Recreation & Parks Master Plan
DRAFT | MARCH 2025
City Council
Juan González III, Mayor
Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton, District 1
Bryan Azevedo, District 2
Victor Aguilar, Jr., District 3
Fred Simon, District 4
Xouhoa Bowen, District 5
Dylan Boldt, District 6
City Staff
Vicente Zuniga, Recreation and Park Director
Karen McNamara, Interim Recreation and Parks Director
Ely Hwang, Recreation Service Manager
Advisory Committee
Jennifer Auletta, Parks & Landscape Manager
Avalon Schultz, Assistant Community Development
Director
Sheila Marquises, Public Works Director
Paul Sanftner, Public Information Officer
Doug Marr, Director of Maintenance Operations &
Transportation, San Lorenzo Unified School District
Dr. Kevin Collins, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, San Leandro Unified School District
Consultant Team
WRT
PROS Consulting
ETC Institute
CSWST2
Acknowledgments
Contents
01. 04.
02. 05.
03. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | 1
1.1 Why a Recreation and Parks Master Plan?
1.2 The Value of Recreation & Parks
1.3 The Planning Process
1.4 Building on Other Planning Efforts
1.5 Plan Overview
1.6 Key community Priorities
1.7 Top 10 Recommendations
OUR NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES | 41
4.1 Our Needs
4.2 Key Issues & Considerations
4.3 Opportunities
OUR COMMUNITY TODAY | 11
2.1 San Leandro Demographics
2.2 Recreational Trends
2.3 Existing Recreation & Parks System
REALIZING OUR VISION | 63
5.1 Goals
5.2 Park Improvement Strategy
5.3 Park Development Standards
5.4 Total Cost of Ownership
OUR VISION & PRIORITIES| 27
3.1 Hearing from the Community
3.2 Priority Investment Areas
3.3 Key Outcomes and Priorities
Executive
Summary
01. Executive Summary
WHY A RECREATION
AND PARKS MASTER
PLAN?
San Leandro’s recreation and parks system not only defines the City’s landscape but also offers invaluable opportunities for leisure, wellness, community building, and enhancing biodiversity. It is comprised of 19 parks and recreational amenities including community and neighborhood parks,
swimming pools, and community centers. In addition,
recreation facilities such as the Oyster Bay Regional
Shoreline Park, San Francisco Bay Trail, and the Shoreline Marshlands are within the city boundaries and are
recreational assets accessible to the residents.
Over recent decades San Leandro has not only seen
significant population growth, but also a growing diversity in its demographic make-up. As the city continues to
strengthen its economic position, it expects the trend in population growth to continue through 2035 with over
13,000 new residents1. Growing population and changing
demographics also means increased demand and
changing priorities for parks and recreation in San Leandro.
The Recreation and Parks Master Plan establishes a
vision for the city’s recreation and park system based on the assessment of existing parks and recreational assets and an understanding of community needs and priorities.
It establishes goals and strategies to meet needs and
provides a roadmap implementation. It serves as a blueprint for effective operations, providing maintenance standards and evaluative criteria.
Rooted in the community’s vision, the recommendations
within this plan will guide the City toward a vibrant and sustainable recreational landscape for generations to come.
Rooted in the community’s vision,
the recommendations within
this plan will guide the City
toward a vibrant and sustainable
recreational landscape for the next
10-20 years.
THE VALUE OF RECREATION & PARKS
Improving Community Health
Recreation and parks give people of all ages
opportunities to walk, play, exercise, and participate
in sports. These activities promote not just physical
fitness but also mental wellbeing. They can improve
concentration for children with attention deficit disorder, enhance relaxation, and promote self-esteem and
resilience. Physical activity reduces the risk of chronic disease while improving brain function and memory.
Bringing Community Together
Parks are a source of community and neighborhood
cohesion. Comfortable, attractive parks give people
places to interact with neighbors, family, and friends.
Parks and open space can give people access to diverse
natural environments and reinforce our fundamental
connection to nature. They strengthen our connection
to our community, which instills a sense of pride and
stewardship. As a result, research indicates that parks can counter stress and social isolation.
Protecting Natural Resources
Parks and open spaces are invaluable for their ability to enhance air and water quality, promote water infiltration, reduce flood hazards and urban heat island effect, and
provide habitat to protect the local ecosystem. Vegetation in parks absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and
help us adapt to a changing climate.
Enhancing the Local Economy
Quality park systems strengthen local economies by
increasing property values, attracting tourism, supporting business development, and hosting events that boost
sales and tax revenue. In 2021, park and U.S. recreation agencies generated over $201 billion in economic
activity and supported 1.1 million jobs.
(1) Source: Table 2-2; General Plan 2035. For additional details see “A Growing City” on pg. X Sources: The Power of Parks to Promote Public Health – Trust for Public Lands; The Health Benefits of Parks and their Economic Impacts – Urban Institute; The Economic Impact of Parks – National Recreation nd Park Association San Leandro Park Master Plan | 2 DRAFT DRAFT 3 | Executive Summary
THE PLANNING
PROCESS
The City of San Leandro selected the
WRT Consultant Team to engage the
community, evaluate existing conditions,
and ultimately, develop this plan. As
illustrated in Figure 1.1, the process
commenced fall 2023 and the Plan was
adopted in Spring 2025. The process
included extensive pubic engagement
efforts, which are detailed further in
Chapter 3: Our Vision & Priorities.
BUILDING ON OTHER
PLANNING EFFORTS
Building on San Leandro’s previous planning efforts,
particularly the 2035 General Plan, is essential for
ensuring the recreation and parks system works in
synergy with other community elements, such as housing, transportation, and land use. The Recreation and Parks
Master Plan integrates and advances adopted strategies
to ensure the City’s parks and recreation initiatives
complement broader City goals. An overview of related
efforts follows:
• San Leandro 2035 General Plan (2016) is a
long-term blueprint guiding San Leandro’s growth.
The Open Space, Parks, and Conservation element
sets goals for expanding and improving park access,
addressing climate challenges, and establishing
service standards for City parks, which are reflected
in this Master Plan.
• San Leandro Creek Trail Master Plan (2017)
envisions a multi-use trail along San Leandro Creek to
connect communities, enhance recreation, and restore
local ecology. Currently under construction, the trail
will ultimately link Lake Chabot Regional Park and the
San Francisco Bay Trail. It will serve as a valuable
recreational resource to the San Leandro community
who has expressed a strong preference for additional
trails and access to San Leandro Creek.
• San Leandro Climate Action Plan (2021) outlines
steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt
to climate impacts, and ensure equitable access to
resources, including green spaces. It also emphasizes
park accessibility within a 10-minute walk for all
residents, which is analyzed as part of this Master Plan. • City of San Leandro Bicycle & Pedestrian
Master Plan (2024) supports active transportation
and safe access to parks through improving bicycle
and pedestrian infrastructure. This Recreation and
Parks Master Plan builds off the recommendations
of this plan to increase accessibility to parks and
recreational opportunities.
• Bay Fair TOD Specific Plan (2020) aims to
develop a mixed-use, transit-oriented development
with enhanced public spaces. Several of the specific
plan’s priorities align with the Recreation and Parks
Plan’s objectives, including access to green spaces,
improved mobility, and the establishment of a
community destination. The Bay Fair TOD area offers
a significant opportunity for the City of San Leandro
to build new parks that meet the needs identified in
this Master Plan.
• San Leandro Age-friendly Action Plan (2024) is
a roadmap for supporting older adults, with priorities
for health, safety, and social connection. It includes
park-related initiatives like shuttle services and
intergenerational programs, which is in line with the
goals and objective of this Master Plan.
• San Leandro Trees Master Plan (on-going)
seeks to improve community health by increasing
urban tree canopy. On completion, it will guide the
City on managing, planting, and caring for trees
and will be a useful resource for supporting the tree
canopy within the City’s recreation and parks facilities.
Project Initiation
Needs Assessment
Inventory + Analysis
Pop-up Events
Focus Groups
Pop-up Events
Public
Workshop #1
StatisticallyValid Survey
Public Workshop #2
& Survey
Public Workshop
#3 & Survey
Final Plan
Draft Plan
Recommendations
FIGURE 1.1 | Recreation & Parks Master Planning Process San Leandro Park Master Plan | 4 DRAFT DRAFT 5 | Executive Summary
PLAN OVERVIEW
The San Leandro Recreation and Parks Master Plan
is designed to comprehensively address the City’s
recreational and park facilities and programs, weaving
together a strategic approach encompassing systemwide considerations and site-specific nuances. At its core, the plan seeks to foster collaboration and
alignment among stakeholders through an easy-tounderstand framework, as follows:
The San Leandro Recreation and Parks Master Plan is
arranged in the following sections:
1 2
4 3
5 Executive Summary
Introduces the master plan document and process, the
importance of recreation and parks, and highlights the
community’s vision for the future.
Our Community Today
Describes San Leandro’s demographic characteristics,
it’s existing parks and recreation system, and related city planning efforts.
Our Vision & Priorities
Explains the issues and priorities we heard from the
community and establishes a clear vision for San
Leandro’s recreation and park system.
Our Needs & Opportunities
Identifies community needs, opportunities to meet needs, and recommendations to capitalize on opportunities.
Realizing Our Vision
Provides an action plan to move toward the established
vision, which includes capitol and maintenance cost
estimates, funding strategies, and evaluation metrics to measure success.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 6 DRAFT DRAFT 7 | Executive Summary TOP 10 RECOMMENDATIONS:
Expand Amenities
Prioritize amenities such as trails, dog parks, pickleball courts, all abilities play areas, exercise equipment,
aquatic facilities, community gardens, outdoor
amphitheater/event spaces.
Improved Access to Parks
Provide safe bike and pedestrian access and multi-lingual park signage.
Access to School Amenities
Provide access to school grounds and recreational
facilities with clearly posted hours for public use.
Expand Program Offerings
Prioritize multi-generational programming for diverse ages and needs such as, adult fitness classes, swim lessons, STEAM programs, after-school programs, summer camps,
and adult sports leagues.
Open Space and Trails
Provide access to nature, and passive recreation for
community health and well-being, in the form of trails
along San Leandro Creek and Estudillo Canal.
Environmental Sustainability
Prioritize bio-diversity, and native and drought-tolerant planting in parks. Provide natural areas for play, nature exploration, habitat, and environmental education.
Safety
Improve sense of safety in parks by preventing incidents of vandalism, alcohol use, long-term occupancy by
the unhoused through enforcement and installation of
security cameras.
Comfort
Improve comfort in parks by providing basic amenities
such as clean and functional restrooms, drinking water
fountains, trash receptacles, and shade structures.
Improved Communication
About park amenities and recreational programming
offered. Residents prefer to receive communication via
City Activity guide, weekly newsletter, signage at BART stations and downtown.
KEY COMMUNITY PRIORITIES:
Based on the analysis of San Leandro’s park system, feedback from the community engagement process, and input from city staff, the following themes and priorities were identified for San Leandro’s Recreation and Park System:
The following top ten improvements will likely make the largest impact in addressing the community's needs and desires. While all recommendations are important, focusing on these priorities will particularly help enhance the recreational experience in San Leandro.
Fund and construct high-priority amenities, as
indicated in Figure 3.1, to existing parks, focusing
on the most requested or underserved features.
Fund and implement Park-by-Park improvements
as detailed in Table 5.2 to address specific
needs and deficiencies across the park system.
Extend the city’s trail system by implementing
improvements from the Bicycle & Pedestrian
Master Plan and exploring the opportunities
identified in Map 4.3.
Increase shade in parks by installing shade
structures and planting more trees, following the
guidance outlined in the Tree Master Plan.
Create a diverse funding strategy for the capital
improvements identified in this plan, referencing
the estimated costs outlined in Table 5.2 and
leveraging the funding strategies found in Table
5.4. Expand the City’s recreation programs
and services, prioritizing areas of greatest
unmet need, as identified in Figure 3.1 and
summarized in Table 5.1.
Revise joint-use agreements with the school
districts to clearly define parameters for city
programming, public access, maintenance,
and cost-sharing.
Establish agreements with the school districts to
assess and implement cost-shared improvements
to school grounds, enhancing their usability for
both students and residents.
Conduct a facility assessment of the Marina
Community Center and Senior Center, evaluating
facility condition, functionality, utilization, and
ability to meet the community’s need.
Acquire parkland that meaningfully enhances
park experiences and improves accessibility for
all residents (see Figure 5.1).
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 8 DRAFT DRAFT 9 | Executive Summary
02. Our Community
Today
SAN LEANDRO
DEMOGRAPHICS
A Growing City
Situated along the shores of San Francisco Bay, San
Leandro shares borders with Oakland, San Lorenzo, and
Ashland. As of 2020, its population stood at approximately 91,000 residents, reflecting an approximate 7% increase from 20101 (see Figure 2.1). Looking ahead, the City’s
General Plan forecasts substantial growth, with projections indicating that in 2035, San Leandro’s population is
expected to reach around 102,300 residents, increasing
approximately 12% from 2023. This anticipated growth
underscores the City’s evolving landscape and the need
for strategic planning to accommodate future needs and
ensure sustainable development.
