1 CITY OF PACIFICA
PARKS, BEACHES AND RECREATION COMMISSION
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS PRESENTATION May 28, 2024 The Parks, Beaches, and Recreation (PB&R) Commission issubmitting the following as a summary of the Commission work for the 2023-2024 period.
Commission Members Term Expires
Cindy Abbott, Chair 2026
Mark Torres 2027
Gail Benton Shoemaker 2027
Stephanie Phillips 2026
James Heywood 2024
Dahlia Rodriguez 2024
Peter Banks 2025
Cindy Abbott is an ocean and beach enthusiast, who sees the work of the Commission as addressing issues that are the essence of Pacifica - a small city with a population that values community engagement for all ages and the outdoor environment. She volunteers as a Meals on Wheels delivery person, is on the board of Pacifica’s Environmental Family, and is a member of the Pacifica Age-Friendly Community Coalition. Cindy is the Executive Director at Sanchez Art Center. She has lived in Pacifica since 1996.
Mark Torres has lived in Pacifica for the past 12 years with my wife and three teenage daughters.
He currently works for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Mark joined Pacifica’s Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission to be more involved with local government and help our community be more resilient and equitable in the foreseeable future. One of his goals as Commissioner is to improve/develop the City of Pacifica’s recreational fields and sports facilities for our residents and visitors to enjoy.
Gail Benton Shoemaker and her family have lived in Pacifica since 1989. She has been a Producer for Public Television, Executive Director of Pacifica School Volunteers, and a Program Officer for AmeriCorps overseeing grants to nonprofits working with children and Seniors. Currently, she serves on the PB&R Commission, and with the citizens group, Tree City Pacifica. Gail is an avid walker and greatly appreciates Pacifica’s beautiful environment. She sees the Commission’s work with parks, beaches, and recreation as essential to the health of our city.
Stefanie Phillips is an avid surfer, and mountain biker and practices yoga. She is the Director of Bond Projects /Construction for Jefferson Union High School District. She has lived in Pacifica for over 20 years and has frequented Pacifica for almost 40 years. She resides in Sharp Park. 2 James Heywood works as a Film Technician and Stagehand with IATSE locals 16/San Francisco and 80/Hollywood. He has 3 school-age children and is a lifelong skateboarder, surfer, and swimmer.
Dahlia Rodriguez, a dedicated Pacifica resident, graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Business Administration and Management. Passionate about serving in her community, she co-founded Rodriguez Soccer Academy, mentoring young athletes to become resilient individuals who positively contribute to the broader community. Additionally, she coaches two girls' teams at Pacifica United Soccer Club and actively supports the Pacifica non-profit organization, Rockaway Ricky. Dahlia's multifaceted involvement underscores her unwavering commitment to the betterment of Pacifica.
Peter Banks is a Pacifica resident and works in public health. He moved to Pacifica a few years ago with his family. He has two school-aged children who love the parks and the beaches.
Highlights from the past year
Work Plan 2023-2024
• Priority Parks Project
• Beach Safety
• Pickleball
• Heritage Tree Processes and Appeals
• Bike Park
• Surf Camp/School Policy
• Rebranding PBR (new logo)
• Liaison Assignments
• Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
• SIA/Age-Friendly Community
• Joint Arbor Day
• Additional items for future discussion to include updates on: parks review with visit/field trip by the commissioners, skatepark improvements, and Poet Laureate.
Playground Equipment Improvement: Priority Parks Projects Review of the design, equipment, irrigation, and landscaping/vegetation for the four (4) parks designated for the Priority Parks Project (Skyridge Park located off Skyridge Drive; Imperial Park located on Imperial Drive; Marvilla Park located at 201 Marvilla Place; and Brighton Mini Park located at 497 Brighton Road) continued.
