-3.8 Park Maintenance: Ensure the regular and systematic maintenance of park grounds and facilities. Maintenance methods should be sensitive to the environment, including pest management and weed control methods which minimize toxic chemical use.
This should also include facilities for composting and recycling, and irrigation equipment that is designed to reduce maintenance and repair requirements and minimize water waste.
Policy PR-3.9 Reducing Energy Consumption: Reduce energy consumption in parks and in recreational buildings through energyefficient lighting, conservation and efficiency measures in park structures, and energy-conscious operating procedures in parks and recreational facilities. Wherever feasible, this should include the use of photovoltaic systems in new or rehabilitated recreation buildings.
Policy PR-3.10 Volunteerism: Encourage volunteer participation in the care and stewardship of parkland and the delivery of recreational services in Newark.
Policy PR-3.11 Responding to Changing Needs: Provide recreational facilities and programs which meet the diverse and changing needs of Newark residents, taking into consideration such factors as the aging of the population, the mobility needs of persons with disabilities, and the city’s growing cultural diversity.
Policy PR-3.12 Special Recreational Needs: Maintain recreation programs for special user groups such as disabled persons, seniors, and teenagers.
Recreation programs for youth are particularly important and should be a key consideration in the development of new facilities and programs.
Policy PR-3.13 Community Events: Hold communitywide events such as concerts and festivals in city parks. Such events should be carefully managed to ensure that parks are not over-programmed and that maintenance requirements are fully addressed.
Policy PR-3.14 Financing Park Improvements: Consider the use of bond measures and similar financing programs for acquisition and improvement of park land and recreational facilities.
Action PR-3.A Parks Master Plan: Develop a Parks Master Plan, which evaluates local park facilities against National Recreation and Park Association standards and determines the types and locations of improvements needed. A Parks Master Plan would also include use guidelines for the city’s parks, and a funding plan for future improvements.
Action PR-3.B Reclaimed Water Use: Continue to work toward the use of reclaimed or non-potable water for park irrigation, rather than using domestic water. As reclaimed or non- potable water infrastructure is developed, parks and public landscaping should be a top priority for new service.
14 Action PR-3.C Sustainability in Parks: Expand sustainability practices at Newark’s parks. This could include the use of bay friendly landscaping in city parks, and the expanded use of compost and mulch materials for fertilizer and landscaping.
Action PR-3.D Golf Course: Continue to pursue the development of a public golf course on the undeveloped residentially designated lands located in the southwestern part of the city. In the event a golf course is infeasible, consider development of another major public recreational feature or open space amenity in this area.
Action PR-3.E Skateboard and BMX Park: Identify potential locations, costs, and funding sources for a skateboard park and a recreational bicycle/ BMX park.
These are envisioned as two separate facilities. A skatepark has been built at Sportsfield Park. The location for the a bicycle skills/BMX park is recommended for Birch Grove Park would need to be Development of a bicycle skills/BMX park is contingent on funding.
Action PR-3.F Birch Grove Lighting: As funding allows, install night lighting at the Birch Grove Park tennis courts.
Action PR-3.G Sportsfield Park Multi-Use Field: Pursue development of lighted multi-purpose all weather turf field at Sportsfield Park.
This has been implemented by the city.
Action PR-3.H Dog Park: Recognize the growing demand for dog play areas in the city, and pursue development of a designated dog park within the Dumbarton TOD area.
This has been implemented by the city at Newark Community Park Action PR-3.I ADA Compliance: Make continued efforts to comply with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the design and renovation of recreational facilities.
This should be implemented with the renovation any park and especially for children’s play areas. An all-inclusive playground should be considered at Newark Community Park.
NON-CITY RECREATION FACILITIES
Goal PR-4: Maximize the benefits of non-city operated recreational facilities for Newark residents.
Policy PR-4.1 School Facility Access: Continue working with the Newark Unified School District to develop and maintain athletic fields and recreational facilities such as pools, playgrounds, and tennis courts.
Support broader public access to these facilities when school is not in session.
Policy PR-4.2 Surplus School Sites: In the event a school site is declared surplus in an area deficient in park land, work with the School District to retain a portion of the school’s existing open space, playground, or athletic field area as neighborhood parkland.
Policy PR-4.3 Ohlone College Partnerships: Explore potential partnerships with Ohlone College to develop recreational facilities or programs on the Newark campus which may be accessed by Newark residents.
Policy PR-4.4 Regional Parks: Support the continued acquisition and improvement of open space in southwest Alameda County by the East Bay Regional Park District to ensure that Newark residents have access to an array of natural open spaces, including hillside parks, wilderness areas, and shoreline trails.
The city supports continued enhancement of Coyote Hills Regional Park, Ardenwood Farm Agricultural Preserve, and Quarry Lakes, and access improvements which make it easier to reach these parks on foot or by bicycle.
15 Policy PR-4.5 Residential Development Recreation Facilities:
Encourage private residential developments to include private recreational facilities serving that development.
This could include community rooms, clubhouses, swimming pools, and other facilities intended for use by residents. Such facilities would supplement the contributions these developments are required to make to improve public parkland serving residents and the city at large.
Policy PR-4.7 Plazas and Pocket Parks: In parts of Newark planned for more urban land uses and pedestrian-oriented development, provide for small pocket parks, plazas, and courtyards where residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors can congregate.
Such spaces could include amenities such as outdoor seating and dining areas, water features, and landscaping. Pocket parks and plazas should be designed to allow for interaction among community members and should be considered for programming with activities such as farmer’s markets, lunchtime concerts, and mobile vending.
Policy PR-4.8 Temporary Uses: Allow for the temporary use of vacant developable land for recreational purposes such as community gardens, art installations, and other interim activities.
Policy PR-4.9 Commercial Recreation: Encourage the development of private commercial recreational facilities such as bowling alleys and health clubs which complement and enhance the facilities provided by the city.
Action PR-4.A Joint Use Agreements: Develop joint use agreements and other appropriate mechanisms to facilitate public access to school playgrounds and athletic fields, and reciprocal school access to City recreation areas.
The city will make a concerted effort to improve access to school recreational facilities in the coming years. Currently, use of school grounds for recreational uses requires a specific agreement with the NUSD for access to that facility. Many facilities are off-limits or difficult to access, even during non-school hours. The city will work with NUSD in the coming years to enhance joint use, and provide greater recreational opportunities and open space access for all Newark residents.
Action PR-4.B Modernization of School Facilities: Support implementation of School District capital projects which modernize or improve recreation and athletic facilities.
Action PR-4.C Expanded Public Access: Work with the Newark Unified School District to determine the feasibility of expanded public access to recreational facilities on school property such as the High School swimming pool and the tennis courts at the High School and Junior High.
TRAILS
Goal PR-5: Improve Newark’s trail system, with a focus on access to the Newark shoreline, and access between the shoreline and Newark neighborhoods.
Action PR-5.D Cedar Boulevard Extension Linear Park: As funds allow, construct a linear park and trail on the Cedar Boulevard Extension.
Crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad should be grade separated to minimize risk and noise.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The purpose of the General Plan’s Health and Wellness element is to promote and sustain the health of Newark’s community. Goals of this element include improving air quality, promoting physical fitness, ensuring access to healthy foods, expanding local health care facilities, protecting residents from environmental hazards, reducing crime, and enhancing a sense of civic engagement and well-being.
16 The following goals, policies and actions relate to the city’s park network and Newark’s Citywide Parks Master Plan Update.
FITNESS THROUGH DESIGN
Goal HW-2: A community in which physical fitness is supported and encouraged.
Policy HW-2.4 Access to Active Recreation: Maintain and develop facilities for active recreation and physical fitness in Newark, such as recreation centers, exercise circuits, and athletic fields.
Policy HW-2.5 Access to Parks: Ensure that parks and recreation centers can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.
FOOD ACCESS
Goal HW-3: Access to healthy, affordable food for all Newark residents.