Race and Ethnicity
Situated along the shores of San Francisco Bay,
San Leandro shares borders with Oakland, and
the unincorporated communities of San Lorenzo,
and Ashland. As of 20202, its population stood at
approximately 91,000 residents, reflecting an approximate 7% increase from 2010 (see Figure 2.2). Looking ahead,
the City’s General Plan forecasts substantial growth,
with projections indicating that in 2035, San Leandro’s population is expected to reach around 102,300 residents, increasing approximately 12% from 2023. This anticipated growth underscores the need for strategic planning to
accommodate future recreation needs.
2010 2020 2023 2035
105,000
84,938
91,008
89,612
102,300
95,000
85,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
FIGURE 2.1 | San Leandro Population Over Time
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2010, 2020). Decennial Census, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), San Leandro 2035 General Plan
FIGURE 2.2 | San Leandro Percent Population by Race
Over Time
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2010, 2020). Decennial Census, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) 2010
Census
Two or more races
Native Hawaiian &
other Pacific Islander
Some other race Black or African American
White
Asian
American Indian
& Alaska Native
2020
Census
2023
Estimate
2028
Projection
2033
Projection
2038
Projection
6%
13%
30%
12%
38%
23% 22% 19% 13% 8%
11% 11%
10% 9%
36%
17%
37%
12% 12%
18%
39%
14%
19%
42%
16%
20%
44%
16%
11%
10%
MAP 2.1 | San Leandro Population Density
LEGEND
City Boundary
Conservation Area
Parks
0.000 - 7.866
7.867 - 18.41
18.42 - 33.66
33.67 - 58.94
58.95 - 110.1
110.2 - 280.5
(1) U.S. Census Bureau (2010, 2020). Decennial Census, Table R1, Race. (2) U.S. Census Bureau (2020). Decennial Census, Table R1, Race.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 12 DRAFT DRAFT 13 | Our Community Today Age
In 20223 , San Leandro had a median age of 42.9 –
a notable increase from 39.3 in 2010. Compared to
neighboring communities like Oakland (38.7), Ashland
(36.2), and San Lorenzo (40.1), San Leandro boasts the
highest median age. As shown in Figure 2.3, 32% of
San Leandro’s population are 55 years or older, with 8% being over 75. These figures have been increasing since 2010 and are anticipated to continue to do so through
2038, where 38% is estimated to be over 55 years of age.
These figures indicate that not only is San Leandro’s
population older than its surrounding cities’, but the
community is also aging over time, with an increasing share of its population being older adults. The city will need to take a balanced approach to ensure that recreational needs are being met for its older population while still meeting needs for its youth and young adults.
FIGURE 2.3 | San Leandro Percent Population by Age
Segment Over Time
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2010, 2020). Decennial Census, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Income
In 20224 , San Leandro’s median household income
was $92,651, which is significantly lower than the
county median of $122,488. Among its neighboring
communities, San Leandro’s median household income
falls short of Oakland’s ($93,146), San Lorenzo’s
($102,860), Hayward’s ($105,371), and Castro Valley’s
($132,174) but significantly exceeds Ashland’s, which
stands at $75,114. Map 2.2 illustrates how income
varies within San Leandro. Low income households
tend to be in higher need of accessible, high-quality
recreation facilities. Thus, this Master Plan gives
special consideration to San Leandro’s lower-income
neighborhoods.
2010
Census
0-17 18-34 35-54 55-74 75+
2020
Census
2023
Estimate
2028
Projection
2033
Projection
2038
Projection
7%
19%
30%
26%
18%
8%
24% 24% 23% 26% 27%
26% 26% 26%
25% 24%
22% 22% 21% 20% 19%
21% 21% 20% 21% 21%
8% 9% 9% 9%
MAP 2.2 | San Leandro Median Household Income
LEGEND
City Boundary
Conservation Area
Parks
$2,499 - $54,808
$54,808 - $82,614
$82,614 - $112,656
$112,656 - $149,000
$149,000 - $199,297
$199,297 - $250,001
(3) U.S. Census Bureau (2022). American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S0101, Age and Sex. (4) U.S. Census Bureau (2022). American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, Table S1901, Income in the Past 12 Months.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 14 DRAFT DRAFT 15 | Our Community Today
RECREATIONAL TRENDS
National recreation trends can help us predict how needs and demands might change in San Leandro over time.
Figure 2.4 indicates San Leandro’s market potential for various recreation activities compared to the National
average by estimating the demand for each activity
considering San Leandro’s demographics compared
to the rest of the nation. With the national average
representing an index of 100, scores higher than 100
indicate greater than average market potential.
The key takeaways from the analysis follow:
• Walking is the most popular activity nationally and is expected to grow in popularity in San Leandro.
• Aquatic activities have had strong participation
nationally, but the market potential for swimming
in San Leandro is below the national average.
• Pickleball had the greatest increase nationally
of all sporting activities, with an increase of 186% in the past 5 years.
• Excluding pickleball, tennis and basketball have
grown the most nationally, however soccer has the
strongest market potential locally.
• Both golf and football have gained participants
nationally over the last five years, but San Leandro’s
market potential is well below the national
average for both.
• Outdoor recreational activities are on the rise
nationally and many of these activities have significant market potential locally, including bicycling, hiking,
and fishing.
GENERAL SPORTS MPI FITNESS MPI OUTDOOR ACTIVITY MPI
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
BASEBALL
AEROBICS
ARCHERY
BASKETBALL
JOGGING/RUNNING
BACKPACKING
FOOTBALL
PILATES
BICYCLING (MOUNTAIN)
GOLF
SWIMMING
BICYCLING (ROAD)
SOCCER
WALKING FOR EXERCISE
CANOEING/KAYAKING
SOFTBALL
WEIGHT LIFTING
FISHING
TENNIS
YOGA
FISHING (SALT WATER)
HORSEBACK RIDING
VOLLEYBALL
ZUMBA
HIKING
ROCK CLIMBING
NATIONAL AVERAGE =100
99 112
84 76
127
110
110
115
114
125
88 100
107
115
68 84
99 73
104
108
80 94
111
140
113
(FRESH WATER)53
EXISTING RECREATION
& PARK SYSTEM
The San Leandro recreation and park system
encompasses twenty-three parks, two community
centers, three aquatic facilties, and a 178-acre
municipal golf course. As of 2024, public parkland in
San Leandro spans 133 acres5, featuring one regional
park6, three community parks, eleven neighborhood
parks, three mini parks, and three special-use parks — all of which include an array of amenities.
On top of this expansive system, San Leandro residents
also have access to significant regional recreational
assets, including the Anthony Chabot Regional Park,
and San Francisco Bay Trail. The planned San
Leandro Creek Trail will also be a substantial amenity
once implemented, connecting Chabot Regional Park
to the San Francisco Bay Trail. School facilities also
play a role in meeting residents’ recreation needs, though as discussed later in this chapter, public access to school district facilities is variable.
FIGURE 2.5 | Parks and Recreation Facilities by the
Numbers
23 Parks
133
Acres
6 Pickleball
Courts
1 Dog Park
3 Aquatic
Facilities
25 Playgrounds
4 Volleyball
Courts
17 Tennis
Courts
5 Basketball
Courts
11 Baseball/
Softball Fields
1 Skate Park 1 Golf Course
(5) Note that the park inventory used is based on the Recreation and Parks Department’s park list and does not include private parks or other open spaces that may be included within other City plans or studies, including the San Leandro General Plan. (6) Oyster Bay Regional Park is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District FIGURE 2.4 | San Leandro Recreation Market Potential
Source: Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA), National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI).
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 16 DRAFT DRAFT 17 | Our Community Today Facility Name
Acreage
Playground
Restroom
Amphitheater
Volleyball Court
Tennis Court
Pickleball Court
Basketball Court
Baseball/Softball
Multi-Purpose Field
Skate Park
Regional Parks 28**
Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline* 28**
Community Parks 46.7
Chabot Park 4.8 1 1 1 2
Marina Park 17.9 2 2 1 1
Shoreline Park (Planned) 10.0
Washington Manor Park 14.0 2 2 1 2 6 1 2
Neighborhood Parks 41.1
Bonaire Park 5.4 1 1
Cherry Grove Park 7.3 3 1 6 1
Floresta Park 0.8 2 1 1
Halcyon Park 4.9 2 1 1
McCartney Park 1.6 1
Memorial Park 2.7 2 1
Siempre Verde Park 1.8 3 1 2
Stenzel Park 9.3 2 1 1 4
Thrasher Park 4.2 1 1 1 1
Tony B. Santos Park 1.0 1
Toyon Park 2.1 1 1
Mini Parks 1.4
Root Park 0.8
Victoria Park 0.3
Warden Park 0.3 1
Special-Use Parks 15.7
Burrel Field 13.7 5 3 1
Dog Park 1.3
Heath Park 0.7 4
Total 132.9 25 14 3 4 13 6 5 11 1 1
TABLE 2.1 | San Leandro Parks and Recreation Facilities by Type Facility Name
Acreage
Playground
Restroom
Amphitheater
Volleyball Court
Tennis Court
Pickleball Court
Basketball
Baseball/Softball
Multi-Purpose Field
Skate Park
Golf Courses
Monarch Bay Golf Course 178.0
Community Centers
Marina Community Center
Senior Community Center
Aquatic Facilities
Boys and Girls Club Pool*
Farrelly Pool
San Leandro Family Aquatic
Center (SLFAC)
Trails
San Francisco Bay Trail*
San Leandro Creek Trail* (Planned)
*Owned/managed by other public agency
*Owned/managed by other public agency **157 total acres, 28 acres improved San Leandro Park Master Plan | 18 DRAFT DRAFT 19 | Our Community Today City Parks
As mentioned above and illustrated in Table 2.1, San
Leandro residents are served by a range of park facilities, which are further classified in Chapter 6: Open Space,
Parks, and Conservation of San Leandro’s General Plan,
as follows:
REGIONAL PARKS
Typically larger than 30 acres and include a mix of
conservation areas and active recreation areas. They
draw visitors from beyond the city limits and may feature unique natural features or regional attractions. Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline is the only regional park within San Leandro; though, the Anthony Chabot Regional
Park neighbors San Leandro’s to the Northeast and is
also a great recreational asset to the community. Both
are operated by East Bay Regional Park District which
comprises a system of 73 parks spanning over 125,000
acres across both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
COMMUNITY PARKS
Range in size from 5 to 30 acres. Each park serves multiple neighborhoods and contains a wide variety of active and passive recreational facilities. The city currently has three Community Parks (Chabot, Marina, and Washington
Manor) that total nearly 37 acres of parkland.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Are typically 2 to 10 acres in size and provide for the daily recreational needs of area residents. They often have large lawn areas for informal sports and play activities.
They may include facilities such as tennis courts and tot lots, but usually do not include major facilities such as lighted ballfields. San Leandro currently has eleven neighborhood parks throughout the community, totaling 41 acres.
MINI PARKS
Are usually less than an acre in size and accommodate
small recreational facilities such as picnic tables and tot lots. The city has three mini parks, totaling 1.4 acres.
SPECIAL-USE PARKS
Include facilities which serve a specific need or
population group. Burrel Field, Dog Park, and Heath Park are the City’s Special-Use Parks, comprising 16 acres.
MAP 2.3 | Existing San Leandro City Parks and Recreation Facilities LEGEND
City Boundary
Water Bodies
Regional Parks
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Mini-Park
Special Use Park
Planned Park
Golf Clubs
Public Open Space
Community Center
Aquatic Facility
School Facilities
USA Rail Roads
Bart Lines
Planned San Leandro
Creek Trail
Existing SF Bay Trail
Planned SF Bay Trail
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 20 DRAFT DRAFT 21 | Our Community Today East Bay Regional Parks
East Bay Regional Park District is a public entity that manages 73 regional parks within Alameda and Contra
Costa Counties. As mentioned previously, San Leandro
has one East Bay Regional Park within its boundaries, and another bordering it to the northeast:
OYSTER BAY REGIONAL SHORELINE
Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline is a restored natural open space that previously functioned as a landfill. The park spans 157 acres with 28 acres improved with picnic areas, restrooms, and trails. The park features native plants, salt marshes, and a variety of birds, offering visitors scenic views and opportunities to learn about the region’s wildlife and ecological cycles. The park also provides a connection to the expansive Bay Trail network.
ANTHONY CHABOT REGIONAL PARK
Anthony Chabot Regional Park, located along San
Leandro’s northeast boundary, spans 3,304 acres and
offers a range of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and equestrian trails. The park is rich in history, including its past use as ranch land. Visitors can explore scenic trails, fish at Lake Chabot, or camp in the family campground. With a blend of natural beauty and
historical significance, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
School Facilities
San Leandro’s schoool facilities can be considerable
recreational resources for residents, providing fields, courts, lawns and play facilities after school hours and on weekends. The city has joint-use agreements with both
San Leandro and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts.
Though public use is implied, the agreements only focus on maintenance responsibilities and do not explicitly
outline parameters for public use or city programming.
Thus, access to these facilities can be inconsistent and unclear, frustrating those who use them. Additionally,
according to the Park Assessment, many of the school
facilities have fair conditions, meaning improvements are needed for school grounds to continue to be valuable
community assets.
Trails
SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL
The San Fransisco Bay Trail is a regional trail system
spanning 350 miles along the San Francisco Bay,
connecting the shoreline to neighborhoods, parks, and
key community destinations. Once complete, the Bay Trail will encompass over 500 miles of trail and will be fully contiguous around The Bay.
