From: Shani Kleinhaus
To: Council, City
Cc: Robustelli, Sarah; Heistein, Ben
Subject: Consent Item #6 Extend First Tee - Silicon Valley Contract Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:25:33 AM
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Dear Mayor Veenker and Council members
My name is Shani Kleinhaus and I write as a resident of Palo Alto and the Environmental Advocate for the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance. I am also a Parks and Recreation commissioner, but I do not speak for the commission. My comment addresses Consent Item #6,
extending the First Tee - Silicon Valley Contract for use of the Youth Practice Area at Baylands Golf Links, located along the Embarcadero Road edge of the course.
I support approval of this consent item. However, I ask you to provide clear guidance now for any future improvement projects at this site,
including netting, turf replacement, or a potential second-story driving range, so those investments align with adopted City policy and the Baylands’ unique setting.
First, on turf and plastic materials.
Recent City Council discussions have already raised concerns about plastic ground cover and artificial turf, including microplastic pollution, heat impacts, stormwater runoff, and long-term maintenance and disposal issues. Given the Baylands’ proximity to sensitive wetlands and waterways, future projects here should avoid plastic ground cover, including artificial turf, and prioritize natural, permeable, and ecologically functional materials.
Second, along Embarcadero Road.
This edge of the Baylands is a major visual gateway and an ecological transition zone. The Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and Baylands Master Plan all emphasize protecting nature, strengthening habitat values, and enhancing the experience of Baylands. Any future improvements should include an ecological landscape element along Embarcadero Road, using native trees and vegetation to support biodiversity, improve the scenic corridor, and better reflect the Baylands’ character.
Third, habitat connectivity.
Adopted City policies consistently call for improving habitat connectivity and integrating biodiversity into park design. Roadway edges and perimeter areas like this are key opportunities to support birds and pollinators moving through the Baylands. Future investments at this site should enhance - not fragment - habitat connectivity and ecological function.
Providing this guidance up front will help avoid piecemeal impacts, align future capital decisions with adopted plans, and ensure that recreational improvements at Baylands Golf Links also contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the Baylands.
Respectfully,
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Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Palo Alto resident
Parks and Recreation Commissioner
Environmental Advocate, Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ----------------------------------------------------------- Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
650-868-2114
[email protected]