Policy HW-3.4 Community Gardens: Encourage community gardens where appropriate.
Action HW-3.B New Community Garden: Identify potential sites for new community gardens, including parks and schools.
SOCIAL CAPITAL
Goal HW-6: A civic culture that promotes meaningful engagement in public affairs and that creates a sense of pride in Newark among all city residents and businesses.
Policy HW-6.3 Public Space: Support the use of existing public spaces and create new public spaces where residents can gather for outdoor events (concerts, art fairs, etc.) or to meet and congregate.
Action HW-6.B Temporary Uses of Unimproved Land: Allow the interim or temporary use of unimproved land such as parking lots or vacant sites for public events, such as community festivals and farmers markets, provided that potential effects on nearby properties and roadways can be mitigated.
SAFETY THROUGH DESIGN
Goal HW-7: Safe and secure neighborhoods and public spaces.
Policy HW-7.3 Sidewalk and Pedestrian Lighting: Improve lighting of sidewalks, pedestrian areas, parks, and public gathering places where safety is a concern.
Action HW-7.A Development Review for Safety: Incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles into project review procedures for new development and major renovation projects. These principles are aimed at improving the safety of building occupants by designing for natural surveillance (windows oriented to the street and entryways), access control (hedges and landscaping to direct movement), territorial reinforcement, graffiti resistance, vandal-proof exterior elements, and shared facilities that provide “eyes on the street” during extended hours of the day.
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Community services in Newark include law enforcement, fire protection, medical response, childcare and other administrative services provided by the city. Community facilities include buildings and infrastructure used to deliver community services such as schools, libraries and municipal buildings. The Community Services and Facilities element outlines Newark’s policies for continued, high standard, community service throughout the city.
The following goals and policies relate to the Citywide Parks Master Plan. 17
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Goal CSF-1: Maintain community services and civic facilities that are readily accessible and respond to the needs of all Newark residents.
Policy CSF-1.1 Planning for Public Facilities: Plan for adequate public facilities to meet Newark’s current and future needs, based on demographic forecasts, fiscal and budgetary conditions, and adopted standards for municipal facilities and services.
Policy CSF-1.3 Responding to Changing Needs: Ensure that community services respond to the changing demographics of Newark residents and businesses.
Policy CSF-1.4 Preventive Maintenance: Utilize and promote preventive maintenance practices which enhance the useful life of public facilities.
Policy CSF-1.7 Arts and Culture: Recognize the value of arts and culture to Newark’s identity, economic development, and quality of life.
The city supports the development of facilities for live performances, culture, and recreation.
Goal CSF-2: Provide excellent schools that deliver high-quality educational services to Newark students while serving as neighborhood centers and fostering civic pride.
Policy CSF-2.5 Joint Use of Parks and Schools: Locate public schools and neighborhood parks adjacent to each other, so that recreational facilities may serve student and non-student residents to the greatest extent possible. Joint Use Agreements can allow city parks to be available to schools during school hours and school facilities to be available to the public in non-school hours.
Goal CSF-3: Expand services for Newark residents with special needs, especially children and seniors.
Policy CSF-3.5 Youth Services: Create a safe, positive environment for youth in Newark by providing recreation programs and facilities oriented to teens and pre-teens, encouraging internship and mentorship programs, and soliciting youth involvement and input in civic affairs.
Policy CSF-3.7 Disabled Services: Provide services which meet the needs of Newark residents with disabilities. Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to recognize the special needs of disabled residents.
B. City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan
Document(s)
City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan, 2017
Newark’s first bike and pedestrian transportation plan, the City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan, is a long-range planning document that serves as the outline for Newark’s future pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects. The Plan identifies needs in the city’s existing pedestrian and cycling networks and presents potential upgrades and repairs to facilitate enhanced use of the network. The Plan’s proposed projects provide access to the Bay Area water front, local parks and trails, and regional open spaces for recreation. The vision proposed in this plan is to:
Make the City of Newark as walking and bicycling friendly as possible to encourage people of all ages, abilities, and means to walk and bike.
Newark will be a community that provides its residents, employees, and visitors with viable walking and biking facilities. These facilities will meet the community’s travel needs, to improve health and recreation opportunities, and to provide economic benefit to those traveling via cost savings and to local businesses through the creation of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. The city will have a complete, well-integrated system of bicycle and pedestrian networks and support facilities that encourage walking and biking as active transportation modes. 18 The Plan’s 5 overarching goals are to:
• Create a connected bicycle and pedestrian network
• Increase the number of people walking and bicycling
• Improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Develop a comprehensive Safe Routes to School program and supporting infrastructure
• Establish citywide design guidelines for bicycle and pedestrian facilities
In relation to Newark’s Citywide Parks Master Plan Update, the City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan delineates the importance of pedestrian-scale connectivity to the City’s park and open space resources as an important component of network circulation.
In the creation of the proposed bikeway network, the Plan identifies connections to parks and open spaces as a key element of the planning criteria, and suggests the completion of the Cedar Boulevard Extension Linear Park to aid in bike network connectivity. At this extension of Cedar Boulevard, the Plan suggests the creation of a Class I bicycle path for dedicated pedestrian and bicycle travel.
In the creation of the proposed pedestrian network, the City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan further supports the importance of pedestrian-scale access and connectivity to parks and open spaces as a valuable transportation amenity. Valuable open space-related amenities here include the maintenance and extension of sidewalks, street furniture, and street trees and planting for shade and buffering.
The proposed pedestrian network also recommends better connectivity between existing parks and schools, specifically between Mayhews Landing Park and Graham Elementary School, and Mirabeau Park and Snow Elementary School.
The Citywide Parks Master Plan will consider the priorities defined in the City of Newark Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan throughout the planning process to ensure enhanced connectivity between the city’s park and pedestrian circulation systems.
C. City of Newark Greater NewPark Masterplan
Document(s):
City of Newark Greater NewPark Masterplan, 2015
The City of Newark Greater NewPark Masterplan is a guiding document for the Greater NewPark Project, a major redevelopment site for the City of Newark. Centered on renovations to the NewPark Mall, a regional-serving shopping center opened in 1980, the Greater NewPark Project consists of approximately 125 acres of property planned for major enhancements to increase the use and value of the currently underutilized site. Along with the Dumbarton TOD Specific Plan and the Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project, the Greater NewPark Project is one of three sites in the City envisioned for new residential, workplace, and open space development. The City of Newark Greater NewPark Masterplan document sets forth overall goals for the project as well as a series of development concepts to illustrate the site’s future opportunities. The following are goals defined in the Masterplan:
• Support the ongoing renovation and repositioning of NewPark Mall. • Maximize economic development and long term revenue throughout Greater NewPark.
• Attract revenue-generating commercial, lodging, and entertainment uses that complement existing and desired retail and entertainment anchors.
• Permit office, residential, live-work, civic, and quasi-public uses only so far as they support the overall success of revenue-generating commercial uses.
Residential development should complement and support existing and future commercial development. Residential projects should be exclusively rental housing and be constructed at densities that support transit and contribute to an overall intensification of development throughout the Master Plan Area.
19 The NewPark Masterplan proposes redevelopment concepts for Shirley Sisk Grove, a public open space parcel within the project boundary.
Currently, Shirley Sisk Grove is an undeveloped park space used seasonally for public events such as concerts and festivals. The NewPark Masterplan envisions a repurposing of the Grove to better support the goals of the overall NewPark redevelopment. Repurposing the Grove, and adjacent underused land within the project’s scope, would aid the Greater NewPark’s vision in becoming a vibrant regional commercial center. According to the NewPark Masterplan, repurposing the Grove could generate revenue while increasing safety and the value of adjacent properties and additionally reduce areas of disinvestment that may detract from the Greater NewPark’s overall character.