Over six miles of the Bay Trail pass through San Leandro, connecting the City’s southern boundary to Roberts
Landing, Heron Bay and Marina Park. A gap in the trail
exists between Marina Park and Oyster Bay, but the trail continues to North to East Oakland. The Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC), the agency
responsible for planning regional transportation initiatives within the Bay Area, takes charge of the planning for
the Bay Trail. Various entities manage the trail within San Leandro, including the City of San Leandro, East Bay
Regional Park District, and Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD).
SAN LEANDRO CREEK TRAIL
The San Leandro Creek Trail is a planned six-mile multiuse trail along the San Leandro Creek, connecting the Lake Chabot Dam to the San Francisco Bay. Spanning
both San Leandro and Oakland, the proposed trail
is divided into eight segments, with Alameda County
Flood Control taking charge of implementation and
maintenance. Some Oakland segments are currently
under construction, with the timing of the San Leandro
segments yet to be determined.
Other Recreation Facilities
San Leandro City also provides the community with three aquatics facilities and two community centers. A brief
description of these facilities follows:
The San Leandro Family Aquatics Center (SLFAC) is
an outdoor aquatics facility located within Washington
Manor Park. It offers three lap lanes, a recreational pool with a water play structure, and a seventeen-foot water slide. The facility also includes lockers, changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. The pool is currently under
renovation and is anticipated to open in 2025.
Farrelly Pool is an outdoor heated pool open spring,
summer, and fall located adjacent to Roosevelt Elementary School. It offers seven lap lanes, changing areas, lockers, showers, and restrooms. Swimming lessons and lap
swim programs are hosted at this facility. The pool is also available for rentals.
The Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro Swimming
Pool is an indoor, year-around pool that includes five lap lanes, locker rooms, and an enclose patio. The facility hosts a range of aquatic programs, including swim lessons, lap swim, and water exercise classes. The City owns the underlying property and has access to the facility through a long-term use agreement.
Marina Community Center hosts many of City’s
recreational programming in its various multipurpose
rooms and event spaces. Its rooms are also available to rent for private events.
The San Leandro Senior Community Center is located
adjacent to the San Leandro Hospital. The facility includes an arts and crafts room, health and fitness room, two
meeting rooms, a kitchen, and a main hall with a stage.
San Leandro Family Aquatics Center (City of San Leandro) Boys & Girls Club Swimming Pool (City of San Leandro)
Farrelly Pool (City of San Leandro)
Marina Community Center (City of San Leandro)
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 22 DRAFT DRAFT 23 | Our Community Today Programs
San Leandro’s Recreation and Parks Department
provides over sixty diverse programs across twelve core areas, including aquatics, arts and culture, athletics, health and wellness, and special events. Programs serve a broad demographic and include swim lessons, water
aerobics, fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, youth sports, and cultural enrichment activities. The department also offers out-of-school programs, specialty camps,
and volunteer opportunities, fostering community
engagement and skill development that appeal widely
to residents.
In addition to programs provide by the Recreation
and Parks Department, the Human Services and
Library Departments also offer community programs,
particularly for seniors and children, in order to help fill service gaps prior to the formation of the Recreation & Parks Department. This plan aims to identify where the
Recreation and Parks Department should concentrate
its efforts in order to avoid duplication and better meet community need. It also explores the merit of transfering recreational services currenlty offered by other
departments to the Recreation and Park Department to
improve consistency and efficiently.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 24 DRAFT DRAFT 25 | Our Community Today
03. Our Vision
and Priorities
HEARING FROM THE
COMMUNITY
Community engagement played a pivotal role in shaping
the development of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan.
To ensure comprehensive participation, the community
engagement process encompassed various tools and
meeting formats. Community engagement activities and
events were promoted through several channels, including posts on the City’s website and social media platforms
and the distribution of flyers.
The following gives an overview of the various
community engagement strategies used throughout the
planning process. See Appendix A for detailed
engagement results.
Focus Groups Meetings
Ten small group meetings were organized on topics
such as sports, trails, maintenance, youth, and seniors, with additional individual stakeholder meetings
targeting hard-to-reach communities. These sessions
addressed the park system, Plan goals, and community
engagement strategies. Participants included park users; city park maintenance and programming staff; health,
safety, and environmental representatives; Recreation
and Parks Commission members; City Council members;
and other and civic leaders.
230115 Pop Up
230115 Pop Up
230115 Pop Up
I would love for a trail along the
San Leandro Creek to be developed
connecting between the Lake Chabot
trail system and the MLK shoreline.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 28 DRAFT DRAFT 29 | Our Vision and Priorities Community Workshops
Three in-person workshops took place throughout the
planning process for deeper interaction and feedback.
• Workshop #1 introduced the plan, shared insights,
and engaged with community needs.
• Workshop #2 focused on the planning and design of
Washington Manor Park.
• Workshop #3 tested recommended improvements
and set priorities for the city-wide park system.
Each attracted 50-60 participants. Spanish and Mandarin interpreters were available to support attendees as needed.
Project Website
A project page was hosted on the City’s website,
displaying project updates, engagement events, project
documents, and opportunities to submit comments.
230115 Pop Up
240127 Workshop 240127 Workshop
240127 Workshop 240127 Workshop
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 30 DRAFT DRAFT 31 | Our Vision and Priorities Pop-Up Events
Pop-up engagement events strategically utilized city-wide events to reach a diverse set of community members. Popup booths were set-up at MLK Poetry Slam, the Earth Day celebration, and at the Cherry Festival. The booths aimed to informed attendees about the project, collected input, and engaged those unable to attend workshops, reaching
hundreds of community members throughout the process.
Surveys
A statistically-valid survey was conducted to understand community priorities for parks, programs, and services.
The survey was mailed to a random sample of San
Leandro residents, yielding 406 responses with a 95%
confidence level and a precision of +/- 4.8%, providing representative feedback from the San Leandro community.
An open-access digital survey gathered community
feedback on needs and priorities from the broader
population. Over 700 survey responses were received.
Advisory Committee Meetings
The engagement process included regular meetings with
an Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from City departments and the San Leandro and San Lorenzo
school districts. These meetings provided project updates, gathered feedback on technical aspects, and informed the recommendations, strategies, opportunities, and visioning for the Recreation and Parks Master Plan.
Recreation & Parks
Commission
The Recreation and Parks Commission received monthly
updates throughout the planning process, providing
ongoing opportunities for them and the community to
contribute to the plan.
Focus
Groups
10 Survey
responses
1100+
Workshop
attendees
150+
Pop-up
participants
300+
240127 Workshop
240210 Workshop
240210 Workshop
230115 Pop-up 240915 Workshop
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 32 DRAFT DRAFT 33 | Our Vision and Priorities As forementioned, a statistically valid survey was
conducted to gain a clear understanding of residents’
recreation and park needs. The survey’s reach, and
diversity of respondents, makes it the most representative and dependable resource for accurately understanding
community priorities (see Appendix A for detailed
survey methodology and findings).
Multi-use Paved Trails
Multi-use Unpaved Trails
Swimming Pool*
Walking/Jogging Track
Community Center
Off-leash Dog Park
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
Open Space and Undeveloped Areas
Playground Equipment for all Abilities/Ages
Outdoor Amphitheater
Picnic Areas and Shelters
Shade Structures
Small Neighborhood Parks
Community Gardens
Golf Course
Outdoor Exercise/Fitness Equipment
Outdoor Volleyball Courts
Large Community Parks
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Environmental Education Center
Bike Park
Indoor Basketball/Volleyball Courts
Outdoor Basketball Courts
Outdoor Tennis Courts
Diamond Sports Fields
Priority
Investment
Rating
Splash Pads
Rectangular Sports Fields
Skate Parks
184
142
140
138
135
123
122
120
119
113
113
110
106
102
93 84
81 72
72 70
62 62
53 53
50 47
45 41
0 50 100 150 200
HIGH
PRIORITY
100+
MEDIUM
PRIORITY
50-99
LOW
PRIORITY
0-50
FIGURE 3.1 | Recreation Facility/Amenity Priority Community Needs Source: 2024 City of San Leandro Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Statistically Valid Survey FIGURE 3.2 | Cost vs. Community Priority Matrix
Source: 2024 City of San Leandro Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Statistically Valid Survey *Note: The San Leandro Family Aquatic Center was temporarily closed when the survey was conducted.
The survey establishes key investment priorities for San Leandro using a “Priority Investment Rating” (PIR), which reflects the level of need and level of importance for each recreation amenity or program. Facilities and programs
are categorized as High, Medium, or Low Priority, as
indicated in Figures 3.1 and 3.3. Figure 3.2 maps
the amenities and facilities from Figure 3.1, comparing community priority with cost to construct.
PRIORITY COMMUNITY NEEDS
Community Priority Investment Rating
0 200 Construction Cost High Low
HIGH COST, HIGH PRIORITY
LOW COST, HIGH PRIORITY
HIGH COST, MED/LOW PRIORITY
LOW COST, MED/LOW PRIORITY
Multi-use Paved Trails
Multi-use Unpaved Trails
Swimming Pool
Walking/Jogging Track
Community Center
Off-leash Dog Park
Outdoor Pickleball Courts
NaturalOpen Space
Playground Equipment
Outdoor Amphitheater
Picnic Areas and Shelters
Shade Structures
Small Neighborhood Parks
Community Gardens
Golf Course
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Outdoor Volleyball Courts
Large Community Parks
Environmental Education Center
Bike Park
Indoor Basketball/Volleyball Courts
Outdoor Basketball Courts
Outdoor Tennis Courts
Diamond Sports Fields
Splash Pads
Rectangular Sports Fields
Skate Parks
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 34 DRAFT DRAFT 35 | Our Vision and Priorities FIGURE 3.3 | Recreation Program Priority Needs
Source: 2024 City of San Leandro Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Statistically Valid Survey Priority
Investment
Rating
Adult Fitness and Wellness Program
Exercise Classes for all Ages
Community Special Events
Cultural Enrichment Programs
Water Fitness Programs/Lap Swimming
Gymnastics/Tumbling Programs
Youth Fitness and Wellness Classes
Preschool Programs/Early Childhood Education
Youth Sports Programs and Camps
Youth Summer Programs and Camps
Adult Sports League
Outdoor Environment Programs
STEAM Classes
After School Programs
Youth Performing Arts Programs
Swim Lessons
Programs for Adults with Special Needs
Youth Arts Programs
Teen/Tween Programs
Programs for Youth with Special Needs
Virtual Programs
Recreation/Competitive Swim Team
Tennis Lessons and Leagues
200
170
164
139
121
117
115
113
101
101
75 70
69 67
67 65
63 61
60 56
53 50
48 0 50 100 150 200
HIGH
PRIORITY
100+
MEDIUM
PRIORITY
50-99
LOW
PRIORITY
0-50
System Comparison – High
Priority Needs
San Leandro’s Hight Priority Needs (those with a Priority Investment Rating greater than 100) were compared
with other municipalities in Northern California who have completed comparable statistically valid surveys within the past five years. Of the analyzed communities, San
Leandro had the greatest number of high priority
needs for both facilities/amenities and programs/
services (see Figure 3.3). This emphasizes the high
level of need for recreation and parks facilities
within the community.
San Leandro has more high
priority needs compared to
other comparable communities,
emphasizing the high level of
need for recreation and park
facilities and programs.
San Leandro
2024
West Sacramento
2019
Riverbank
2020
Fairfield
2023
Tiburon
2023
Fremont
2020
24 15
19 13
17 12
FIGURE 3.3 | Comparison of Number of High Priority Needs Source:
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 36 DRAFT DRAFT 37 | Our Vision and Priorities
KEY OUTCOMES
AND PRIORITIES
Based on the analysis of San Leandro’s park system,
feedback from the community engagement process, and
input from city staff, the following themes and priorities were identified for San Leandro’s Recreation and Park System:
Expand Amenities
Improved Access
to Parks
Access to School
Amenities
Provide safe bike and pedestrian access and multi-lingual park signage.
Add amenities such as trails, dog parks, pickleball courts, all abilities play areas, exercise equipment, community gardens, outdoor amphitheater/event spaces.
Provide access to school grounds and recreational
facilities with clearly posted hours for public use.
Expanded
Program Offerings Safety
Open Space
and Trails Comfort
Environmental
Sustainability
Improved
Communication
Prioritize multi-generational programming for diverse ages and needs such as, adult fitness classes, swim lessons, STEAM programs, after-school programs, summer camps,
and adult sports leagues.
Provide access to nature, and passive recreation for
community health and well-being, in the form of trails
along San Leandro Creek and Estudillo Canal.
Prioritize bio-diversity, and native and drought-tolerant planting in parks. Provide natural areas for play, nature exploration, habitat, and environmental education.
Improve sense of safety in parks by preventing incidents of vandalism, alcohol use, long-term occupancy by the
unhoused.
Improve comfort in parks by ensuring basic amenities
are present, clean, and functional, including restrooms, drinking water fountains, trash receptacles, and shade
structures.
