Attachment A
The Cubberley Site
The 35-acre Cubberley site, located at 4000 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, operated as Cubberley High School from 1956 to 1979. Beginning in the late 1980’s, the City began leasing portions of the facilities from the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) at the site. Today, the City operates the areas of Cubberley it controls as a community center, using some of the space for classes and activities in arts, culture, athletics, and sub-leasing additional space at City-subsidized rates to various non-profit and community serving groups. The current lease agreement expires December 31, 2029.1 Today, the City owns eight acres of the 35-acre site. PAUSD owns the remaining 27 acres, most of which are leased to the City. There are currently 23 tenants and 24 artists leasing space at Cubberley from the City and dozens of groups renting the theater, pavilion, classrooms, and athletic fields from the City. Combined, these groups provide the community with programs that support health and wellness, childcare, education, and visual and performing arts. PAUSD uses its retained space for educational purposes and staff offices and has leases with some third-party tenants.
The parking lot in the southeast corner of the property houses portable trailers as a temporary site for Hoover Elementary School during construction at the school’s site. A current site map can be found on the City’s website.2
Several master planning efforts have been completed over the years to reimagine and improve the Cubberley site, with the most recent being completed in 2019.3 Memorandum of Understanding with PAUSD
In October 2024,4 both the City Council and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD or District) Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the future of the Cubberley site. The MOU outlines key terms and conditions for the purchase and future planning of Cubberley. The land purchase, which would transfer ownership of seven acres from PAUSD to the City, is contingent on voter approval of a bond measure in November 2026. This condensed timeframe requires development of a master plan for the site by March 2026, conduct stakeholder and community engagement and outreach, polling, financial analysis, CEQA analysis, and other critical tasks. The addition of the seven acres, plus the eight acres already owned by the City of 1 City Council, December 2, 2024: https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112707&repo=r- 704298fc&searchid=c3e3ed6f-6cda-4dd3-ba35-5d8d4be5579e
2 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/communications-office/cubberley- community-center_mappdf.pdf
3 Cubberley Concept Plan 2019: https://www.pausd.org/about-us/committees-task-forces/archived- committees/cubberley-master-plan
4 City Council, October 7, 2024; Agenda Item AA1; SR #2409-3500, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=98415&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=e199f724-22ab- 472b8ad8-ca162c4dcf8a
Attachment A
Palo Alto provides an opportunity to develop a new community center and other improvements on a combined 15 acres at the Cubberley site to provide a range of City programs, including health, wellness, and recreational opportunities for residents.
Master Plan Update and Pursuit of a Local Ballot Measure To advance the master planning effort the City Council took several actions on December 2, 20249 related to the future of the Cubberley site. These actions included approval of a contract with Concordia, LLC, and associated budget actions for development of a revised Master Plan for the Cubberley Community Center site, building on the previous master plan completed in 2019 by Concordia and guided by significant community input. Additionally, the Council approved a Letter of Intent with the Friends of the Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center for the purpose of fundraising for a recreation wellness center (gymnasium) at the Cubberley site, and a workplan for pursuit of a November 2026 local ballot measure to fund the purchase of land and development of a new community center at the Cubberley site.
Subsequent Council actions included approving a five-year lease with PAUSD10 to continue the current use of the property, including playing fields, approval of a professional services agreement with Rincon for CEQA analysis,11 and approval of professional service agreements with Lew Edwards Group and Fairbank, Maslin, Metz & Associates12 for ballot measure strategy advisement and community polling.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
The Council established the Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee (as a non-Brown Act body) to review and advise staff on efforts related to polling and development of a ballot measure that will successfully receive voter support in 2026. Efforts include polling, financial and revenue modeling for the community center, master planning, and community outreach to complete the Master Plan and place a measure on the November 2026 ballot.
The City Council will serve as the governing body for policy direction at key decision points. This includes direction to conduct polling, review of concept designs, direction on 9 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item 18, SR #2410-3634, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112713&repo=r-704298fc 10 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item 12; SR #2410-3651, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=112707&repo=r-704298fc 11 City Council, December 16, 2024; Agenda Item 12; SR #2411-3813, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=117742&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=96e9506b- f1bd-485e-a4cb-fc804b5893d1
12 City Council, February 24, 2025; Agenda Item 4; SR #2501-4039, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=143364&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=fef509a6- 4d34-4060-bc7a-6ab87db7a0ae
Attachment A
operating and financial models, and decisions on what should be placed on the November 2026 ballot.
April 21, 2025 City Council Meeting
At the April 21, 2025 City Council meeting,17 staff presented outcomes from the first community meeting held on March 19, an update on the Cubberley Master Plan Project workplan and sought Council authorization to initiate the first community poll.