To repurpose the site, the Masterplan proposes that the NewPark development:
• Explore a possible long-term lease structure that would allow development of hotel, office, entertainment and mixed-use land uses. • Consider public/private partnership opportunities to ensure that publicly accessible community amenities are part of any planned development until the Grove events are permanently programmed elsewhere within the Greater NewPark.
• Prioritize building frontage along NewPark Boulevard, the major road adjacent to the Grove.
D. Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan Document(s):
Dumbarton TOD Specific Plan, 2010
The Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project consists of approximately 200 acres of industrial land on the west side of Newark.
The project site is bordered by the Union Pacific Railroad track to the north, Willow Street and existing industrial and residential uses to the east, the Alameda County Flood Control (ACFC) Canal to the south and existing, on-going salt production facilities to the west. Formerly an active site for industrial use, much of the property has been vacant since the 1990’s. Recently, however, the railroad right-of-way on the northern edge of the project has been selected as the alignment for a potential new transit line to link southern Alameda County with the Peninsula.
Plans for a future Dumbarton transit station at Willow Street create the opportunity to capitalize on this public investment through adjacent development with high-density, residential, retail, and office uses and enhanced pedestrian circulation. The site’s location is additionally ideal for Transit Oriented Development as it is in close proximity to major transportation routes for regional circulation, such as Highway 84, and its place in the greater East Bay and Silicon Valley region allows it to serve a larger area for transit ridership. The 2010 Dumbarton TOD Specific Plan provides a guiding framework for this development project. As a comprehensive planning document, this Specific Plan’s objectives and goals will support and control the development of the Dumbarton TOD project.
Dictated by the planning principles of smart growth, sustainable community design, green building and sustainable landscaping, the Dumbarton Transit Oriented Development project aims to create a community where “housing, recreation, a neighborhood retail center and employment opportunities are integrated” and “the automobile can be replaced by walking and biking”. Plan elements are to include a Transit Center, Neighborhood Center, Commercial and Retail uses, and the necessary infrastructure and utilities needed to support the development. Along with the proposed 2,500 housing units the project will also incorporate an extensive park and recreational trail network providing 16.3 acres of parkland, allowing 2 acres of park per 1,000 people.
The Specific Plan designates three park areas: a neighborhood park, a linear park and/or trail that connects to the Bay Trail, and a park adjacent to the Transit Station. Within these parks, one will provide an outdoor amphitheater and restroom facilities while another will host a dog park.
These parks are to include a variety of recreational amenities, such as picnic areas and tot lots, to best serve their intended program. According to the parks and open space goals of the Dumbarton TOD Specific Plan, 20 the project parks and open space will:
• Enhance the natural qualities of the area
• Draw from the region’s climate and native plants
• Convey the identity of the community and neighborhoods • Create flexibility for community needs, and provide
• Landscaping safety and security
With regard to the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update, the proposal of this park, open space, and linked pedestrian connectivity provides collaboration opportunity. The Master Plan Update can inform the impending development so that resulting recreational design serves the current and future needs of the city.
E. Southwest Newark Residential & Recreational Project
Document(s):
Newark Specific Plan: Area 3 & 4 of the General Plan, 2009 In the Newark California General Plan, the city identifies several Focus Areas where major land use change is anticipated. The Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project, formerly identified as Area 3 and 4 of the General Plan, is an identified Focus Area for which a Specific Plan was created: the Newark Specific Plan: Area 3 & 4 of the General Plan. The Specific Plan defines parameters for the transition of this largely undeveloped area into a low-density residential development of up to 1,260 housing units, with a major recreational facility and the dedication of conservation open space on some of the low-lying land south of the railroad tracks.
The Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project is comprised of 636 acres in the area of Newark bordered by Mowry Avenue to the west, Stevenson Boulevard on the east, Cherry Street to the north, and Mowry Slough to the south. Bisecting the project is the Union Pacific Railroad. The area north of the Union Pacific railway, formerly identified as Area 3, originally hosted 298 acres but 221 acres of that were dedicated to land uses for Ohlone College, Sportsfield Park, and the Stevenson Point Technology business park. Only the remaining 77 acres, formerly designated Sub Area A of Area 3, will be developed in accordance with the Newark Specific Plan: Area 3 & 4 of the General Plan. According to this Specific Plan, development here will include the creation of a 600-student elementary school, a new neighborhood park, as well as a pedestrian trail along the adjacent Flood Control Channel.
This portion of the Southwest Newark Residential and Recreation Project is currently vacant and undeveloped.
The area south of the railroad, formerly identified as Area 4, hosts 559 acres of undeveloped land with a history of past and present agricultural land use. The Newark Specific Plan: Area 3 & 4 of the General Plan divides this portion into 4 areas, each with unique parameters for development. To the south, Sub Area B is envisioned to transition from agricultural land to single-family housing with a small “nature park”.
North of Sub Area B, Sub Area C may transition to either single-family housing or a recreational space, or both. To the north, Sub Area D may be used as a golf course or similar recreational amenity. Sub Area E will be retained for open space conservation as it lays adjacent to valued wetland habitat to the east.
The Southwest Newark Residential and Recreational Project provides opportunity to expand the city’s public open space. With the Specific Plan’s proposed addition of neighborhood parks, connective trails, and the dedication of a major recreation facility such as a golf course or similar recreation, the Master Plan Update can inform the impending development so that resulting recreational enhancement serves the current and future needs of the Newark community.
21 RECREATION & PROGRAMMING
A. Joint Use
Document(s):
MacGregor Playfields Agreement
The City of Newark and the Newark Unified School District maintain a long-term joint use agreement for the MacGregor Playfields, located at MacGregor School. The land is owned by the School District and leased to the City under a 1987 arrangement. Under the terms of the agreement, the City constructed the playfields, parking lot, and structures, and performs ongoing maintenance. The School District pays water costs to a specified limit and the city pays costs more than that limit. The city is responsible for scheduling the playfields during nonschool use time.
Joint use of school fields and amenities is a standard practice for many communities to address recreational need. The Master Plan Update considers the city’s current and future joint use opportunities to efficiently meet the community’s open space and recreation needs.
B. Recreational Services & Programming
Document(s):
General Plan: Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element
The City of Newark’s Recreation and Community Services Department provides an array of programs and activities to serve the recreational, educational, and fitness needs and interests of the community. The Department provides recreational programs which include traditional and non-traditional offerings. A sampling of traditional programs offered by the city include gymnastics, soccer, aquatic camps, licensed preschool, karate, softball, lacrosse, and aerobics. Non-traditionally, the city supports culturally diverse activities evident in the offering of programs such as Bombay Jam fitness workouts, Kundalini yoga, and mahjong.
Programs are designed to be age-inclusive and serve infants, youth, adults, seniors, and all abilities.
Regarding recreational space, the Department manages the Community Center, Senior Center, and Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center.
An important recreational node, the Silliman Center includes three indoor pools, activity rooms, gymnasium, an aerobic and dance studio, fitness center, teen center and childcare spaces. Three community parks and two special use parks provide the setting for recreation in a natural environment. Activities here include fishing and boating in 16 acres of water area and a grove for outdoor concerts. The Department also manages playfields, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic sites, and trails throughout the city.
In addition to recreational program offerings, the City of Newark’s Recreation and Community Services Department also designs and promotes community events that serve to create a connected and enriched community environment. The Department’s community events range from Mariachi Festivals, Friday Night Concerts On-the-Green, Family Day at the Park, and a Senior Health and Resource Faire. Below is a list of the city’s regular community events, inclusive of the event’s local community partners.
• Music at the Grove Summer Concert Series
• Family Day at the Park
• Youth Fishing Day
• Newark Days (Newark Days Inc.)
• Sunday Afternoon Concerts (Love Newark/Newark Arts Council) • Symphony Performances (Newark Symphonic Winds)
• Community Theater (Stage One Productions)
• Farmers Market (Local Farmers and NewPark Mall)
Community engagement activities include volunteer opportunities, leader in training programs, and group volunteering activities.