Improve communication about park amenities and
recreational programming offered. Residents prefer to
receive communication via City Activity Guide, City
emails/newsletter, and the City website.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 38 DRAFT DRAFT 39 | Our Vision and Priorities
04. Our Needs &
Opportunities
OUR NEEDS
San Leandro’s recreation and parks system serves as
a cornerstone of community well-being, but ensuring it
continues to meet resident needs requires a thorough
evaluation of its current offerings and performance. This section analyzes the city’s park system, highlighting key areas for improvement in park access, acreage, amenities, programming, and maintenance. These insights lay the
foundation for the goals, policies, and recommendations presented in Chapter 5 that will guide future investment.
Park Access
Walkable access to parks and open spaces is essential
for promoting physical activity, fostering community
interaction, and supporting overall well-being. San
Leandro’s General Plan underscores the importance
of equitable access by setting a standard that every
resident should have a park within a half mile—roughly
a 10-minute walk.
Map 4.1 illustrates half-mile walksheds from San
Leandro city parks, revealing significant service gaps in areas such as Old San Leandro/Assumption Parish, BayO-Vista, Bayfair, Mulford Gardens, Marina Faire, and Roberts Landing. Furthermore, some neighborhoods, such
as Broadmoor, rely solely on Mini Parks, which often
lack the amenities and size needed to adequately meet
local recreation demands. Addressing these gaps will be critical to creating a more inclusive and accessible park system for all residents.
The Trust for Public Land collects
data on how well people are
served by parks. According
to their data, 63% of San
Leandro residents live within
a 10-minute walk to a public
park. This statistic is somewhat
low compared to the nearby cities
of Oakland, San Lorenzo, and
Hayward, indicating there is room
to improve park access throughout
the community.
63% San Leandro
74% San Lorenzo
78% Hayward
89% Oakland
54% United States
MAP 4.1 | Residential Areas within 1/2 mile (10-minute Walk) of a Park LEGEND
Half Mile Walking
Distance to City Park
Residential Area
San Leandro City Parks
Regional Parks
Planned Parks
Golf Clubs
Public Open Space
Water Bodies
City Boundary
Planned San Leandro
Creek Trail
Existing SF Bay Trail
Planned SF Bay Trail
Bart Lines
Rail Roads
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 42 DRAFT DRAFT 43 | Our Needs and Opportunities Park Acreage
Park level of service (LOS) measures the availability and quality of parks and recreational facilities relative to a community’s population, ensuring equitable access and
adequate resources. From an acreage standpoint, San
Leandro’s 133 acres of parkland provides a level of
service of 1.5 acres per 1,000 city residents. The San
Leandro General Plan establishes a goal of 5 acres per
1,000 residents, though includes non-traditional open
spaces in its calculations such as golf courses and school grounds, which would result in a total of 393 acres and a current level of service of 4.3 acres per 1,000 residents.
To achieve the target of 5 acres per 1,000 residents by 2035, the city would need an additional 119 acres
of developed parkland.
However, this calculation does not account for the
city’s access to over 560 acres of natural open space,
which helps meet some recreational needs. Despite this
broader measure, the public engagement findings and
park access analysis indicate that the current amount
of developed parkland does not adequately meet
resident needs. Expanding both large community parks
and small neighborhood parks was identified as a high
priority in the community survey.
Amenities
Recreation amenity standards have been developed
based on National Recreation and Park Association
(NRPA) trends tailored to San Leandro’s needs. Table 4.1 applies these standards to the city’s current and projected population, revealing deficiencies in several key amenities, including multi-use fields, tennis/pickleball courts, dog parks, playgrounds, and reservable picnic areas.
This analysis focuses on traditional park amenities
commonly tracked by the NRPA. However, as outlined
in Table 3.1, there are additional amenity needs not
reflected in Table 4.1, such as trails, walking/
jogging tracks, shade structures, community
gardens, outdoor amphitheater, and outdoor
fitness equipment. Adding theses amenities can be
accomplished through the construction of new parks and
reimaging of existing parks.
Deficient Amenities
Level-of-Service
Just
Parkland
Parks, Schools
& Golf
1.5 acres per 1,000
residents
4.3 acres per 1,000
residents
paved/unpaved trails
walking/jogging tracks
outdoor fitness
equipment
community gardens
outdoor amphitheater
playgrounds
pickleball courts
dog park
splash pad
picnic area
multi-use fields
shade structures
volleyball
2023
Inventory Service Levels 2035 Needs
Recreation
Component
Total
Inventory Current Service Level Recommended Service Levels Meets
Standard/
Need Exists
Additional
Amenities
Needed
Diamond Field 11 1 Field
per 8,147 1 Field per 15,000 Meets Standard - Field
Multiuse Field 1 1 Field
per 89,612 1 Field per 15,000 Need Exists 6 Field
Basketball Court 5 1 Court
per 17,922 1 Court per 20,000 Need Exists 1 Court
Pickleball Court 6 1 Court
per 14,935 1 Court per 10,000 Need Exists 4 Court
Tennis Court 17 1 Court
per 5,271 1 Court per 10,000 Meets Standard - Court
Volleyball Court 4 1 Court
per 22,403 1 Court per 20,000 Need Exists 1 Court
Playground 25 1 Site
per 3,584 1 Site per 3,500 Need Exists 4 Site
Skate Park 1.00 1* Site
per 89,612 1 Site per 100,000 Meets Standard - Site
Reservable Picnic
Areas 25.00 1 Site
per 3,584 1 Site per 3,500 Need Exists 4 Site
Dog Park 1 1 Site
per 89,612 1 Site per 30,000 Need Exists 2 Site
Swimming Pool 3 1 Site
per 29,871 1 Site per 70,000 Meets Standard - Site
Splash Pad 0 1 Site
per
0 1 Site
per 70,000 Need Exists 1 Site
TABLE 4.1 | Park Amenity Level of Service
*Note: The City’s existing skate park is underutilized, dysfunctional, and unsafe. A new facility may be warranted.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 44 DRAFT DRAFT 45 | Our Needs and Opportunities Park Assessment
In Spring 2024, all city parks were evaluated to assess the overall state of San Leandro’s park system. As
summarized in Figure 4.1, each facility was evaluated
using a pre-defined rubric with criteria grouped into
four categories: Access and Connectivity, Functionality, Condition, and Comfort and Sense of Safety. Facilities
were scored on a 1–10 scale, with the following
qualitative ratings:
• Poor (0 - 4.0)
• Fair (4.1 - 6.0)
• Good (6.1 - 8.0)
• Great (8.1 - 10)
A detailed breakdown of the Park Assessment is
available in Appendix B.
FIGURE 4.1 | Park Assessment Criteria (right)
Access + Connectivity
• Ease of Access
• Signage, maps, and city branding
• ADA accessible entrances and pathways
• Presence of safe pedestrian crossings
• Sidewalks & surrounding circulation
• Path connectivity within park
• Sufficient parking
• Nearby bike lanes / adequate bike parking
• Adjacent trails or open space
Comfort + Sense of Safety
• Availability of shade
• Availabilty of benches and seating
• Availability of trash receptacles
• Availabilty of water fountains
• Availability of restrooms (if applicable)
• Mitigation of views/noise from surrounding land uses
• Signs of vandalism, broken furniture
• Signs of unauthorized activity
• Unobstructed line of sight
Functionality
• Diversity of activities/uses
• Appropriate amenity adjacencies
• Distribution of shady and sunny areas
• Absence of visible drainage issues or erosion
• Compatibility with neighboring uses
Condition
• Paving condition
• Vegetation condition
• Tree canopy coverage & condition
• Playground condition
• Sports Court/Field Condition
• Buildings/restroom condition (if applicable)
• Lighting condition
• Trash receptacle condition and availability
• Seating/benches availability and condition
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 46 DRAFT DRAFT 47 | Our Needs and Opportunities FIGURE 4.2| Overall Assessment Scores for Parks and Joint-Use School Sites Marina Park Washington Manor Park Chabot Park Siempre Verde Park Tony B. Santos Park Bonaire Park Halcyon Park Thrasher Park Stenzel Park Memorial Park McCartney Park Floresta Park Toyon Park
Cherry Grove Park
Warden Park
Root Park
Victoria Park
Dog Park
Pacific Sports Complex
8 6
4 2
7 5
3 1
Poor (<5) Fair (5-6) Good (6-7) Great (7-8) Excellent (8+) Key Takeaways
Figure 4.2 shows that San Leandro parks scored an
average of 6.7 out of 10, indicating they are generally in “good” condition. All city parks could benefit from targeted improvements and funding to elevate their quality from
good to excellent. The assessment sheds light into how
each park could be improved to help meet the community’s growing recreational needs.
WHAT IS WORKING:
Diverse Activities: Larger parks offer a variety of
amenities for different age groups.
Pedestrian Connectivity: Most parks have a wellconnected path system that ties into adjacent sidewalks and trails.
Comfort Amenities: Generally, bathrooms, benches,
trash receptacles, and water fountains are present in
parks. The distribution of these amenities within parks, however, could be improved.
Intuitive Layout and Design: Most parks are wellorganized with logically placed amenities.
Sense of Safety: Minimal signs of unauthorized use exists within San Leandro’s parks.
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT:
Variable Facility Condition: Some park amenities need
maintenance or replacement, particularly park restrooms, trash receptacles, and paving.
Shade and Vegetation: Though some parks are wellshaded by mature trees, most lack adequate shade.
Additionally, planting beds are often empty or sparsely planted.
Park Size: Small park sizes limit park amenities and
use. These parks often suffer from noise pollution from adjacent traffic.
Poor Turf Condition: Broad-leaf weeds have
overtaken many park lawns and fields. An improved turf
management program is needed.
Park Signage: Signage is minimal and dated in San
Leandro parks. Increased signage would improve
wayfinding and park system branding.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 48 DRAFT DRAFT 49 | Our Needs and Opportunities Program and
Service Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of the city’s programs
and services was conducted. The following are the key
takeaways from that analysis.
• Program Needs: High-priority needs for programs
and events include adult fitness & wellness programs,
exercise classes, special events, cultural enrichment
programs, swim lessons, and more (see Figure 3.3).
• Ages Served: San Leandro programs primarily
cater to specific age groups, with offerings for
preschoolers, teens, older adults and seniors
somewhat lacking.
• Program Lifecycles: While most programs are in
early stages of growth, about 22% are in saturated or
decline stages, indicating a need to either revitalize of phase-out offerings with low participation.
• Cost of Service: Currently, the Department does
not track revenue, expenditures, and cost recovery
goals for each program and fees are set by a
comprehensive fee schedule that is not tied to a cost
of service/cost recovery methodology
• Program Evaluation: Assessment and evaluation
tools to measure the success of programs and services
are not consistently in place.
• Staff Training/Evaluation: The Department has a
staff training program and solid evaluation methods
in place.
• Public Input: The Department does not use tools
to continually gather feedback on needs and unmet
needs for programming on a regular basis.
• Marketing: The Department uses several marketing
strategies to inform residents of the offerings of
the community; however, it lacks a formalized
Marketing Plan.
• Volunteers: The Department uses volunteers but
does not have a volunteer program in place.
• Partnerships: The Department uses several partner
providers, including other City departments, to
deliver programs to San Leandro residents. Avoiding
duplication of services is critical.
• Competition: The Department has a general
understanding of other service providers but does not
track this information regularly.
It should be noted that an assessment of the city’s
community centers and other recreational facilities was not part of this planning process. However, a community center was identified as a high priority need in the
survey. Additional assessments and engagement is
needed to understand how existing recreation facilities are meeting the City’s program and community needs.
Maintenance Assessment
San Leandro’s park maintenance needs are diverse and
multifaceted, requiring attention to various maintenance areas, including athletic fields, playgrounds, trails, and general landscaping. The city manages 112 acres of
developed parks and relies on a mix of in-house staff and contracted services for tasks such as turf, landscape
and tree care. Despite the well-maintained appearance
of the parks, challenges persist due to the lack of a
centralized irrigation system, formalized maintenance
management plan, or an asset management work order
system. The absence of these systems limits the ability to track maintenance schedules, resource allocation, and performance outcomes comprehensively.
The Parks Division operates with approximately 16.98
full-time equivalent staff, slightly below the recommended levels to meet best practice standards. To achieve
improved service levels, addition resources and staffing are needed. Additionally, it’s important to note that
the scope of work for contracted services has been
reduced over the time due to budget constrainst, also
impacting service levels.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 50 DRAFT DRAFT 51 | Our Needs and Opportunities
KEY ISSUES &
CONSIDERATIONS
Lack of Available Land
San Leandro faces a pressing need for additional
parkland and recreational amenities, but the city is nearly fully built-out, with little to no vacant land suitable park development. To achieve the acreage level of service
standard outlined in the General Plan, significant swaths of already-developed land would need to be converted
into parkland—a solution that is financially impractical.
Since it is unlikely that the city can easily meet its level of service standard, there is need for innovative and
practical approaches to meeting the city’s park and
recreation needs.
Overutilized Parks
The level of activity and utilization of the city parks varies and depends on many factors, including the availability of amenities, population density, distance to other parks, and interests of the surrounding community. Some of
San Leandro’s parks experience high, and at times
overwhelming, use, which can have significant impact
on facilities and cause conflicts between park users.
Rebalancing park amenities throughout the city could
improve park experience and access to amenities and
mitigate facility impacts and user conflicts. Parks that struggle with overutilization include:
OVERUTILIZED PARKS
• Marina: Very busy on the weekends – a desirable
place to picnic.