Staff received 65% of design plans in May of 2023, and requested more irrigation to allow for flexibility in the future and to include vegetation. In August 2023, a cost review with NCE indicated the projects were coming in over the original budget ($1.2MM for all 4 parks); alternate playground equipment recommendations were developed and submitted to the PB&R Commission for review. Commissioners’ suggestions included: replacing larger concrete seating with more age-friendly alternatives; multi-stream trash receptacles vs single bins; locations for dog waste bag/disposal stations; improved signage; additional picnic seating at Skyridge Park; elements that could be modified/reduced at Imperial Park to maintain budget; 3 tree locations, and discussion of bike rack/parking. In October 2023, staff submitted 3D renderings for all four parks to the PB&R Commission with only a few additional modifications recommended. Awaiting 95% of drawings for final review prior to the projects going out to bid (Fall 2024).
Beach Safety
Beach safety continued as a high priority for the Commission. Following staff outreach and research with the Arunay Foundation and Sea Valor, six Life Ring Buoy stations had been installed along the Pier and the Promenade by June 2023. In February 2024, we received approval from the California Coastal Commission for the installation of life ring buoys. Ten life ring buoys have been installed at Pacifica State Beach at Linda Mar, Rockaway Beach, and Beach Boulevard.
On Friday, May 17th, an additional seven buoys were installed at Sharp Park Beach, the Pier, Beach Boulevard, and Esplanade Beach.
A connection has been made between the Chairs of the PBR and Emergency Safety and Preparedness Commissions, with interest in partnering together on a plan of community outreach and education, potentially including a pop-up information booth along the Promenade and beaches to share how to react in a riptide, training on the use of the life buoys, and to encourage not going in after a dog. Additional ongoing suggestions include educational flyers, signage and safety videos, workshops/classes, and communication through community partners.
Pickleball
Recognizing pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the nation, the PBR Commission encouraged and supported staff with outreach to the Jefferson Union High School District to stripe basketball and tennis court locations to allow for pickleball use. As of April 2024, pickleball striped tennis courts are available as follows: four at Terra Nova High School; and two at Oceana High School. Additionally, basketball courts at Frontierland Park and Fairmont Park also have pickleball striping. Site reviews of locations for permanent courts were also generally discussed, including the area behind Sanchez Library and the exploration of space adjacent to the City of San Francisco space by the archery range.
Heritage Tree Processes and Appeals
The PBR Commission heard one tree appeal over this period, which began in May and was continued to the June meeting. Process considerations, including the criticality of having an arborist available during tree appeals, have been raised. Ongoing education about both the Ordinance and information needed by the Commission for an appeal has been requested for future consideration.
Bike Park
Work to move forward with the Bike Park project by obtaining quotes from companies for design and concept quotes took place in partnership with staff and the Commission, resulting in staff applying for a State of California Parks & Recreation grant in the amount of $1.55 million. In October 2023, the state requested more detailed information for the grant application. In March 2024, staff was informed that the City grant application had been denied. Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewardship are in the process of completing a conceptual design plan and additional grant opportunities will be sought.
4 Surf Camp/School Policy Recommendations
Continuing the focus on expanding equitable surf camp access, the PBR Commission requested and received regular updates from staff as to the status of the program. In May 2023, the CCC approved the City of Pacifica’s CDP in summer 2023. CCC added a requirement of a Code of Conduct for the surf camp/school providers and was submitted to CCC by City staff in May 2023, as of December 2023 waiting for CCC approval. Additional information shared included status updates on the number of camps requesting permits, and a broad review of the program.
The Commission has the intention to review the program semi-annually.
Rebranding
Commission and staff worked on developing a new PBR logo and to develop a marketing plan to increase visibility of City programs, events, spaces, staff, and Commission members. The logo was reviewed in August 2023, and was launched in January 2024.
Liaison Assignments
Current liaison assignments and engagement included:
Chair Abbott: Seniors in Action (SIA); Economic Development Committee • Informed and engaged SIA members to participate in Pacifica Age-Friendly Survey and related projects. Presented the Age-Friendly initiative to the EDC.