Supplementing program offerings, the City also partners with and acknowledges an extensive list of community organizations that provide services and programs to support community connection. These include:
22 • Afro-American Cultural & Historical Society • Newark Chamber of Commerce • CYO Basketball • CYO Track and Field • Fremont/Newark Jaycees • Fremont/Newark YMCA • Kidango • League of Volunteers • Life Eldercare • Alameda County Library Services • Newark Girls Softball League • Newark/Fremont Football League • Newark American Little League • Newark National Little League • Newark Health Center • Newark Optimist Club • Newark Rotary Club • Newark Soccer Club • North Fremont National Junior Basketball • Ohlone College – Newark Campus • Salvation Army • Second Chance • South Fremont/Newark NJB Basketball • Stage 1 Theater • Viola Blythe Community Services Center Newark’s Recreation and Community Services Department strives to support a connected community, with program offerings intended to be opportunities to interact, explore, and to enrich the lives of all community members.
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
PARK SYSTEM INVENTORY &
ASSESSMENT
Appendix B – PARK SYSTEM AND INVENTORY
INTRODUCTION
To create a strategic plan for the future of Newark’s park system a detailed inventory of the city’s existing park facilities was conducted. On a tour of Newark each city-owned, or programmed, park was visited with the assistance of city staff and members of the Consultant team.
Parks were inventoried to assess how each asset currently serves the community and where they hold potential to expand and improve upon recreational opportunities.
According to the Newark California General Plan, the city’s park facilities are comprised of Neighborhood, Community, and Special Use parks which provide Newark’s community with recreational amenities unique to each. A Neighborhood park ranges from 5-10 acres, serves immediate residents within a ½ mile radius, and hosts simple amenities such as lawn, walking loops and playgrounds. Community parks are typically 20, or more, acres, serving residents within a 2 mile radius, and have facilities that attract community members throughout the city such as sport courts, lit fields and open space for unstructured activity. The City’s Special Use parks provide the community with a unique function or facility, with service area and acreage dependent on the park’s function. Newark’s existing park system hosts 8 Neighborhood parks, 3 Community parks and 2 Special Use parks.
The following information was collected regarding each park:
Location: Intersection
Size: Park acreage
Use: Serving Neighborhood, Community, or Special Use
Current Condition: Description of current conditions
Facilities and Amenities: List of facilities and amenities present Recreation Provided: City-supported recreation provided Constraints: Features that compromise the site’s full potential Opportunities: Preliminary ideas regarding opportunities to expand or enhance the site’s recreation
The information collected in this inventory informs the Consultant’s evaluation of the city’s existing park system. This assessment aids in determining the level of recreational need currently being met while identifying those recreational wants that are lacking or not being served in the city of Newark.
3 ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES
In this park system inventory and assessment several recurring issues and opportunities were identified that apply universally across the Newark park system.
ADA COMPLIANCE
Throughout the Newark park system compliance to standards of accessibility can be enhanced, especially in the city’s playground design.
To improve accessibility, while decreasing maintenance requirements, the city should consider replacing engineered wood fibar (“tambark”) with resilient rubber matting surfaces. The short-term cost of rubber matting may be desirable compared to the long-term maintenance cost of wood fibar. In lieu of replacing existing fibar, the city should ensure that accessible ramps lead into each play area.
In playground accessibility, the city should also consider providing universal play equipment and transfer stations. Transfer stations allow users to access elevated play structures without use of a wheelchair or mobility tool. Additionally, play structures should encourage interactive play for children of all abilities; installing more universal play equipment, such as spinners and saucer swings, can aid in providing recreation options to a diversity of users.
To ensure recreational accessibility the City of Newark should pursue an overall ADA assessment of its existing park facilities.
MAINTENANCE
In the inventory of Newark’s parks, it was noted that overall park facility maintenance can be improved. As is common in public open space, graffiti, vandalism and litter are unwanted companions to many of the city’s open space assets. To enhance community pride and investment in the daily upkeep of shared green space, the city should prioritize park maintenance.
STRUCTURES & FACILITIES
Newark’s park system incorporates a variety of essential recreation elements such as playgrounds, picnic tables, and walking paths, and lighting. Though these elements support the existing parks, the city should consider their update as part of the Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan.
Newark’s playgrounds and play structures can attract a wider range of users through updated design and program. Thematic design, nature play, and the addition of interactive elements should be considered to create a varied and creative experience for young users.
Picnic and seating options also provide opportunity for improvement and diversity. The city should consider replacing or enhancing these structures to continue accommodating community members for current and future enjoyment. Focusing on variety in aesthetic character, while improving functionality through additional shade structures, is suggested.
The majority of Newark’s parks maintain asphalt walking paths that are frequently in use. As popular modes of pedestrian circulation, the city should consider replacing asphalt walkways, which need regular resurfacing, with concrete paths which require less long-term maintenance. Additionally, the city may consider providing more allweather pathways along park perimeters to further support walking and jogging in the community. Improved, or added, lighting through park paths will also improve user experience.
ACTIVATION
Though Newark has a variety of open space assets, this inventory and assessment finds that the majority of the city’s parks are currently underused. The city should consider activating use through programming considerations and supporting alternate use through creating dog parks or skate parks where there is opportunity to do so. 5 Birch Grove Park.....................................................................................................9 Byington Park .......................................................................................................11 Civic Center Park..................................................................................................13 Jerry Raber Ash Street Park.............................................................................15 Lakeshore Park ......................................................................................................17 MacGregor Fields ................................................................................................19 Mayhews Landing Park......................................................................................21 Mirabeau Park........................................................................................................23 Musick Park ............................................................................................................25 Newark Community Park..................................................................................27 Shirley Sisk Grove................................................................................................29 Sportsfield Park ...................................................................................................31 Susan Johnson Bridgepointe Park ...............................................................33
NEWARK PARKS
7 200 sc N
BIRCH GROVE PARK
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
Birch Street at Robertson Avenue
15 acres
Community Park
Well-maintained park with light community use, that can benefit from structural/facility updates and increased
maintenance
Barbecue Pits, Basketball Court, Benches, Tennis Courts, Open Field/Lawn, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom,
Softball Playing Field, Tot Lot, Walking Paths, Water Play (not in use)
City tennis lessons; League softball play; Passive recreation and gathering
Parking can become limited
Potential bike skills park site; Structural updates to
facilities (basketball court, playgrounds, picnic tables, water feature); Potential reservable group picnic facility site; Enhance turf fields for sport use; Remove walls
surrounding picnic tables for safety and visibility; Provide shade for play/group areas; Softball field lights to be replaced; Potential for volleyball and bocce ball courts; Addition of splash pad
Vandalism and graffiti are a maintenance challenge
9 200 sc N
BYINGTON PARK
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
Central Avenue at Byington Drive
3 acres
Neighborhood Park
Well-maintained, relatively new developer-constructed
neighborhood park with large grass area and picnic
gathering sites
Barbecue Pits; Basketball Court; Benches; Open Field/
Lawn; Picnic Tables; Playground; Walking Paths; Water Play (not in use)
Passive recreation
Proximity to neighboring homes
Enhance water play area or replace with alternative use; Update existing playground
Park could benefit from increased activation and
community use
11 200 sc N
CIVIC CENTER PARK
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
Civic Terrace Avenue at Newark Boulevard
5 acres
Neighborhood Park
A neighborhood park with maintenance issues for the
children’ play area and open grass play field. The future use of the old library will have an impact on the future use of the park
Barbecue Pits; Basketball Court; Benches; Open Field/
Lawn; Picnic Tables; Playground; Walking Paths
Passive recreation; Practice site for under-6 soccer
Active railway at Eastern edge of park
Structural updates to facilities (basketball court,
playground); Additional play area; Formalize perimeter
path; Provide shade structures for group/play areas;
Potential site for reservable picnic facility; Locate new restroom here if Newark Library is relocated; Enhance turf field for sport use
Graffiti can be an issue for maintenance; Periodically
update tambark at playground
13 200 sc N
JERRY RABER ASH STREET PARK
Enterprise Drive at Filbert Street
6 acres
Neighborhood Park
A highly used neighborhood park that serves as a
community park for active and passive recreation as well as picnicking and social gatherings. The children’s play area equipment is in poor condition. With high use, other amenities in the park need additional maintenance or
replacement
Barbecue Pits; Basketball Courts; Benches; Newark
Resource Center; Horseshoe Pit; Open Field/Lawn; Picnic Tables (shaded); Playground; Restroom; Softball Practice Fields; Tot Lot; Walking Paths; Viola Blythe Community
Center; Volleyball Pit
Youth Soccer practice field; Softball/Little League practice field; Passive recreation
Proximity to Hetch Hetchy Right-Of-Way (jurisdiction of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)
Structural updates to facilities (playgrounds, picnic
shelters, volleyball pit) ; Potential site for reservable picnic facility; Potential site for community demonstration or decorative garden; Close proximity to Newark Senior
Center use (bocce ball, gardens, etc.) Full size softball field.