• Halcyon: located in a more densely populated
area, with few other parks. Large picnic parties and
organized soccer creates user conflicts.
Halcyon Park
OPPORTUNITIES
San Leandro can overcome its spatial and resource
limitations by focusing on innovative strategies to enhance recreational opportunities for the community. These
strategies include strategic acquisitions, enhancing
existing parks, repurposing underutilized spaces, and
fostering partnerships for shared recreational facilities. By adopting a proactive and collaborative approach, the
city can make significant strides in increasing access to high-quality recreational amenities for all residents. Key opportunities are explored further below and visualized in Map 4.2, with specific recommendations derived from
these opportunities detail in Chapter 5.
City-Owned Opportunities
City-owned properties provide a foundational starting point for expanding and diversifying recreational options. Many of these sites have untapped potential to meet evolving community needs through repurposing or enhancement.
1. UTILITY PONDS:
There is an opportunity to establish public trails along the existing pond access roads, providing seamless
connections to nearby open spaces. Should the ponds be
decommissioned in the future, they could be restored to their natural habitat, significantly expanding the adjacent Heron Bay open space while enhancing ecological value
and recreational opportunities.
2. MONARCH BAY GOLF CLUB:
As one of San Leandro’s largest public open spaces, the golf course represents a major opportunity to address
park needs. Transformations could include converting
underutilized portions of the course into multi-functional public spaces by adding features like trails, picnic areas, and community gathering areas. If the golf course
is ever decommissioned, part of the land could be
reserved as a community park, which is a high priority
need for the community.
3. ROOT PARK EXPANSION:
At just 0.8 acres, Root Park currently offers limited
recreational value. The adjacent parking lot is currently used by the City’s Police Department, but if alternative parking solutions were found, the lot could be converted into parkland, effectively doubling Root Park’s size. This lot also features a mature tree canopy, which would enhance the park’s appeal and provide much-needed green space
for northern and downtown San Leandro, areas generally
lacking quality parkland.
4. CASA PERALTA:
Casa Peralta, a historic home currently serving as a
museum and event venue, is underutilized as a public
space. By increasing accessibility and programming,
Casa Peralta could function more as a unique public
park, offering historical and cultural experiences while doubling as a community event and gathering space.
5. DOWNTOWN PARKING CONVERSIONS:
There is an opportunity to convert city-owned parking
lots into an urban plaza or park, provided parking needs can be met elsewhere. These transformations would not
only enhance the vibrancy of the downtown area but also address park access gaps in underserved neighborhoods,
maximizing the potential of existing infrastructure.
6. HEATH PARK:
This small, special-use park currently features four tennis courts and a parking area. Repurposing some or all of the tennis courts could accommodate additional park amenities tailored to neighborhood needs, such as play areas, picnic spaces, or fitness equipment.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 52 DRAFT DRAFT 53 | Our Needs and Opportunities Acquisition Opportunities
While San Leandro lacks large vacant parcels for
new park development, strategic acquisition of smaller
properties can still create meaningful recreational
opportunities, particularly when they enhance existing
parks or address access gaps in underserved areas.
Though not indicated on the map, the following
acquisition types could be particularly beneficial.
PARK EXPANSIONS:
Several vacant or underutilized properties near existing parks present promising expansion opportunities. Although small, these parcels could provide space for additional amenities like sports courts, playgrounds, or seating areas, enhancing the overall park experience.
MINI PARKS IN GAP AREAS:
Several sizable vacant lots exist within neighborhoods
lacking walkable park access. These sites could be
transformed into mini parks, offering valuable recreational amenities for nearby residents, such as tot lots, seating areas, or small sports courts.
Development Opportunities
Future infill and redevelopment projects offer a unique opportunity to integrate new parks and recreational
spaces. By leveraging zoning tools like impact fees and development agreements, the city can require developers to include meaningful recreational spaces in their plans, ensuring new growth contributes to community needs.
7. BAY FAIR TOD:
Bay Fair TOD Specific Plan outlines the redevelopment of the Bay Fair Mall into a mixed-use hub. The City should work to ensure the future development includes welldesigned parks, trails, and open spaces that incorporate in-demand amenities. A large community park should be
top priority, as it is a top need for the community that will be difficult to implement elsewhere.
8. KAISER NORTH:
Kaiser North is a mixed-use develop project located
along Marina Boulevard and I-880. The 24 acre parcel
offers an opportunity to incorporate meaningful parkland within the development that will help meet current and
future park needs within the community.
Trail Opportunities
In San Leandro, trail development has emerged as a
clear community priority, with residents identifying it as their top need in the statistically valid survey. This strong public support underscores the value of investing in trails.
The 2024 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan outlines
an expansive network of proposed active transportation
facilities, which would increase access to trails and other recreational opportunities throughout the city. The following opportunities build on the proposed facilities, highlighting ideas with particular recreation potential.
9. WATERWAY TRAILS:
San Leandro’s three major waterway corridors—San
Leandro Creek, San Lorenzo Creek, and the Estudillo
Canal—offer significant potential for trail development.
The San Leandro Creek Trail is already planned for
implementation, with Alameda County leading planning
and development efforts. The city should actively
support its successful implementation and long-term
maintenance. In addition, the maintenance roads along
San Lorenzo Creek and Estudillo Canal hold untapped
potential to serve as public trails. With strategic planning and partnerships, these corridors could provide critical connections to schools, parks, and neighborhoods,
enhancing community access and mobility.
10: EAST BAY GREENWAY:
The planned East Bay Greenway, connecting Oakland
to Fremont, offers San Leandro a chance to enhance
regional connectivity through protected bikeways. By
collaborating with project stakeholders, the city can
help ensure the Greenway’s successful implementation,
maximizing benefits for residents and fostering sustainable, active transportation options.
11: HILL TO SHORE CONNECTION:
San Leandro lacks a strong trail connection linking its eastern hills to the shoreline. The 2024 Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan indicates this route as a separated bikeway, connecting residents to shoreline amenities
such as the Bay Trail, Marina Park, and Monarch Bay
Golf Club. Ensuring this facility is safe, comfortable, and efficient for both bikes and pedestrians would enable it function both as a recreation and transportation asset.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 54 DRAFT DRAFT 55 | Our Needs and Opportunities Leveraging School Facilities
School sites in San Leandro play an essential role in
addressing recreational needs in neighborhoods with
limited park access. However, inconsistent and poorly
defined public access limits their effectiveness as reliable community assets. By collaborating with the San Leandro and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts, the city has the opportunity to clarify public use policies and transform these spaces into dependable resources. Strengthened
joint-use agreements can establish clear parameters for access, programming, and shared responsibilities for
maintenance and improvements, creating a sustainable
framework to better meet the city’s recreation needs.
Joint use agreements are common in the Bay Area and
throughout California and several successful models are available for review.
HOW THIS WILL ADDRESS
RECREATION NEEDS
IMPROVING PARK ACCESS
Map 4.1 shows that several San Leandro neighborhoods
lack a park within walking distance. If school grounds
served as reliable public parks, park accessibility in San Leandro would be significantly improved, as illustrated in Map 4.3.
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL AMENITIES
Table 4.1 and the community survey indicate a demand
for amenities such as playgrounds, basketball courts, and multipurpose fields. Consistent public access to school facilities could help address these gaps at a low cost to the city. Additionally, collaborative efforts between the city and the school districts to add new amenities to school grounds that benefit both students and the broader community.
EXPANDING PROGRAMMING SPACES
The San Leandro community identified several program
offerings as high-priority needs (see Figure 3.3)
Partnering with local schools could help alleviate the
strain of additional programs on city parks and community centers, reducing scheduling conflicts and ensuring
adequate space for all city programs.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
VARIABLE CONDITIONS AND LACKING
AMENITIES
San Leandro’s school sites often have inconsistent
conditions and lack basic amenities like seating,
shade, and public restrooms, making their comfort and
recreational value somewhat lacking compared to a
traditional public park. To address this, the city and the school districts could work together to upgrade facilities and add amenities, ensuring sites meet a standard that is functional and inviting for both school and community use.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION OF GUIDELINES FOR
PUBLIC USE
To ensure public access aligns with student safety and
school operations, clear signage should define usage hours and specify which areas are available for public use, along with other safety measures. This will help avoid conflicts and establish a structured framework for shared facility use.
COST SHARING & MAINTENANCE
A collaborative funding strategy can help the city and
school districts share the costs of facility upgrades,
and maintenance and can explore grant opportunities
for joint-use facilities to further support these efforts. A clear agreement for long-term development, operations,
maintenance should also be established to ensure
facilities remain in good condition, while balancing the workload among parties.
MAP 4.2 | Recreation and Park Opportunities
LEGEND
City-Owned Opportunity
Development Opportunity
Trail Opportunity
Joint-Use Opportunity
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 56 DRAFT DRAFT 57 | Our Needs and Opportunities Reimagining
Underutilized Parks
San Leandro is home to a diverse range of parks.
While some are heavily used and may face issues
of overutilization, others are underutilized, presenting opportunities for reimagining their potential to better align with the evolving needs and desires of the community.
Although specific recommendations will be provided
in Chapter 5, the following underutilized parks present unique opportunities for thoughtful enhancement:
• Stenzel Park is underutilized but has limited space
for additional amenities. Creative approaches could
explore how to maximize its current features or
replace low-use amenities with amenities that would
better meet community needs.
• Toyon Park faces spatial constraints, which require
careful planning to introduce new features or
reconfigure existing ones to attract greater use.
• Thrasher Park, like Stenzel, is underutilized but has limited potential for new amenities without impacting
its sports fields. The park’s skate park, in particular, needs to be reimagined and improved.
• Marina Park is heavily used but features expansive,
unprogrammed lawn areas that could accommodate
some new amenities or community programs.
MAP 4.3 | Residential Areas within 1/2 mile (10-minute Walk) of a Park or School Site LEGEND
1/2 Mile Walk to City Park
1/2 Mile Walk to School
Residential Area
San Leandro City Parks
Regional Parks
Planned Parks
Golf Clubs
Public Open Space
City Boundary
Community Center
Aquatic Facility
School Facilities
Planned San Leandro
Creek Trail
Existing SF Bay Trail
Planned SF Bay Trail
Bart Lines
Rail Roads
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 58 DRAFT DRAFT 59 | Our Needs and Opportunities Realizing
Our Vision
05. San Leandro is falling short of its park acreage goal, with several neighborhoods lacking a park within a 10-minute walking distance. Additionally, the statistically valid survey highlighted additional neighborhood and community
parks as top priority investment areas (see Figure
3.1). It is therefore recommended that the City of San
Leandro expand its recreation and park system through
three key strategies: leverage future development to
create new open spaces through zoning requirements
and incentives, expand recreational opportunities
by reimagining existing assets and exploring innovative solutions, and strategically acquire parkland to
improve access and experiences. These approaches can
provide a framework to meet the city’s growing need
for parks and recreation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.1 Leverage Future Development
A) Establish clear expectations for amenities provided by future development (as private open space or publicly
accessible open space) that align with the high priority needs identified in Table 3.1, to receive a “Credit
for Private Recreation and open Space” or “Park and
Recreational Improvements” under Municode Chapter
7-1; Section 8.
B) Ensure that improvements to existing or provision
of new park and recreational facilities meet the park
design standards established on pages 74-78 to receive
a “Credit for Private Recreation and Open Space” or
“Park and Recreational Improvements” under Municode
Chapter 7-1; Section 8.
C) Prioritize the use of parkland dedication, park in-lieu fees, and development impact fees to meet park and
recreational needs prioritized in the Recreation and Parks Master Plan.
D) Establish clear parks and open space requirements
for the Bay Fair Transit-Oriented Development (TOD),
specifying minimum acreage, design standards, and
investment levels to ensure these spaces meet the needs of current and future residents.
1.2 Expand Recreational Opportunities
A) Update shared-use agreements with the San Leandro
and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts to enhance
community access to recreational facilities (see Goal 2:
Establish Strategic Partnerships).
B) Extend the city’s trail system by implementing
improvements from the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
and exploring the opportunities identified in Map 4.3.
C) Assess the potential for transforming underutilized city assets, such as canals or defunct rail corridors, into linear parks or greenways.
D) Identify and evaluate streets as potential open space assets, considering their use for public trails, greenways, plazas, and linear parks within the rights of way.
1.3 Strategically Acquire Parkland
A) Acquire parkland that meaningfully enhances park
experiences and improves accessibility for all residents (see Figure 5.1).
B) Create a Land Acquisition Plan that identifies strategic properties, funding sources, and departmental roles.
C) Utilize city-owned properties to establish new parks, trails, and open spaces.
GOAL 1:
EXPAND ACCESS TO RECREATION
AND PARK OPPORTUNITIES
FIGURE 5.1 | Criteria for Strategic Parkland Acquisition Though there is considerable need for additional parkland in San Leandro, the City should be selective in their
acquisitions to ensure public resources are well-spent on properties that will make a meaningful difference in meeting community need. Acquisition opportunities that satisfy one or more of the following criteria may be a worthy investment for the city’s park system.
Equitable Access:
Located in a residential area lacking a
public park within a ½-mile walk (See
Map 4.1) or situated in areas projected
for future growth.