First Cubberley Master Plan Community Meeting
The first community meeting for the Cubberley Master Plan Project was held on March 19, 2025, and was attended by over 120 community members and stakeholders.
Participants completed two activities in table groups of up to eight people with guided facilitation, focusing on the vision for the community center, programming, and place making. The first meeting goals included a review of the Vision from the City Council session and then using a list from the previous community engagement process, participants were asked to review and confirm desired programming and adjacencies for the future Community Center. The outcomes of the March 19 meeting were presented18 to the City Council on April 21, 2025.
The first activity focused on a review of the Council Vision statement and participants were asked to expand the Vision statement with additional values and ideas.
Community members valued: Multipurpose, adaptable spaces to accommodate diverse uses over time; Gathering hubs for interconnectivity and communication between diverse social, cultural and generational groups; Accessibility for all ages, cultures and abilities to access holistic wellness resources; Integration of green space and sustainability features in experiential and infrastructural planning; and Affordability for local Palo Altans and for tenants who have a community focus. Overall, participants focused on flexibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and long-term community engagement as high-level themes.
The second activity focused on programming and adjacencies of indoor and outdoor spaces. The most selected indoor programs were Theater/Performance Space, Dance Classes, Art Studio, Art Classes, followed by Gym Facility, Flexible Rental Space, and a Café. For outdoor programs, Open Greenspace was the most selected program followed by Playground, Amphitheater, and Pool/Water Area. Compared to 2019, the most mentioned programs then (indoor and outdoor) were Adult Education, 17 City Council, April 21, 2025; Agenda Item 11; SR #2503-4310, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=166428&repo=r-704298fc 18 Staff Presentation, April 21, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=71ade3d7-a57a-4195-a59b- c410d90832ea
Attachment A
Theater/Performance Space, Greenspace, Makerspace, and Senior/Multigenerational Programs.
Feedback on First Community Poll
Polling experts, FM3 presented21 themes for the first community poll designed to test voter opinions on the community center’s goals, preferred uses, and willingness to support funding through a tax or bond. The poll themes and questions were developed with input from the Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee and will inform critical upcoming milestones in the project. The Council did not take an action but supported proceeding with the poll.
April 22,2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
On April 22, 2025,22 staff presented an informational update to the Parks and Recreation Commission, offering a comprehensive overview of the project's overall workplan and timeline. The presentation included a detailed summary of Community Meeting #1, highlighting key themes and priorities that emerged from the community’s feedback. Staff also introduced Poll #1, which was launched at the end of April, and encouraged Commissioners to help promote the survey to ensure broad community participation. In addition, the presentation outlined several ways the Commission can remain engaged and support the project, including serving as ambassadors within the community, helping to share information, and providing feedback. The creation of a PRC Cubberley ad-hoc committee was discussed and it was decided that this topic will be further considered during the upcoming workplan revisions scheduled for the coming months.
June 9, 2025 City Council Meeting
On June 9, 2025,23 staff presented to City Council the results of the first community poll, community engagement milestones coming up and updates to the workplan. The focus of the first poll was to survey voter input on the goals and future of the community center and possible support for a tax or bond measure. Staff also shared community engagement. Overall, the poll found broad majority support for improvement at the Cubberley site. Surveyed voters place highest priority on bringing the facility up to modern standards for electrical, plumbing, safety, and accessibility early childhood 21 FM3 Presentation, April 21, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=83ec6422-b6e4-4e83-9ca3- ca746a5971a0
22 Staff Presentation, April 22, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=dae0543c-e007-4fc1-9a69- fd08b156ee94
23 City Council, June 9, 2025, Agenda Item 2; SR#2503-4313, https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=182790&repo=r-704298fc&searchid=57dac2b5- 5c42-4ef0-978a-be940766f395
Attachment A
education; affordability and efficient use of taxpayer dollars; and overall repairs for the facility. Lastly, staff shared with the City Council the community revised Vision Statement for the future of the Community Center.
June 12, 2025 Second Cubberley Master Plan Community Meeting On June 12, 2025, the City held the second community meeting for the Cubberley Community Center Master Plan, facilitated by Concordia. At the outset of the meeting, Concordia shared a revised Vision Statement based on community input gathered at the March 19 community meeting. The revised Vision Statement is, A vibrant, beloved, and adaptable destination that promotes learning, connections, joy, and wellbeing where all cultures and generations belong. Following this, staff provided an overview presentation to orient attendees to the three 3-D concept plans being presented. Each conceptual design includes an A, B, and C variations exploring different configurations of building placement, new construction vs renovation, green space, bike and pedestrian circulation, and parking—both above and below ground.
In the first activity community members were invited as a group to share their feedback on what aspects from all nine designs they liked and wanted “keep” and did not like and wanted to “leave behind”. They indicated aspects they liked with green dot stickers and aspects they did not like with red dot stickers. They were then asked to expand on their choices by writing explanations on the activity sheet provided for the table.