Though park is assigned as practice field for Softball/Little League and Youth Soccer, it is not usually used due to
poor quality of fields; Park needs improved maintenance (trash management, graffiti and vandalism); Park has
history of gang use and public safety challenges
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
15 400 sc N
LAKESHORE PARK
Lake Boulevard at Parkshore Drive
26 acres (10 acres turf, 16 acres water)
Neighborhood Park
Lake-side community park used for passive recreation
related to walking and fishing
Benches; Fish-stocked water body; Lawn; Parcourse;
Walking Paths
Fishing; Youth Fishing Day
Limited parking access; narrow park band adjacent to the water that limits additional park amenities; restroom and boat house is in poor condition; many Canada Geese in
the park
Potential site for new playground or tot lot; Enhance and update parcourse; Potential for new restroom and group
picnic tables; Additional lighting for pathway
Geese and wildlife present throughout site; Basic
maintenance
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
17 200 sc N
MACGREGOR FIELDS
Cedar Boulevard at Lake Boulevard
10 acres
Special Use Park
Large sports field shared between the City of Newark and the Newark Unified School District for sport league access and community events
(4)Baseball backstops; Open Field/Lawn; (4)Soccer Fields Youth Soccer; Youth Baseball; Newark Days (hosts up to
80,000 people over 4 days)
Proximity to neighboring homes during Newark Days/
festival events
Enhance opportunity as a carnival space; Potential for
dedicated cricket pitch with field lighting or additional dedicated softball/baseball fields
Owned by Newark Unified School District but maintained
and programmed by City through a lease agreement;
Newark Days carnival creates challenge for grass
maintenance
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
19 200 sc N
MAYHEWS LANDING PARK
Cherry Street at Montcalm Avenue
8 acres
Neighborhood Park
Large neighborhood park with opportunities for passive
recreation
Barbecue Pits; Basketball Court; Benches; Open Field/
Lawn; Picnic Tables; Playground; Walking Paths
Passive recreation
NA
Structural updates to facilities (basketball court,
playgrounds, picnic area); Potential for additional facilities such as outdoor fitness equipment
During site visits, park was in use through passive
recreation (people sitting on lawn, playing basketball, flying kites)
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
21 200 sc N
MIRABEAU PARK
Haley Street at Mirabeau Drive
6 acres
Neighborhood Park
Lightly-used neighborhood park with play structure, large field and perimeter path
Benches; Open Field/Lawn; Playground; Tot Lot; Walking
Paths
Passive recreation
NA
Update existing playground and adjacent seating;
Potential site for additional recreation facilities such as climbing wall and half-court basketball
Improved maintenance needed at park; During the
site visit, several young teenagers were using the play structures
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
23 200 sc N
MUSICK PARK
Musick Avenue at Cedar Boulevard
1 acre
Neighborhood Park
Simple neighborhood pocket park
Benches; Open Field/Lawn; Playground; Walking Paths
Passive recreation
Park is very small
Update play structure and site amenities; Provide
additional seating; Provide perimeter fence for safety
Minimal community use; Underused pocket park
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
25 200 sc N
NEWARK COMMUNITY PARK
Cedar Boulevard at Chapman Drive
16 acres
Community Park
Well-maintained and well-used community park actively
accessed by community for passive recreation and festival/ community events
Barbecue Pits; Basketball/Wall Ball Court; Community
Center (hosts Newark Chamber of Commerce, event
facility rental, licensed child care center for ages 3-5); Benches; Lit Tennis Courts; Open Field/Lawn; Picnic Tables; Playground; Restroom; Tot Lot; Walking Paths; Water Play (not in use)
Passive recreation; Newark Days (hosts up to 80,000
people over 4 days); Family Day at the Park
Proximity to residential homes
Structural updates to facilities (basketball court,
playgrounds, picnic areas) ; Potential site for all-abilities play area for both school and tot age; Potential site for reservable picnic facilities; Update existing restroom
Additional space at northern tip, where former petting
zoo was removed; Restroom maintenance is a challenge
due to unwanted activity; Vandalism and graffiti can be an issue for maintenance
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
27 200 sc N
SHIRLEY SISK GROVE
Cedar Boulevard at North Magazine
2 acres
Special Use Park
Unimproved open space with minimal maintenance and
seasonal use; No facilities
Temporary stage for seasonal music performances,
Wooded Lawn
Newark Mariachi Festival; Music at the Grove Summer
Concert Series; Sunday Afternoon Concert Series
Heavily forested Eucalyptus trees block clear views to
stage; Site purchased through State grant means limited opportunity to change site use
Create permanent outdoor performance space with stage,
utilities, and parking; Potential for school age play area No parking at site requires use of NewPark Mall parking ; Sight lines/visibility should be improved for safety; Located in a part of the City that is not pedestrian-friendly; Eucalyptus trees require pruning
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
29 200 sc N
SPORTSFIELD PARK
Mowry Boulevard at Cherry Street
30 acres
Community Park
Actively-used sports fields for organized and recreational play
Open Field/Lawn; Restroom; Soccer Fields; Softball Playing Field; Walking Path
Youth Soccer; Youth Baseball/Softball
City has outgrown the site’s field capacity; Limited parking during peak periods
Potential restroom and concession stand; Group picnic
areas; Potential location for multi-sport, baseball and soccer field; Addition of playgrounds; Expand existing
parking lot; Update existing pedestrian pathway
Site is also popular for pick-up games during the day
(local professionals, etc.); Restroom is only open during league/practice times due to unwanted activity; Located next to Ohlone College
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
31 200 sc N
SUSAN JOHNSON BRIDGEPOINTE PARK
Spruce Street at Bridgepointe Drive
4 acres
Neighborhood Park
Well-maintained neighborhood park that is currently
underutilized by the community
Barbecue Pits, Benches, Open Field/Lawn, Picnic Tables, Playground, Walking Paths
Passive recreation
Proximity to flood channel on Eastern edge of park; Close to residential homes/neighborhood
Landscape maintenance can improve; Structural updates
to facilities (playground and picnic areas); Potential site for additional recreation facilities such as climbing wall and half court basketball
Popular park for off-leash dog play, although not officially allowed
Location:
Size:
Use:
Current
Condition:
Facilities and
Amenities:
Recreation
Provided:
Constraints:
Opportunities:
Additional
Observations:
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
DEMOGRAPHIC AND
RECREATIONAL TRENDS
Appendix C – DEMOGRAPHIC AND RECREATIONAL TRENDS
INTRODUCTION
Demographic analysis is an effective tool for identifying the characteristics of Newark’s population that impact the demand for services. Demographic characteristics can be predictive of how segments of the population are likely to use the city’s parks, programs, and facilities. Population interests vary based on differences in age, household composition, income, education, race/ethnicity, and other demographic measures. Population changes and patterns can also be identified and compared to the State and County. Conclusions can be made about community preferences and needs based on these patterns.