Adequate Size:
Large enough to accommodate
substantial park amenities and support
diverse recreational uses
Enhanced
Connectivity:
Expands or connects to an existing park,
open space, or trail network.
Unique Features:
Contains rare or significant
environmental, cultural, historic, geologic,
scenic, or other valuable resources.
Minimal Impacts:
Near compatible land uses with minimal
exposure to heavily trafficked roads or
other sources of noise, pollution, or other
environmental hazards.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 62 DRAFT DRAFT 63 | Realizing Our Vision San Leandro’s built-out condition and limited financial resources make it challenging to provide new recreational opportunities independently. However, forming strategic partnerships with regional and local organizations can
significantly enhance the city’s ability to meet recreational needs. Collaborating with key partners can augment the
city-wide park system, expand recreational programming, and create innovative solutions to shared challenges.
Public School Districts
San Leandro and San Lorenzo Unified Public School
Districts offer significant potential for partnerships, as school grounds can provide valuable recreational opportunities if effectively managed. Although joint-use agreements exist, they lack clarity and consistency, limiting their dependability as recreational resources for the city and its residents.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 Partner with San Leandro and San
Lorenzo Unified Public School Districts
A) Revise joint-use agreements with the school districts to clearly define parameters for city programming, public
access, maintenance, and cost-sharing.
i) Ensure consistent rules for public use, including
specific facilities and hours of access.
ii) Establish clear guidelines for hosting city programs at school facilities such as gyms, multi-purpose rooms, and fields.
iii) Define maintenance responsibilities and costsharing agreements for facility upkeep.
B) Establish agreements with the school districts to
assess and implement cost-shared improvements to
school grounds, referencing the School Facility Park
Standards on page 80.
GOAL 2:
ESTABLISH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Madison Elementary School
East Bay Regional Park
District (EBRPD)
EBRPD manages Oyster Bay Regional Park, parts of the
San Francisco Bay Trail, and nearby Chabot Regional
Park. Strengthening the partnership with EBRPD can
ensure these facilities meet resident needs and help
address high-priority community goals.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.2 Partner with East Bay Regional Park
District (EBRPD)
A) Collaborate with EBRPD to enhance Oyster Bay
Regional Park and improve amenities such as trails, picnic areas, and restrooms.
B) Partner with EBRPD and other Bay Trail operators to
ensure a consistent, high-quality Bay Trail experience
through San Leandro.
Alameda County
The Alameda Flood Control District maintains and
operates the San Leandro, Estudillo, and San Lorenzo
canal systems, which present significant opportunities
for trail expansion—a top community priority. While the San Leandro Creek Trail is already planned, additional
opportunities exist to develop publicly accessible
trails along these canals, enhancing connectivity and
recreational options.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.3 Partner with Alameda County Flood
Control District
A) Work with Alameda Flood Control District to
ensure the San Leandro Creek Trail is implemented
effectively and integrates seamlessly with the city’s active transportation and recreation systems.
B) Collaborate with Alameda Flood Control District
to explore and assess the feasibility of developing
public trails along the San Lorenzo and Estudillo
Canals, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and community connectivity.
Neighboring Municipalities
& Regional Agencies
Collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions, such as
Oakland and the Hayward Area Recreation District
(HARD), presents opportunities to enhance recreational
access and address gaps near San Leandro’s city
boundaries.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.3 Partner with Neighboring
Municipalities and Regional Agencies
A) Develop operating and partnership agreements, such
as Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and seek
approval from the City and partner governing bodies.
B) Collaborate with the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission (MTC) to close the remaining gaps in the
San Francisco Bay Trail.
C) Explore partnerships with organizations like the
Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency (HASPA)
to support regional open space conservation and trail
development.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 64 DRAFT DRAFT 65 | Realizing Our Vision City Departments
Other city departments play an essential role in
supporting recreational opportunities and infrastructure.
While the Recreation and Parks Department leads these
efforts, departments like Public Works and Community
Development are critical for planning, developing, and
maintaining trails, parks, and open spaces.
Historically, the Library, Human Services, and Recreation and Parks departments were a single entity, but as they were subdivided over time, program and event responsibilities became divided. The Human Services Department now
focuses on senior programming, while the San Leandro
Library enhances recreational options through teen
programming and special events. This division highlights the importance of coordination among departments to ensure
cohesive and comprehensive program delivery.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.4 Collaborate with Other City
Departments
A) Partner with Public Works and Community Development
to expand the city’s trail system, implementing Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan improvements and leveraging
opportunities identified in Map 4.3.
B) Collaborate with Human Services and the Library
Department to reassess programming responsibilities,
ensuring alignment with departmental goals and
efficient service delivery (see Goal 3).
C) Collaborate with the Community Development
Department to review and optimize zoning requirements for parks and open spaces, ensuring the creation of high-value recreational assets that maximize community benefit (see Goal 1).
Community Organizations
Community organizations are essential in supporting
recreational facilities, programs, and events in San Leandro.
Key partners include the San Leandro Boys and Girls
Club, which offers before- and after-school programs and owns the city’s only indoor public swimming pool, and
the San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA), which
organizes and supports major community events, such
as the annual Cherry Festival in Downtown San Leandro.
Many other valuable partner organizations also contribute to the city’s vibrant recreational landscape.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.5 Partner with Compatible Community
Organizations
A) Strengthen partnerships with community organizations to expand recreational programming and support events
that enhance community life.
B) Explore new partnership opportunities to fill gaps in recreational services or facilities.
The Recreation and Parks Department delivers a diverse
array of community programs and services, which span 12 core areas, including aquatics, arts, health and wellness, and youth activities. Despite these offerings, opportunities exist to better address unmet needs, balance age segment representation, and improve marketing and evaluation
processes Expanding programs to serve diverse interests, activity levels, and multi-generational needs will ensure offerings align with community expectations and evolving leisure trends.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
3.1 Update Program and Service Offerings
to better Meet Community Needs
A) Expand, cease, or modify the City’s programs and
services to better meet community needs, prioritizing
areas of unmet need, as identified in Figure 3.1 and
summarized in Table 5.1.
B) Collaborate with the Human Services and Library
Departments to ensure adequate programming for
preschoolers, teens, older adults, and seniors. Consider reassessing programming responsibilities across
departments to improve continuity and efficiency.
C) Conduct ongoing analysis of community interest and
participation trends to focus resources on high-need
programs while reducing or phasing out those with
declining interest.
D) Reassess the City’s communication strategy for
advertising city recreation opportunities, prioizing the preferred communication channels identified in the
Statistically-Valid Survey.
3.2 Ensure Adequate Recreation Facilities to
Meet Programming Needs
A) Conduct a facility assessment of the Marina Community Center and Senior Center, evaluating facility condition, functionality, utilization, and ability to meet the
community’s need.
B) Designate and equip key city parks as community
event spaces with essential infrastructure.
C) Partner with school districts to increase access to
facilities for city programming (see Goal 2).
3.3 Classify Services and Establish Cost
Recovery Goals
A) Set cost recovery goals based on core program area
classifications and develop a flexible pricing policy aligned with these goals to ensure responsiveness to market trends.
B) Implement dynamic pricing strategies, such as seasonal rates, weekday/weekend pricing, and group discounts, to enhance cost recovery and accessibility.
3.4 Improve Programming Evaluation &
Marketing
A) Regularly utilize program evaluation tools and
participation data to adapt offerings to meet community needs.
B) Develop a formal marketing plan that aligns with
resident preferences for communication, as identified in the statistically valid survey.
C) Conduct annual lifecycle analyses to maintain a
balanced portfolio of new and mature programs while
phasing out declining offerings.
GOAL 3:
EXPAND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 66 DRAFT DRAFT 67 | Realizing Our Vision TABLE 5.1 | Program-Specific Recommendations
Recreation Programs and Services Action
Programs and Services Community Need*
Adult fitness and wellness programs High Seek opportunities to expand Exercise classes for all ages High Seek opportunities to expand Community special events High Seek opportunities to expand Cultural enrichment programs High Seek opportunities to expand Swim lessons High Seek opportunities to expand
Outdoor environmental programs High Seek opportunities to expand STEAM classes High Seek opportunities to expand
Water fitness programs/
lap swimming High Seek opportunities to expand
After school programs High Seek opportunities to expand Adult sports leagues High Seek opportunities to expand
Preschool programs/early childhood
education Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce Youth sports programs and camps Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Youth summer programs and camps Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Youth performing arts programs Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Gymnastics/tumbling programs Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Youth arts programs Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Recreation/competitive swim team Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Teen/tween programs Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Youth fitness and wellness classes Medium Continue at current service level while monitoring to expand or reduce
Programs for adults with
special needs Low Monitor to reduce, or modify to reach a target market Virtual programs Low Monitor to reduce, or modify to reach a target market Tennis lessons and leagues Low Monitor to reduce, or modify to reach a target market Programs for youth with
special needs Low Monitor to reduce, or modify to reach a target market *Source: 2024 City of San Leandro Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Statistically Valid Survey. See Table 3.1.
Improving the park experience in San Leandro requires
expanding and diversifying park amenities to meet the
evolving needs of the community. Parks are essential
for promoting physical activity, social interaction, and community well-being, and it is important to provide
spaces that cater to a wide range of activities, interests, and age groups. This includes balancing active and
passive amenities and creating environments that are safe and welcoming. The following recommendations focus on
expanding recreational opportunities, enhancing comfort and safety, and addressing community needs to ensure
parks remain functional and engaging for all users.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
4.1 Upgrade Existing Parks
A) Adopt park standards outlined on pages 74-79 and
upgrade existing parks to align with these standards
where feasible.
B) Fund and implement Park-by-Park improvements as
detailed in Table 5.2 to address specific needs and
deficiencies across the park system.
C) Fund and construct high-priority amenities, as
indicated in Figure 3.1, to existing parks, focusing on the most requested or underserved features.
D) Ensure amenities are well-balanced across the park
system, redistributing high-use amenities to areas where they are needed most.
E) Utilize professional landscape architectural expertise (internal or external) to oversee park design and
improvements, ensuring high quality design and consistency.
4.2 Improve Park Comfort
A) Add more comfort amenities such as restrooms,
seating, water fountains, and trash receptacles to
enhance the park experience.
B) Increase shade in parks by installing shade structures and planting more trees, following the guidance outlined in the Tree Master Plan.
C) Develop a Recreation and Park Signage &
Wayfinding Plan to establish consistent signage siting, style, content, and materials.
D) Adopt a formal maintenance management plan
that includes maintenance standards, a turf managment
program, performance metrics, and cost analyses.
E) Implement a centralized irrigation system and a GISbased asset management system for better scheduling, tracking, and management of maintenance activities.
F) Increase maintenance staffing levels by 2.45 FTEs
to improve service delivery and help meet operational
demands.
4.3 Improve Park Sense of Safety
A) Install adequate lighting in key areas, such as
pathways, entrances/exits, parking lots, and recreational zones, to enhance public safety and security.
B) Increase park activation through expanded
programming, higher-use amenities, and lighting that
extends park hours for evening use.
C) Improve regulation enforcement to ensure safe and
responsible park use .
D) Prioritize park safety improvements in parks with highincident reporting.
GOAL 4:
IMPROVE PARK EXPERIENCE
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 68 DRAFT DRAFT 69 | Realizing Our Vision Ensuring that San Leandro's parks are easily accessible and offer a welcoming environment for all residents is
essential. This includes creating spaces that are inclusive of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, individuals with varying cognitive and physical abilities, LGBTQ+
individuals, and people of color. By designing parks and recreational spaces that reflect the community's diversity and needs, we can foster a sense of belonging for
everyone, ensuring that all residents can enjoy and fully participate in the benefits that parks offer. The following recommendations aim to create parks that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally enriching for all users.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
5.1 Improve Access to Recreation and
Park Opportunities
A) Prioritize increasing recreational assets in gap
neighborhoods that are not within ½ mile of a
park (see Map 4.1). Developing community or
neighborhood parks should be the highest priority;
where this is not feasible, the City should explore other recreational facilities such as trails, recreation centers, mini parks, or plazas (see Goal 1 for acquisition
recommendations).
B) Enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
to support safe, accessible connections between
neighborhoods and parks and recreation facilities. Refer to the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for
recommended improvements.
C) Work with transit providers to Improve public
transportation access to parks, particularly for
underserved neighborhoods.
5.2 Create Inclusive Places & programs
A) Strive to represent the diversity of San Leandro’s
community through signage, artwork, programs,
and events that reflect the diversity of San Leandro’s
community.
B) Design parks with universal accessibility in mind,
incorporating amenities suitable for all ages and abilities.
This includes accessible play equipment, pathways,
seating, ramps, and more.
C) Provide gender-neutral restrooms and changing rooms
to ensure all visitors feel comfortable and supported.
D) Ensure language inclusion by offering multilingual
signage, as well as translating key program and event
materials to serve non-English speaking residents.
E) Integrate sensory-friendly spaces and quiet zones for individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those on the autism spectrum.