In the second activity, following the group discussion of the three concept designs—The Promenade, The Grid, and The Plaza—participants individually reviewed key design elements using a provided handout. They were asked to evaluate each concept’s primary layout across six categories: arrival & parking, pedestrian circulation, building scale & physical space organization, landscape & greenspace organization, balance of building & greenspace, and being a good neighbor. Each category was rated on a scale from 1 (not successful at all) to 5 (very successful).
Attachment A
Approximately 130 community members attended the second Cubberley Community Meeting and were highly engaged in providing feedback on the three presented concept designs. Attendees shared a wide range of reactions to various aspects of the designs, particularly discussing building layouts, the placement and amount of green space, parking structures, and preferences between above- and below-ground concepts. While perspectives varied, there was clear consensus around the excitement for the project’s progress and enthusiasm to see the plans taking shape. Community members expressed eagerness to continue the conversation, particularly around program placement, at the next meeting.
June 19, 2025 Public Art Commission Meeting
On June 19, 2025,27 City staff presented to the Public Art Commission and discussed potential opportunities to support the City’s Strategic Activation Plan for the Cubberley site, which was developed by staff in coordination with the City Council’s Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee. The plan outlined phased enhancements and activations aligned with the broader master planning process, community engagement efforts, and the anticipated November 2026 ballot initiative. As part of the discussion, Commissioners explored how the ArtLift grant program—previously identified at their January retreat as a potential tool—could be leveraged to support temporary public art installations at Cubberley and other key locations. Ideas included murals, ground art, freestanding sculptures, and performance-based activations to help generate community excitement and reinforce the role of the arts in creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces.
June 24, 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
On June 24, 2025,28 City staff provided the Parks and Recreation Commission with an informational update on the Cubberley Community Center Master Plan. The presentation included a recap of the second community meeting held on June 12, where Concordia unveiled three concept designs for the site and invited community feedback. Staff also presented the results of the first community poll, released in late April, and shared a list of proposed near-term activation ideas for the Cubberley site, inviting the Commission’s input. In addition, staff sought feedback from the Commission on the three concept designs. The newly formed PRC Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee will continue to refine the activation plans in July.
27 Staff Presentation, June 19, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=a036e199-31cd-4d94-8214- 7fb0170e39ac
28 Staff Presentation, June 24, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=ac29aa36-1b3a-4403-b8b2- cc403685865d
Attachment A
July 9, 2025 Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting On July 9, 2025,31 the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) received an update on the Cubberley Master Plan and was asked to provide input to help inform the next phase of the planning process. Staff requested feedback on several key aspects recently reviewed by the community, including arrival and parking, pedestrian circulation, building scale and space organization, greenspace layout, the balance of built and open space, and how the site can be a good neighbor. Additional PTC feedback emphasized the importance of clear cost comparisons between renovation and new construction, interest in public-private funding models, and support for a future bond measure and donor engagement. Commissioners favored partial underground parking and better integration with transit and surrounding neighborhoods. There was broad interest in maintaining flexible green space for events, ensuring safe and separate bike/pedestrian circulation, and preserving multigenerational, inclusive programming. Suggestions also included clearer diagrams, more tangible use examples, and consideration of impacts from surrounding development.
July 17, 2025 Architectural Review Board Meeting
On July 17,32 2025, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) received a presentation on the Cubberley Master Plan and provided early feedback to help shape the next phase of planning. The Board expressed strong support for phased development and emphasized minimizing disruption to existing tenants and programs. Members praised pedestrian and bike circulation, supported the proposed balance of buildings and green space, and encouraged improvements to vehicle access and mobility hubs. There was general support for new construction over renovation and interest in enhancing the site's identity through public art and flexible community spaces. The ARB also encouraged a welcoming design that reflects Cubberley’s civic and cultural significance while being a good neighbor to the surrounding community.
September 17, 2025 Third Cubberley Master Plan Community Meeting On September 17, 2025, the City held the third and final community meeting for the Cubberley Master Plan, facilitated by Concordia. Approximately 150 community members attended and were highly engaged in reviewing the refined concept design. At the outset, City staff and Concordia recapped the first two community meetings, provided a project overview, and highlighted updates to the concept plan, including 31 Staff Presentation, June 9, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=49fc32cf-caa1-4dd9-97f9- 5d5d02150256
32 Staff Presentation, July 17, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=2a9a7988-768f-465b-bcf9- 68166ff9af6f
Attachment A
phasing strategies. Following this presentation, participants engaged in two interactive activities to provide focused feedback.