These conclusions impact the recommended steps and goals of Newark’s Citywide Parks Master Plan Update.
State, regional, and national social, economic, environmental, and recreational trends will impact the demand and the delivery of recreation services in the City of Newark. Trends analysis identifies changing social patterns that shape societal characteristics, preferences, and interests.
As a forecasting tool, it can be used to predict potential demand for amenities and services for recreation, leisure, and park pursuits.
Assessing demographic and recreation trends provides useful planning data to anticipate changing interests and needs and to create spaces and programs to serve those anticipated needs.
The following section assesses and discusses demographic and recreational trends identified in the City of Newark.
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS,
NOTES, & SUMMARY
Appendix D – COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS, NOTES, AND SUMMARY
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QUESTION 1
WHICH CITY PARK IS CLOSEST TO YOU WHERE YOU LIVE?
QUESTION 2
IN THE LAST YEAR, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CITY PARKS HAVE YOU, OR THOSE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, VISITED? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
QUESTION 3
IN THE LAST YEAR, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CITY PARKS HAVE YOU, OR THOSE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, VISITED MOST FREQUENTLY? SELECT UP TO 3.
QUESTION 4
IN GENERAL, HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH THE CITY OF NEWARK’S PARKS? QUESTION 5
IN GENERAL, WHAT CONDITION WOULD YOU SAY THE CITY OF NEWARK’S PARKS ARE IN? QUESTION 6
HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING PARK IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY? QUESTION 7
HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE FOLLOWING RECREATION AMENITIES TO YOU, OR YOUR HOUSEHOLD? QUESTION 8
WHICH SPORT AND MULTI-USE FIELD/COURT WOULD YOU PREFER? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) QUESTION 9
ARE YOU USING NEWARK PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES MORE FREQUENTLY, ABOUT THE SAME, OR LESS FREQUENTLY THAN BEFORE THE COVID CRISIS?
QUESTION 10
IS IT MORE IMPORTANT TO RENOVATE EXISTING PARKS TO KEEP CURRENT (SUCH AS REPLACING DEGRADED PLAYGROUNDS, SPORT COURTS, FIELDS, ETC.) OR ADD NEW AMENITIES (SUCH AS DOG PARKS, AN ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND, PICKLEBALL COURTS, OR A SKATE PARK)? QUESTION 11
WHAT TYPE OF AMENITY OR RECREATIONAL SERVICE WOULD YOU ADD TO NEWARK PARKS? QUESTION 12
HOW ARE YOU TRAVELING TO THE CITY’S PARKS AND/OR RECREATION FACILITIES? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.
QUESTION 13
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT CITY PARKS? QUESTION 14
WHAT IS YOUR AGE?
QUESTION 15
WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
OPINION OF PROBABLE COST
Appendix E – OPINION OF PROBABLE COST
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
PROJECTS BY PRIORITY
Appendix F – PROJECTS BY PRIORITY
Project Priority List
Amenity Cost Priority Group
Ash Street Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 11,772.00 1
Ash Street Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 264,330.00 1
Ash Street Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND $ 823,878.00 1
Birch Grove - UPDATED PLAYGROUNDS $ 2,316,218.00 1
Community Park - ALL ABILITIES PLAY AREA $ 2,615,368.50 1 Community Park - NEW RESTROOM $ 381,868.00 1
Mirabeau Park - PLAYGROUND 2 $ 58,417.20 1
Mirabeau Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND $ 560,104.20 1
Sportsfield Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 15,363.00 1
Sportsfield Park - NEW RESTROOM AND CONCESSION STAND $ 675,000.00 1 Sportsfield Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 17,313.75 1 Sportsfield Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 1,442,448.00 1
Sportsfield Park - UPDATED PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY $ 527,145.30 1 Bridgepoint Park - PLAYGROUND 1 $ 1,168,357.50 2
Bridgepoint Park - PLAYGROUND 2 $ 58,417.20 2
Civic Center Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 60,480.00 2
Civic Center Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND 1 $ 835,528.50 2 Civic Center Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND 2 $ 510,462.00 2 Community Park - PATHWAY POLE LIGHT $ 202,500.00 2
Lakeshore Park - NEW RESTROOM $ 382,833.00 2
Lakeshore Park - PATHWAY POLE LIGHT $ 121,500.00 2
MacGregor - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 11,772.00 2
MacGregor Playfields - GRADING $ 202,500.00 2
Mayhews Park - PLAYGROUND $ 1,398,775.50 2
Byington Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 16,510.50 3
Byington Park - PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY $ 64,226.00 3
Byington Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND $ 675,999.00 3
Civic Center Park - FENCE $ 36,720.00 3
Linear Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 23,044.50 3
Linear Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 1 $ 63,801.00 3
Linear Park - PATHWAY POLE LIGHT $ 114,750.00 3
Linear Park - PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY $ 449,955.00 3
Linear Park - PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES $ 482,355.00 3
Linear Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 54,675.00 3
Linear Park - PLAYGROUND 1 $ 661,054.50 3
Sportsfield Park - PLAYGROUND 1 $ 987,673.50 3
Sportsfield Park - PLAYGROUND 2 $ 500,134.50 3
Birch Grove - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 35,316.00 4
Birch Grove - SEATING AREAS $ 97,659.00 4
Birch Grove - SPORT FACILITIES $ 177,924.60 4
Community Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 37,098.00 4
Community Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 1 $ 208,710.00 4
Community Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 2 $ 121,269.15 4
Community Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 10,935.00 4
Community Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 132,840.00 4
Project Priority List
MacGregor - LIGHTING $ 337,500.00 4
Sportsfield Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 1 $ 279,292.05 4
Sportsfield Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 2 $ 31,305.15 4
Ash Street Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA $ 66,441.60 5
Birch Grove - GROUP PICNIC AREAS W/ SHELTER 1 $ 298,849.50 5 Birch Grove - GROUP PICNIC AREAS W/ SHELTER 2 $ 42,953.63 5 Lakeshore Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 11,772.00 5
Lakeshore Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 1 $ 65,627.55 5
Lakeshore Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 2 $ 288,666.45 5
Lakeshore Park - PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES $ 495,855.00 5 Lakeshore Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 4,556.25 5
Lakeshore Park - PLAYGROUND $ 1,396,348.20 5
Musick Park - FENCE $ 33,264.00 5
Musick Park - UPDATED PLAYGROUND $ 921,099.60 5
Sportsfield Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA $ 298,335.15 5
Birch Grove - BIKE SKILLS PARK $ 520,695.00 6
Civic Center Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 16,510.50 6
Civic Center Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA $ 222,966.00 6
Civic Center Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 4,556.25 6 Civic Center Park - RESTROOM $ 405,000.00 6
Community Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 3 $ 299,652.75 6
Community Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 4 $ 182,736.00 6
Lakeshore Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 3 $ 118,172.25 6
Lakeshore Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 4 $ 226,008.90 6
Mayhews Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 11,772.00 6
Mayhews Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA $ 306,294.75 6
Mayhews Park - UPDATED GROUP PICNIC AREA $ 127,075.50 6 Ash Street Park - DECORATIVE GARDEN $ 325,603.80 7
Ash Street Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 19,136.25 7 Birch Grove - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 40,095.00 7
Birch Grove - SPLASH PAD $ 540,000.00 7
Bridgepoint Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 9,477.00 7
Bridgepoint Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 40,500.00 7
Musick Park - BENCHES $ 8,100.00 7
Musick Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 10,624.50 7