Commissioner Phillips: Bike Park Committee
• Assisted staff with outreach regarding grants and park design Commissioner Rodriquez: Youth Advisory Board
• Supported the revival of the YAB and programs that had been on pause during the pandemic including J-Teen Dances and introduction of the inter-generational “Senior Prom”.
Commissioner Benton-Shoemaker: Beautification Advisory Committee; Tree City Pacifica • Joint Arbor Day Celebration
Commissioner Heywood: Bike Park & Skate Park
• Develop Skate Park maintenance/improvement suggestions Commissioner Torres:
• Aquatics, Family Fun Fest, and Junior Olympics
Commissioner Banks: TBD (May 2024)
Special Presentations
As part of department quarterly (4x/year) updates, staff members attend Commission meetings to present highlights for each division and their programs. These presentations give the Commissioners updated knowledge and details of the inner workings of the four main programmatic areas of PBR (Senior Services, Child Care, Aquatics and Recreation).
Commissioners are able to assess, give feedback and forward new ideas on directly to staff, in addition to meeting new staff members and sharing appreciation for their work.
Meeting Summaries – June 2023 – March 2024
June 28, 2023
Tree Appeal #HT-015-23 (1164 Rosita Road)
Additional discussion of Priority Parks Project: Skyridge Park. 5 July 26, 2023
No meeting
August 23, 2023
Introduce/welcome of new Commissioner Mark Torres.
Priority Parks review (Brighton, Marvilla, Imperial, and Skyridge Parks) of proposed changes to maintain budget and provide recommendations to meet community needs.
September 27, 2023
Priority Parks Update. Bike Park site walkthrough update for grant consideration. Update on strong Pacific Coast Fog Fest related activities: Fog Jog had over 100 runners, and the Family Fun Fest was attended by approximately2000. Announcement that Arbor Day Proclamation will be made at the October 23, 2023 City Council meeting.
October 25, 2023
Discussion of special events and engagement by the Commission at these events to engage with the public. Review of Liaison Assignments
November 24, 2023
No meeting.
December 27, 2023
Study Session to develop 2024 – 2025 workplan.
January 24, 2024
New Department Logo was launched at the start of 2024, encompassing aspects of Pacifica in the logo. Recognition of Commissioner Nicolari for his service to the community of Pacifica by serving on the PBR Commission. Review of Beach Safety efforts that include:
o Beach Safety Day: A one day Annual event started in 2021 co-hosted with Hawaii Eco Diver located at Linda Mar Beach in September. Participants learn about various topics regarding beach safety.
o Surf Survival Apnea Classes: Offered five (5) times per year, on a weekend at Brink Pool, staff host water/beach survival courses.
o Trifold Beach Safety Flyers: Delivered to all six (6) hotels located in Pacifica on a regular basis and at all PB&R special events. The flyer has information about local surf and dangers at local beaches.
o Life Buoy Project: Existing buoys were used in several instances since their installation on City property late in 2023.
o Surf Camps/Lessons: Permitting program has specific requirements of each organization to have certified instructors, beach etiquette and code of conduct docs, class instructions, other miscellaneous documents, calendars informing the public of how many camps will be in the water on a given day.
o Ranger Program: When City of Pacifica Rangers are out on beaches, they’re looking to prevent potential dangers for beach goers.
o Safety Signs at Beaches: These signs are in three (3) languages (English, Spanish, Simple Chinese)
6 o Low-Cost Swim Lessons: PB&R brought back low-cost swim lessons, looking to implement a scholarship program for swim lessons for summer sessions, so that no child is excluded to participate.
February 28, 2024
No meeting.
March 27, 2024
No meeting.
April 24, 2024
Introduction of Scott Leslie as Acting Director, PBR Department. Review of topics (initiated in December 2023) for 2024 – 2025 work plan. Discussion of approach to prepare and present the Annual Report of the PBR Commission to City Council.