GOAL 5:
EQUITABLE & INCLUSIVE PARKS
Parks and recreational facilities are uniquely positioned to support both climate adaptation and public health
by providing safe spaces that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and environmental education. By
aligning with the San Leandro Climate Action Plan, the
city can ensure its parks contribute to a healthier, more resilient community for all residents.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
6.1 Enhance Resilience in San Leandro
Parks & Open Spaces
A) Coordinate with other city departments and resilience organizations in the development of a Shoreline Protection Plan that includes relevant, regionally-coordinated sealevel-rise adaptation strategies for San Leandro’s shoreline parks and open spaces.
B) Establish parks as resilience hubs through heat
mitigation features, such as drought-tolerant shade trees and shade structures.
C) Implement East Bay Municipal Utility District’s water efficiency requirements by reducing turf in passive areas, while focusing on maintaining healthy turf in active use areas.
D) Utilize a centralized irrigation system and controllers that ensure efficient water use for optimal plant health.
E) Ensure recreation and park facilities in very high fire hazard areas minimizes the risks of wildfire and includes adequate provisions for vegetation management,
emergency access, and firefighting.
F) Coordinate with the San Leandro WPCP to convert
the polishing pond into a multi-benefit treatment wetland.
GOAL 6:
PUBLIC HEALTH & CLIMATE RESILIENCE
G) Protect pollinator habitat and promote species
conservation in San Leandro parks and open spaces,
including of Monarch butterflies.
6.3 Support Public Health Through
Recreation & Parks
A) Introduce wellness zones within parks that include
hydration stations, shaded seating areas, and designated activity spaces to support physical and mental health while mitigating the effects of extreme heat.
B) Expand and enhance city-wide trails and park walking paths to encourage physical activity.
C) Develop programs that promote public health and
well-being.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 70 DRAFT DRAFT 71 | Realizing Our Vision A well-maintained and evolving recreation and parks
system requires consistent planning and reliable funding sources. To meet the community’s growing and changing
needs, the city must establish a robust framework for the continuous improvement, maintenance, and financing of
its parks and recreational facilities and programs. This includes incorporating parks and recreation into the city’s broader financial planning, actively seeking external
funding opportunities, and continually engaging with
the community to ensure recreational offerings align with public priorities. The following recommendations aim
to secure the long-term sustainability of San Leandro’s recreation and parks system.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
7.1 Strengthen Funding and Financial
Management
A) Create a diverse funding strategy for the capital
improvements identified in this plan, referencing the
estimated costs outlined in Table 5.2 and leveraging the funding strategies found in Table 5.4.
B) Adequately budget for routine recreation and park
maintenance and improvements to ensure consistent
financial support for meeting accepted service levels.
C) Dedicated staff resources to identify and apply for
grant opportunities to support park improvements, new
amenities, and recreational programming.
GOAL 7:
PLANNING AND FINANCING A THRIVING
RECREATION AND PARK SYSTEM
7.2 Plan and Engage Proactively
A) Monitor the progress of implementing the Recreation
and Parks Master Plan recommendations.
B) Update the Recreation and Parks Master Plan
incrementally every 3-4 years, with a comprehensive
update at least every 10 years, to reflect changing
community needs and priorities.
C) With the help of the Recreation and Parks Commission, establish consistent community engagement practices,
such as surveys, town halls, and focus groups, to gather input on evolving recreational needs and preferences.
D) Develop an annual reporting process to track progress on park maintenance, improvements, and funding goals,
keeping the community informed and engaged.
Top 10 Recommendations:
Fund and construct high-priority amenities, as
indicated in Figure 3.1, to existing parks, focusing
on the most requested or underserved features.
Fund and implement Park-by-Park improvements
as detailed in Table 5.2 to address specific
needs and deficiencies across the park system.
Extend the city’s trail system by implementing
improvements from the Bicycle & Pedestrian
Master Plan and exploring the opportunities
identified in Map 4.3.
Increase shade in parks by installing shade
structures and planting more trees, following the
guidance outlined in the Tree Master Plan.
Create a diverse funding strategy for the capital
improvements identified in this plan, referencing
the estimated costs outlined in Table 5.2 and
leveraging the funding strategies found in Table
5.4. The following top ten improvements will likely make the largest impact in addressing the community's needs and desires. While all recommendations are important, focusing on these priorities will particularly help enhance the recreational experience in San Leandro.
Expand the City’s recreation programs
and services, prioritizing areas of greatest
unmet need, as identified in Figure 3.1 and
summarized in Table 5.1.
Revise joint-use agreements with the school
districts to clearly define parameters for city
programming, public access, maintenance,
and cost-sharing.
Establish agreements with the school districts to
assess and implement cost-shared improvements
to school grounds, enhancing their usability for
both students and residents.
Conduct a facility assessment of the Marina
Community Center and Senior Center, evaluating
facility condition, functionality, utilization, and
ability to meet the community’s need.
Acquire parkland that meaningfully enhances
park experiences and improves accessibility for
all residents (see Figure 5.1).
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 72 DRAFT DRAFT 73 | Realizing Our Vision
PARK DEVELOPMENT
GUIDELINES
The Park Development Guidelines establish clear
standards for the planning, design, and evolution of
parks in the city. These guidelines define park types,
set expectations for amenities, and ensure a consistent level of service across all neighborhoods. By tailoring park requirements to their intended use and community
context, this framework supports equitable access, quality recreational experiences, and sustainable development
practices.
The guidelines address four primary park types—
Community Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Mini Parks,
and Special Use Parks—each designed to serve distinct
functions while complementing the broader park
system. Detailed criteria for size, location, amenities, and landscaping are provided to guide future park
development and inform improvements to existing parks.
Community Parks
Large-scale parks that provide
opportunities for community-scale
facilities to serve a substantial
portion of the city.
SIZE:
10-30 acres
LOCATION & ACCESS:
Distributed across the city and adjacent to schools, libraries, other community activity centers. Street frontages at site boundary wherever possible, we at least one major street frontage. Good access to the city’s transportation network, including bus routes, bikeways, sidewalks, and trails.
PARKING:
On-site vehicular parking based on amenity needs and
bike parking.
AMENITIES:
REQUIRED:
• Destination Playground (unique or thematic
playground that is universally accessible and made
for ages 2-5 and 5-12).
• 1+ regulation sports field
• 3+ lit sport courts
• 1+ special recreation amenity (i.e. amphitheater, skate park, splash pad, dog park, roller rink, pump track,
disc golf, community garden, etc.)
• 2+ group picnic shelters
• Dispersed picnic areas
• Open lawn for multi-use recreation and unstructured
play
• Accessible walking loop (preferably 1 mile or longer) • 1+ permanent restrooms (based on park capacity/
amenities)
• Site furnishings (including benches, tables, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.)
• Site signage
• Intuitive and accessible pathway circulation
• Storage/maintenance buildings
RECOMMENDED:
• Soft surface jogging path (preferably half mile or
longer)
• Interpretive trail and/or signage
• Indoor recreation center, gymnasium, or community
center.
• Public art
LANDSCAPE:
• Large shade trees should be plentiful, with a tree
canopy of at least 25% of the site.
• Turf grass should only be used in centralized lawn
or picnic areas. Periphery landscape areas should
include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings.
• Existing natural features should be preserved and
incorporated and optimized for resource and habitat
protection, windbreaks, and shade.
Example of a Group Picnic Shelter
Example of a Walking Loop
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 74 DRAFT DRAFT 75 | Realizing Our Vision Neighborhood Parks
Medium-sized parks that provide
passive and active recreation
opportunities within walking or biking
distance for residents in one or more
neighborhoods.
SIZE:
5-10 acres preferred
LOCATION & ACCESS:
Central to the neighborhoods that they serve with
residential or school adjacent land uses and at least two street frontages. Where applicable, connect to bikeways, sidewalks and trails and minimize access barriers such as fencing, steep slopes, or major arterial roads.
PARKING:
Street and bike parking
AMENITIES:
REQUIRED
• Playground (or comparable play environment for
ages 2-5 and 5-12)
• 1+ active-use amenity, such as a sport court or
athletic field
• 1+ special recreation amenity (i.e. amphitheater, skate park, splash pad, dog park, roller rink, pump track,
community garden, sensory garden, etc.)
• Open lawn for multi-use recreation and unstructured
play
• Dispersed picnic areas
• Accessible walking loop
• Site furnishings (including benches, tables, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.)
• Site signage
• Intuitive and accessible pathway circulation
RECOMMENDED:
• Group picnic shelter
• Permanent restrooms (based on park capacity/
amenities)
• Interpretive signage, especially near notable natural features.
• Interpretive trail and/or signage
• Public art
LANDSCAPE:
• Large shade trees should be plentiful, with a tree
canopy of at least 25% of the site.
• Turf grass should only be used in centralized lawn
or picnic areas. Periphery landscape areas should
include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings.
• Existing natural features should be preserved and
incorporated and optimized for resource and habitat
protection, windbreaks, and shade.
Mini Parks
Mini parks are small-sized parks that
provide basic recreation amenities for
nearby residents in a specific
neighborhood or subdivision.
SIZE:
Less than 1 acre
LOCATION & ACCESS:
Embedded within neighborhoods or at trailheads.
Frontage on two streets is preferable; one street frontage is acceptable.
PARKING:
Street and bike parking
AMENITIES:
REQUIRED:
• 1+ active-use amenity, such as a sport court or tot lot, placed with sensitivity to neighbors
• Open lawn for multi-use recreation and
unstructured play
• Dispersed picnic areas
• Site furnishings (including benches, tables, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.)
• Site signage
• Intuitive and accessible pathway circulation
RECOMMENDED
• Playground (or comparable play environment for
ages 2-5 and 5-12)
• Small or mid-sized picnic shelter.
• Interpretive signage, especially near notable
natural features.
• Public art
LANDSCAPE:
• Large shade trees should be plentiful, with a tree
canopy of at least 25% of the site.
• Turf grass should only be used in centralized lawn
or picnic areas. Periphery landscape areas should
include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 76 DRAFT DRAFT 77 | Realizing Our Vision Special Use Parks
Special use parks generally center
aroung one non-traditional recreation
amenity.
SIZE:
Varies based on recreational purpose
LOCATION & ACCESS:
Varies but should be served by transit, bikeways, and
adjacent sidewalks. One major street frontage is desirable with direct connections to sidewalks and bike facilities.
PARKING:
Varies based on amenity.
AMENITIES:
Major amenities are dependent on the site’s purpose.
However, there are certain supporting amenities that
should be standard across all sites include: wayfinding signage, site furnishings (benches, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.).
LANDSCAPE: • Large shade trees should be plentiful as appropriate for site use.
• Periphery landscape areas should include lowmaintenance, drought-tolerant plantings. • Existing natural features should be preserved and incorporated and optimized for resource and habitat
protection, windbreaks, and shade.
Example of a Community Garden
Example of a Dog Park
School Facilities*
School Facilities are publicly accessible
after school hours, during school
holidays, and throughout summer
break sessions through joint-use
agreements between the City and
school districts. These shared facilities
integrate educational and recreational
uses, optimizing resources and
providing spaces for both students and
community members.
Size: varies
Location & Access: Multiple clear points of access with wayfinding and regulatory signage that details timing and other parameters for public use. Access points should be connected to bikeways, sidewalks and trails and minimize access barriers such as fencing, steep slopes, or major arterial roads.
Parking: Street and on-site parking (school parking lot after hours)
AMENITIES: • Playground (or comparable play environment) • 1+ active-use amenity, such as a sport court or athletic field
• Open lawn for multi-use recreation and unstructured
play
• Site furnishings (including benches, tables, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.)
• Site signage • Intuitive and accessible pathway circulation • Picnic area(s) • Publicly accessible permanent restrooms (based on park capacity/amenities)
LANDSCAPE: • Large shade trees should be plentiful, with a tree canopy of at least 25% of the site.
• At least 50% of the park site should be vegetated/
unpaved
• Turf grass should only be used in centralized lawn
or picnic areas. Periphery landscape areas should
include low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plantings.
• Existing natural features should be preserved and
incorporated and optimized for resource and habitat
protection, windbreaks, and shade.
Example of an Open Lawn
*The design process for school facilities is complex, requiring addition- al layers of review to ensure compliance with state requirements. As a result, extra flexibility applying these guidelines may be necessary.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 78 DRAFT DRAFT 79 | Realizing Our Vision
PARK IMPROVEMENT
STRATEGY
A Park Improvement Strategy has been created to provide a structured approach to upgrading and enhancing the
city’s parks to ensure they meet current and future community needs. By categorizing improvements into three distinct tiers, the strategy prioritizes maintaining existing resources, strategically enhancing functionality, and undertaking
visionary transformations. This tiered framework allows for a clear understanding of the scope, goals, and investment required for each type of improvement, while also aligning upgrades with community aspirations and long-term urban planning objectives. Parks within Tiers B and C should
have site specific master plans, so when funding becomes available, the vision and cost for improvements is clear.
FIGURE 5.1 | Park Improvement Tiers
Tier A
Maintaining what
we have
Improving what
we have
Developing new
opportunities
$
SUSTAINING
$$
STRATEGIC
$$$
VISIONARY
Tier B Tier C
Tier A: Sustaining
Tier A consists of park improvements critical to keep the park system functioning, including routine maintenance, repairs, repainting, replanting, "lifecycle replacement" (i.e. aged amenity/infrastructure replacement), and addressing barriers to access for people with disabilities. The intention of this category is to make the most of existing resources with the primary goal being for the City to maintain existing investments. These improvements are often funded through the City’s general fund.