Sanctuary Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 15,363.00 7
Sanctuary Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 1 $ 29,025.00 7
Sanctuary Park - PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY $ 143,094.60 7
Sanctuary Park - PLAYGROUND 1 $ 604,503.00 7
Sanctuary Park - PLAYGROUND 2 $ 638,887.50 7
Sisk Grove - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 15,363.00 7
Sisk Grove - PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY $ 265,963.50 7
Sisk Grove - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 123,255.54 7
Sisk Grove - PLAYGROUND $ 893,922.75 7
Sportsfield Park - PARKING $ 635,347.13 7
Byington Park - PLANTING AND IRRIGATION $ 54,675.00 8
Byington Park - UPDATED SPLASH PAD $ 540,000.00 8
Project Priority List
Linear Park - BIKE PATHWAY $ 486,793.80 8
Linear Park - COMMUNITY GARDEN $ 611,752.50 8
Linear Park - DECORATIVE GARDEN 1 $ 104,824.80 8
Linear Park - DECORATIVE GARDEN 2 $ 43,394.40 8
Linear Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 2 $ 171,801.00 8
Linear Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 3 $ 225,801.00 8
Linear Park - OUTDOOR FITNESS AREA 4 $ 117,801.00 8
Linear Park - PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS $ 675,000.00 8
Linear Park - PLAYGROUND 2 $ 541,363.50 8
Linear Park - PLAYGROUND 3 $ 794,299.50 8
Mirabeau Park - GENERAL AMENITIES $ 14,215.50 8
Mirabeau Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 56,700.00 8
Sanctuary Park - GROUP PICNIC AREA 2 $ 23,625.00 8
Sanctuary Park - SPORT FACILITIES $ 181,980.00 8
Sisk Grove - AMPHITHEATER $ 783,540.00 8
Sisk Grove - NEW RESTROOM $ 381,867.75 8
Sisk Grove - PARKING $ 526,866.19 8
Sisk Grove - STORAGE $ 13,500.00 8
Sisk Grove - VEHICULAR PARKING LIGHTING $ 87,750.00 8
Project Priority List
Priortiy Group Totals
Group 1 $ 9,709,225.95
Group 2 $ 4,953,125.70
Group 3 $ 4,130,898.50
Group 4 $ 1,469,848.95
Group 5 $ 3,923,768.93
Group 6 $ 2,441,439.90
Group 7 $ 4,358,261.57
Group 8 $ 6,437,550.94
TOTAL: $ 37,424,121.00
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Newark Citywide Parks Master Plan Update
PLAYGROUND SAFETY AUDIT
Appendix G – PLAYGROUND SAFETY AUDIT
City of Newark
CITYWIDE PARKS MASTER PLAN UPDATE
DRAFT October, 2024
Overview of
Capital Improvement Plan
Amendment
October 23, 2025
1 CIP Amendment Overview - Agenda
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Process
• Background of Current CIP
• Summary of Projects and Proposed Amendment
• New Five-Year CIP Process
• Next Steps
2 CIP Amendment Overview
Capital Improvement Plan Process
3 CIP Amendment Overview
What is a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)?
• Long-range planning and budgeting tool used
to identify, prioritize, and fund major public
infrastructure and facility projects.
• It helps the City:
• Maintain and improve physical assets
• Align investments with community goals
• Ensure responsible financial planning and
transparency
• Updated every two years with Biennial Budget
4 CIP Amendment Overview
What projects are covered in the CIP?
5 CIP Amendment Overview
How are projects selected?
• Guidance from General Plan and
strategic planning studies
• Feedback from City Council and staff
• Evaluation of funding and resources
• Prioritization based on legal, regulatory,
and safety needs
• Review and approval by City Council
6 CIP Amendment Overview
How are projects typically funded?
• Gas Tax Funds
• Capital Funds
• Community Development Maintenance
Funds
• Development Impact Fees
• Park Impact Fees
• Federal, State, Regional and Local Grants
7 CIP Amendment Overview
Background of Current
Capital Improvement Plan
8 CIP Amendment Overview – 2024-2026 CIP Process
• January 2024 – Overview of CIP presented to Council
• June 2024 – CIP presented to Council; partial list of projects approved • October 2024 – Facilities Master Plan approved by City Council • November 2024 – Parks Master Plan Update approved by City Council • 2025 – Anticipated CIP Amendment to include master plan recommendations and previously approved projects
9 CIP Amendment Overview – 2024-2026 Highlights
• Streets and Traffic
• Completed 6.5 lane miles of slurry seal
• Planning for spring pavement project underway
• Added protected bike safety lanes on Cherry Street and Newark Boulevard • Design completed for traffic signal interconnect project • Sidewalks
• Replaced 2,600 lineal feet of curb, gutter and sidewalk • Current project in process
• Emergency Services
• Purchase of vehicle pursuit intervention devices, emergency breaching tools, and firearms training system 10
CIP Amendment Overview – Master Plans
11 CIP Amendment Overview – Parks Master Plan Update
Parks Master Plan Goals
• Protect and support the existing network
• Accommodate demands in service
• Enhance community identity
• Foster connectivity
Parks Master Plan Priorities
• Children’s Play Areas
• Restroom Facilities
• Maintenance and Play Fields
• Trails and Pathways
12 CIP Amendment Overview – Facilities Master Plan
Facilities Master Plan Goals
• Assess facility needs and conditions
• Determine growth and future needs
• Engage the community about community program and space needs • Develop recommendations and options with cost estimates • Create an action plan to guide and improve future decision-making about programs, services, workflow, and facilities
Facilities Master Plan Categories
• Preventative Maintenance
• Renovations / Capital Projects
• New or Replacement Facilities
• Sell / Repurpose / Demolish
13 CIP Amendment Overview
Summary of Projects
and Proposed Amendment
14 CIP Amendment Overview – Proposed Parks Projects
Citywide Parks Master Plan Update – Priority 1 projects (partial list) • Birch Grove Park – Updated Playground $2.4 million
• Jerry Raber Ash Street Park – Updated Playground $824,000 • Mirabeau Park – Updated Playground $620,000
15 Park Impact Fees
• Current Balance: $9.93 million
• Estimated Project Costs: $3.74 million
• Ending Balance: $6.19 million
CIP Amendment Overview – Proposed Facilities Projects
Citywide Facilities Master Plan – Priority replacement projects (partial list) • Replace Fire Station Number 27 on Cherry Street at Mowry Avenue • Replace Fire Station Number 29 on Ruschin Drive at Newark Boulevard 16 Fiscal Year 2026 Phase: Preliminary Planning
• Estimated Cost: $3.5 million • Funding Source: Measure GG CIP Amendment Overview – Previously Approved Projects
Projects Previously Approved to be Reinstated into the CIP • Old Town PDA Streetscape Improvements - Design ($1 million) • Old Town PDA Streetscape Improvements -Construction ($17.1 million) • Railroad Quiet Zones Implementation- Design ($915,000) • Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 2, Ash to Spruce ($2.3 million) 17 CIP Amendment Overview
New Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan
18 CIP Amendment Overview – Five-Year CIP Overview
• Benefits of Five-Year CIP
• More realistic project delivery forecasting
• Project milestones to ensure long-term accountability and transparency • Project updates for long-term grant readiness
• City Council and community alignment
• Introductory City Council presentation in early 2026
• Prioritization of projects and draft Five-Year CIP review – spring 2026 • First Five-Year CIP would begin July 1, 2026, if approved 19 CIP Amendment Overview
Next Steps
20 CIP Amendment Overview – Next Steps
• Incorporate input and feedback received into draft CIP Amendment • Present draft CIP Amendment to Planning Commission for conformance to General Plan - October/November
• Return to City Council with draft CIP Amendment - November/December 21 CIP Amendment Overview
Questions and Feedback
22 Item B. 2.
DATE 10/23/2025
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Miki Tsubota, City Engineer
SUBJECT Overview of the Thornton Avenue Overlay Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) Project for Proposed Amendment to the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
There are three items on the City Council meeting agenda related to amending the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The first item provides background and considerations regarding a CIP amendment. Next, there are two separate items that consist of presentation on two specific projects in order to address conflicts of interests for Council Members, including a park project and a pavement project. This is the second item consisting of a presentation of the Thornton Avenue Overlay Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) project (one of the two projects in which Council Members have a conflict of interest).