The concept design shared at the meeting is included in Attachment B. The concept design is presented in phases to demonstrate that the project will need to be constructed over a period of time based on available funding, and to ensure that programs and services are not disrupted during construction. Phase 1 includes a mix of constructing new buildings and renovation of existing buildings to reflect likely timing needed between phases while additional funding is secured.
Activity 1- Phase 1 Concept Design: Recreation Wellness and Performing Arts Phase 1 consists of two parts: a Recreation Wellness Center and a Performing Arts Center. Phase 1 also includes renovation of remaining buildings so the full site continues to be operational until phases 2 and 3 can be completed. Community members were invited to assess the Phase 1 concept designs for the recreation wellness and performing arts area and were asked to reflect on three key questions:
1. What is working well and excites you?
2. What is not working well or could be improved?
3. What creative ideas do you have to make the space exciting? Activity 2- Phase 2 and 3 Concept Design: Visual Arts & Technology and Community Services
In the second activity, community members were asked to provide feedback on Phase 2 and Phase 3, which includes the Visual Arts & Technology (Phase 2) and Community Services spaces (Phase 3). Participants responded to the same guiding questions as in the first activity: what is working well and is exciting about the proposed designs, what aspects are not working or could be improved, and what creative ideas, such as new events, programs, or installations—could make these areas more vibrant and impactful.
This exercise allowed the community to reflect on future phases of development and share ideas that will help shape a cohesive, dynamic, and inclusive vision for the campus.
Overall, the meeting reflected strong community engagement and generated valuable input on both programming and site circulation. Community members expressed enthusiasm about seeing program placement within the proposed buildings and noted their appreciation for the phased approach, which allows for continuity of programs during construction. The discussion was lively and engaging, with particular interest around the café, the outdoor amphitheater, parking access, and pedestrian and bicycle circulation pathways. The feedback gathered will directly inform refinement of the preferred concept plan. The full meeting summary will be finalized in the coming weeks and shared with the community through the project webpage and via City Attachment A
communication channels. Concordia and staff will incorporate this input as they prepare for the final presentation of the proposed master plan, cost estimates, and phasing scenarios to the community and City Council on December 8, 2025.
September 23, 2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting On September 23,35 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) received a presentation on the refined Cubberley Community Center Master Plan concept following the third and final community meeting held on September 17, 2025. Commissioners reviewed updates on program placement, phasing, and site circulation, and were asked to provide input on the same questions posed to the community: what is working well, what could be improved, and what creative ideas could enhance the campus experience.
Commissioners engaged in a thoughtful discussion that highlighted both enthusiasm for the project and areas for refinement. They praised Phase I improvements—especially the café, amphitheater, and integration with existing buildings—and noted strong community excitement about program continuity during construction. Key suggestions included lighting for the tennis courts, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and incorporating creative placemaking features such as gardens and artistic infrastructure.
Concerns focused on the cost and feasibility of large-scale facilities (e.g., the partial underground parking), potential displacement impacts in Phase I, and how to communicate a phased plan if bond funding only covers the first phase. Commissioners also stressed sustainable design choices and raised questions about circulation, office space, gym design, and pool impacts.
Overall, the PRC expressed appreciation for the progress made and reinforced the importance of balancing community goals, funding realities, and long-term sustainability as the preferred concept moves toward presentation to Council in December.
October 20, 2025 City Council Meeting
Staff presented an updated concept plan with an emphasis on the first phase of site development showing a combination of renovated and new building construction. The focus on the first phase recognizes that funding will likely be a limiting factor in full site redevelopment. At this meeting, staff shared objectives and themes for the second community poll to determine voter support for a bond or tax measure to finance the land purchase, and the extent of how much voters are willing to pay annually. Following the October 20 meeting, and the November 4 election, the second poll was released. 35 Staff Presentation, September 23, 2025;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=efbb1418-4bbe-49b2-b786- 165e29017ca3
Attachment A
December 15, 2025 City Council Meeting
City Council received an update on the Cubberley Community Center Project, including results from the second community poll and discussed next steps. Council discussed key findings from Poll #2, which indicate broad voter support for the City acquiring the Cubberley property and willingness to invest in limited funding focused on basic repairs, safety upgrades, and accessibility improvements. Results showed relatively higher support for parcel tax and sales tax funding mechanisms, with a $250 average annual parcel tax testing above 50% support and a 0.5% sales tax increase capable of supporting significantly greater capital financing, pending state authorization. Council expressed alignment with staff and the Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendation to continue refining ballot measure options and to launch a third poll in January 2026 to further test potential parcel tax and sales tax scenarios.
Overall, Council affirmed the importance of a phased, long-term approach to redevelopment that balances community priorities, funding realities, and opportunities for partner contributions, while continuing to advance the master plan toward presentation in March 2026. Following the December 15 meeting, the third poll was finalized and released in early January 2026.