City staff are currently preparing a new rolling five-year Capital Improvement Plan/Program (CIP) to be presented to City Council in early 2026 with a goal of City Council adoption by June 2026. The rolling five-year CIP improves on existing practices by providing more realistic project delivery forecast, providing more long-term accountability and transparency, better preparing projects for long-term grant readiness, and providing better long-term Council and community alignment.
Before the new rolling five-year CIP is effective, staff will be recommending an amendment to the current 2024-2026 Biennial Budget (Budget) and CIP that only included a partial list of projects anticipating the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update and the Citywide Facilities Master Plan (collectively, Master Plans). These documents provide strategic frameworks for the future development of parks and facilities across the City. Staff will present the Thornton Avenue Overlay Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) project for consideration to be reinstated into the current CIP.
No formal action is needed on this item. Based on City Council and public input, a draft final amendment to the Budget and CIP will be presented to City Council for consideration in late 2025
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted the 2024-2026 Budget and CIP on June 27, 2024. The general purpose of the CIP is to identify and prioritize capital improvement projects for potential funding. Projects typically include pavement preservation, parks, and facilities as well as large maintenance projects or acquisition of new equipment that would fall outside of a department's operating budget. Feasibility studies and master plans to help identify and prioritize projects are also often incorporated into the CIP.
Projects submitted for consideration must satisfy at least one of the City's five strategic areas (Public Safety Services, Education, Quality of Life, Community Development, and City Government Operations). Projects are also categorized into priority levels based on meeting legal, grant matching, or regulatory requirements; satisfying a critical risk management issue to ensure public safety; serving to preserve and protect the City's existing assets and public infrastructure; and community benefit.
After a CIP overview presentation to City Council in January 2024, the City Council encountered unexpected absences of two Council members. As a result of these unexpected absences, combined with Council Member recusals, staff presented a draft CIP to the City Council without a number of previously approved projects that was ultimately adopted in June 2024. Among the projects in the current CIP that City Council did not take action on is the Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase I (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) project. Staff have been continuing the design progress on this project based on funding that had already been approved, and currently anticipates completing design efforts in early 2026.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
Following the presentation, staff will answer questions. Staff is not seeking final action; only feedback on including the Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 1 (Interstate 880 to Olive Street) project in the CIP amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by - Miki Tsubota, City Engineer
Reviewed by - Howard Young, Public Works Director
Reviewed by - Lenka Hovorka, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by - Krysten Lee, Finance Director
Reviewed by - Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by - David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 1 project presentation Overview of
Capital Improvement Plan
Amendment:
Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay
Phase 1
October 23, 2025
1 Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 1
Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 1
Interstate 880 to Olive Street
• Included in the 2022-2024 Capital Improvement Plan
• Design 90% complete
• Estimate $4,070,000
2 Recommended Funding Sources
• Community Project Funding(federal) $2,000,000
• Regional Measure 3 (bridge toll funds) $2,070,000
Thornton Avenue Pavement Overlay Phase 1
Questions and Feedback
3 Item B. 3.
DATE 10/23/2025
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Miki Tsubota, City Engineer
SUBJECT Overview of Community Park - All Abilities Play Area Project for Proposed Amendment to the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
There are three items on the City Council meeting agenda related to amending the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The first item provides background and considerations regarding a CIP amendment. Next, there are two separate items that consist of presentation on two specific projects in order to address conflicts of interests for Council Members, including a park project and a pavement project. This is the third and final item consisting of a presentation of the Newark Community Park All Abilities Playground project (one of the two projects in which Council Members have a conflict of interest).
City staff are currently preparing a new rolling five-year Capital Improvement Plan/Program (CIP) to be presented to City Council in early 2026 with a goal of City Council adoption by June 2026. The rolling five-year CIP improves on existing practices by providing more realistic project delivery forecast, providing more long-term accountability and transparency, better preparing projects for long-term grant readiness, and providing better long-term Council and community alignment.
Before the new rolling five-year CIP is effective, staff will be recommending an amendment to the current 2024-2026 Biennial Budget (Budget) and CIP that only included a partial list of projects anticipating the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update and the Citywide Facilities Master Plan (collectively, Master Plans). These documents provide strategic frameworks for the future development of parks and facilities across the City. Staff have reviewed the recommendations within the Master Plans, and will present the Community Park - All Abilities Play Area project for consideration to be incorporated into the current CIP along with the necessary project budget. Staff recommends that the City Council receive the overview presentation on the proposed amendment to the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and CIP.
No formal action is needed on this item. Based on City Council and public input, a draft final amendment to the Budget and CIP will be presented to City Council for consideration in late 2025.
consideration in late 2025.
BACKGROUND
The City Council adopted the 2024-2026 Biennial Budget and CIP on June 27, 2024. The general purpose of the CIP is to identify and prioritize capital improvement projects for potential funding. Projects typically include pavement preservation, improvements to streets, parks, and facilities as well as large maintenance projects or acquisition of new equipment that would fall outside of a department's operating budget. Feasibility studies and master plans to help identify and prioritize projects are also often incorporated into the CIP.
Projects submitted for consideration must satisfy at least one of the City's five strategic areas (Public Safety Services, Education, Quality of Life, Community Development, and City Government Operations). Projects are also categorized into priority levels based on meeting legal, grant matching, or regulatory requirements; satisfying a critical risk management issue to ensure public safety; serving to preserve and protect the City's existing assets and public infrastructure; and community benefit.
After a CIP overview presentation to City Council in January 2024, the City Council encountered unexpected absences of two Council Members. As a result of these unexpected absences, combined with Council Member recusals, staff presented a draft CIP to the City Council without a number of previously approved CIP projects that was ultimately adopted in June 2024.
Also, after the CIP was adopted, two studies with significant relevance to the CIP were completed and approved by City Council - the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update and the City's first Citywide Facilities Master Plan. Knowing these plans were in progress when the CIP was adopted, no new parks projects were initially approved nor was there a prioritization discussion of previously submitted (funded and unfunded) parks projects. Staff recommended and City Council agreed that this discussion would be part of the CIP update.
On November 11, 2024, City Council approved the Citywide Parks Master Plan Update (Update) that included 111 projects that modernize or add amenities to the City's 14 parks with an estimated cost of over $37 million. This does not include the developer-funded Grand Park in Sanctuary Village that is currently being designed.
In contrast to the original Parks Master Plan in 2017, the community input in the 2024 Update showed greater interest in upgrading or maintaining current amenities at a higher level, rather than adding new amenities. Areas of interest were categorized into four groups: children's play areas; restrooms; maintenance and playfields; or trails and pathway improvements. Projects in the Update were also categorized into eight groups: safety, community identified priority, fulfillment of unmet needs, service area, operational efficiency, potential revenue generation, legal compliance, and inclusion in previous planning efforts. One of the projects in the highest priority group was an All Abilities Play Area at Newark Community Park.
Staff will present the Newark Community Park All Abilities Playground project as part Staff will present the Newark Community Park All Abilities Playground project as part of the CIP amendment overview separately and apart from the other projects included in the CIP amendment.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
Following the presentation, staff will answer questions. Staff is not seeking final action; only feedback on including the Newark Community Park All Abilities Playground project in the CIP amendment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by - Miki Tsubota, City Engineer
Reviewed by - Howard Young, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by - Lenka Hovorka, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by - Krysten Lee, Finance Director
Reviewed by - Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by - David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Newark Community Park All Abilities Play Area Project Presentation Overview of
Capital Improvement Plan
Amendment:
Newark Community Park
All Abilities Play Area Project
October 23, 2025
1 Newark Community Park Project
Newark Community Park All Abilities Play Area
• Replaces the tot lot and children’s playgrounds
• Estimate $2,616,000
2 Park Impact Fees
• Estimated ending balance if all park projects approved: $3.57 million Newark Community Park Project
Questions and Feedback
3