Tier B: Strategic
Tier B includes strategic park enhancements that improve site functionality, experience, and recreational opportunity.
These updates do not typically drastically change the
character or form of the park but include improvements
to existing features, integration of new amenities or new technologies, or other strategic changes that improve
park experience. These improvements often require
significant operational or capital funding to complete
and may require the development of a site specific
master plan.
Tier C: Visionary
Tier C improvements include comprehensive park
renovations, acquisitions, and the creation of new parks.
Existing parks within the Visionary tier typically do not currently meet community needs and need a complete
renovation to do so. Typically, these projects start with a site specific master plan to analyze conditions, explore the needs of the community, and create a new park
design. These projects are often the most expensive but offer the most flexibility to introduce new recreational opportunities within the community.
PARK BY PARK
RECOMMENDATIONS
City staff and the planning team conducted a park-bypark assessment in Summer 2024, identifying potential park improvements based on the general condition
of each site; issues pertaining to site access and use; and park-specific needs, wants, and aspirations
communicated during the public engagement process.
These park-specific recommendations are detailed in
Table 5.2, which also includes estimated costs for each park. Level of priority was determined based on the
degree the project would help address the equity and
amenity needs identified in this plan.
Though not detailed in this plan, the city should also work with the School Districts to improve joint-use facilities to better meet resident recreation needs. For more
information, reference Leveraging School Facilities on
page 57.
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 80 DRAFT DRAFT 81 | Realizing Our Vision Park Name
Acreage
Improvement Tier
Recommendations
Priority Level
Basic Improvements
or Life-Cycle
Replacement
New Amenities
Estimated Cost
Community Parks
Chabot Park 4.8 A:
Sustaining
amphitheater;
playground/swings;
parking; picnic area;
amphitheater; playground/
swings; parking; picnic area;
planting update; signage
$562,500* 3
Marina Park 17.9 B:
Strategic fitness equipment fitness equipment $1,937,500 2 Washington
Manor Park 14 C:
Visionary Refer to Site-Specific Master Plan $13,828,155 2 Neighborhood Parks
Bonaire
Park 5.4 B: Strategic
perimeter walking-path; shade
structure(s), storage, fitness
equipment; dispersed picnic
sites; bike racks
$271,250* 2
Cherry
Grove Park 7 B: Strategic
restrooms; upgrade
tennis courts to
accomoate pickleball;
bike racks; consolidated,
assessible, and shaded picnic
areas; community garden;
shade structure and trees
$481,250* 3
Floresta Park 0.8 B:
Strategic playground;
bike racks; shade structure and
trees; perimeter walking path,
replace ballfield with highdemand amenities
$750,000* 2
Halcyon
Park 4.9 A:
Sustaining playground; paving;
shade structure; expanded
picnic areas, replace concrete
volleyball court with sand;
remove boulders from lawn
$463,750* 1
Stenzel Park 9.3
A: Sustaining pathways
shade trees, signage,
drinking fountain, expanded
playground
$412,500* 4
C: Visionary To be based on Site-Specific Master Plan $14,531,250** 1 TABLE 5.2 | Park by Park Recommended Improvements
* ADA, Landscaping, and Furniture improvements are included under System-Wide Improvements ** Cost estimated based $1M per acre
Park Name
Acreage
Improvement Tier
Recommendations
Estimated Cost
Priority Level
Basic Improvements
or Life-Cycle
Replacement
New Amenities
Neighborhood Parks
Thrasher Park 4.2
A: Sustaining bike racks $0* 2
C: Visionary To be based on Site-Specific Master Plan $6,626,250** 3 Memorial Park 2.7 N/A N/A – currently being renovated $0 N/A Toyon Park 2.1 A: Sustaining walking path shade structure, bike rack $500,000* 1 Siempre Verde
Park 1.8 A: Sustaining $0* 5
Tony B.
Santos Park 1 A: Sustaining bike racks $0* 4
Mini Parks
Root Park 0.8 A: Sustaining bike racks; $0* 5
Victoria Park 0.3 A: Sustaining $0* 5
Warden Park 0.3 A: Sustaining ADA improvements; bike racks $0* 5 Special Use Parks
Dog Park 1.3 A: Sustaining shade trees $0* 4
System-Wide Improvements
ADA Accessibility Improvements $2,800,000
Landscaping Update $350,000
Irrigation Update conversion to a
centralized system $1,500,000
Furniture Replacement & Upgrades Replacement of worn grills, trash cans, benches, signage, tables, etc. in all parks. Addition of bike racks in all parks $1,400,000 Total Estimated Cost $47,009,405
* ADA, Landscaping, and Furniture improvements are included under System-Wide Improvements ** Cost estimated based $1M per acre
TABLE 5.2 | Park by Park Recommended Improvements (continued) table continues on page 83
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 82 DRAFT DRAFT 83 | Realizing Our Vision The ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable strategy to maintain and operate a high-quality parks and recreation system over time.
This section provides a summary of cost estimates
to assist the City in budgeting for park construction,
lifecycle improvements, and ongoing maintenance.
All cost estimates are presented in 2025 dollars. It is recommended to apply a 3-5% annual escalation
to account for inflation. Estimates do not include the
demolition of existing infrastructure or “soft” costs.
FIGURE 5.1 | Total Cost of Ownership
TOTAL COST OF
OWNERSHIP
Total cost of ownership is a straightforward yet often
overlooked concept: parks require funding not only for
construction but also for ongoing maintenance and longterm sustainability. While allocating one-time funds for park construction through a Capital Improvement Program can result in the gratifying addition of a new park, it is equally important to account for the annual incremental increase in maintenance and lifecycle replacement costs.
CAPITAL
INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS
+ MAINTENANCE
LIFECYCLE
REPLACEMENTS
TOTAL COST OF
OWNERSHIP
Capital Investments
Capital investments encompass both enhancements to
existing parks and facilities as well as the construction of new ones. Understanding the costs associated with these improvements is essential for the City to incorporate them into its annual budget effectively. A strategic approach to capital investments ensures that resources are prioritized and allocated efficiently to maintain and expand
the City’s parks and recreation system to meeting the
community’s growing and evolving needs.
IMPROVING EXISTING PARKS & FACILITIES
Investing in existing parks is crucial for addressing aging infrastructure, improving functionality, and enhancing user experiences. Table 5.2 outlines the recommended capital improvements for existing parks and facilities, along with their associated estimated costs. These improvements
primarily focus on adding in-demand amenities to ensure the City’s parks more effectively meet residents’ needs.
NEW PARKS & FACILITIES
Expanding the park system is a key priority of the
Recreation and Parks Master Plan. To meet this goal,
the plan recommends that the City establish an annual
budget for acquisition and development of new parks,
trails, and recreation facilities. This funding will support efforts to address gaps in park access, provide diverse recreational opportunities, and accommodate the City’s
growing population. As noted later in this chapter, there are many funding sources available to help meet this
goal.
Operations & Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the City’s parks remain safe, functional, and inviting spaces for recreation.
Maintenance activities include basic landscape care,
irrigation operation and repair, and the upkeep of
restrooms and other park amenities.
An assessment of park operations and maintenance
was conducted to evaluate current service levels,
staff hours, and associated costs. When compared to
industry best practices, the analysis identified the need for an additional $302,000 in annual funding to
adequately maintain San Leandro’s park system. This
funding would support the hiring of 2.5 additional
Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs), ensuring sufficient staffing to meet maintenance demands and sustain the quality of
park services.
PARK AND FACILITY MAINTENANCE STAFFING NEEDED:
17 2.5 19.5 Current Park and
Facility Staff
Additional
Needed
Total
Needed
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 84 DRAFT DRAFT 85 | Realizing Our Vision Lifecycle Replacement
All park elements have a finite lifespan and will eventually require replacement. The lifecycle of each element varies based on its type, use, and environmental factors. Table
5.2 identifies existing facilities currently in need of immediate lifecycle replacement to help the City identify urgent repairs and upgrades. Additionally, Table 5.3 provides cost estimates and lifecycle timelines for a wide range of park amenities, enabling the City to plan and budget for future replacement needs systematically. These costs are fine-tuned to the Bay Area and include installation.
Program Replacement
Timeline Unit Estimated Cost Notes
Recreation Amenities
Amphitheater 25-35 yrs Each $187,500-$375,000 Size varies based on seating needs Basketball Court 20-30 yrs Each $62,000-$93,000
Baseball/Softball Field 25-30 yrs Each $221,680-$299,920 Infield mix only, incl. bleachers and fencing
Backstop 20-30 yrs Each $68,000-$92,000
Bocce Court 10-15 yrs Each $33,000-$66,000 12' x 60' court Community Garden 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $5-$10
Disc Golf Course 10-20 yrs Each $1,100-$2,200 Cost per hole Dog Park 20-30 yrs Acre $630,000-$875,000 Includes surfacing, fencing, and agility features
Fit Course 10-15 yrs Each $1,650-$2,750 Cost per equipment Multiuse Field - Artificial
Turf 7-10 yrs Each $1,100,000-$1,650,000 Field only, size may vary Multiuse Field - Lawn 25-35 yrs Sq Ft $2-$4 Sod, irrigation Pickleball Court 10-20 yrs Each $110,000-$165,000 4 courts Playground 15-20 yrs Each $250,000-$1,100,000 Dependent on size and features Pump Track 10-20 yrs Each $20-$30 grading, trees, hydroseed, furnishing Roller Rink 20-30 yrs Each $22,000-$45,000 Asphalt surface with painted lines Skate Park 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $350-$800 In-ground
Splash Pad 20-30 yrs Each $850,000-$1,150,000
Tennis Courts 20-30 yrs Each $110,000-$165,000
Volleyball 20-30 yrs Each $16,500-$27,500 Sand and nets TABLE 5.3 | Estimated Lifecycle Replacement Periods and Costs table continues on page 87
TABLE 5.3 | Estimated Lifecycle Replacement Periods and Costs (continued) Program Replacement
Timeline Unit Estimated Cost Notes
Structures
Aquatic Center 25-30 yrs Sq Ft $550-$825 Depends on pool type Concession Stand 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $450-$650
Shade Sail 25-35 yrs Each $33,000-$110,000 Size varies
Shade Structure 25-35 yrs Each $275,000-$550,000 20'x20' Structure Recreation Center 40-50 yrs Sq Ft $550-$650
Restroom 20-30 yrs Each $385,000-$550,000 Multiple unisex single occupancy Furnishing
Bench 15-20 yrs Each $1,500-$3,500
Bike Rack 10-15 yrs Each $550-$1,650
Bleachers 20-30 yrs Each $4,250-$5,750 5 row
Barbeque 10-15 yrs Each $550-$1,650
Drinking Fountain 10-15 yrs Each $13,500-$16,500
Picnic Table 15-20 yrs Each $2,500-$5,500
Trash Receptacle 10-15 yrs Each $2,000-$3,000
Paving
Trail (Unpaved) 20-25 yrs Sq Ft $4-$6
Trail (Paved) 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $27-$45 Concrete Surface
Asphalt Paving 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $6-$10
Concrete Paving 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $20-$30
Decomposed Granite
Paving 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $13-$17
Playground Surfacing -
Wood Fiber n/a Sq Ft $8-$12
Playground Surfacing -
Rubber 7-10 yrs Sq Ft $32-$44
Plaza Paving 20-30 yrs Sq Ft $25-$50 Stamped Concrete or Unit Pavers Lighting
Court Lighting 25-35 yrs Each $48,000-$72,000
Field Lighting 20-30 yrs Each $550,000-$1,000,000
Pedestrian Light Pole 25-35 yrs Each $8,500-$11,500
Plants
Tree n/a Each $375-$750 Varies widely by tree type
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 86 DRAFT DRAFT 87 | Realizing Our Vision Funding
Planning for the costs associated with creating,
maintaining, and operating a parks and recreation system is critical. Table 5.4 summarizes potential funding sources by type and feasibility. The key funding categories include: • Tax Support: Property taxes, sales taxes, community facility districts, and special improvement districts.
• User Fees: Fees for facility use, participation in sports leagues, special use permits, and equipment rentals.
• Capital Fees: Development impact fees and capital
facility fees.
• Grants: State and federal funding opportunities for
parks and recreation
• External Funding: Private donations, sponsorships,
partnerships, and crowdfunding.
• Franchises and Licenses: Revenue from
concessions, naming rights, and advertising sales
Securing these funding sources often requires significant City resources and staff time. Ensuring adequate staffing levels is critical to effectively pursue these opportunities and provide sustainable funding for the parks and
recreation system.
Funding Strategy Description Implementation
Feasibility
Tax Support
Property Taxes Ad valorem taxes on real property High
Community Facility Districts Special property owner approved assessment High Hotel, Motel, and
Restaurant Tax
Tax based hospitality and meal services, which may be used to build and operate special park and recreation facilities. Medium
Special Improvement
District/Benefit District
Special tax district established to provide funds for certain types of improvements that benefit a specific group of affected properties. Medium Sales Tax Dedicating a portion of the city's sales tax to funding parks and recreation facilities. High
Public Improvement District
(PID)
A special tax district set up by a new development to fund the operation and maintenance of public amenities such as parks and major boulevards. Low Capital Fees
Capital Fees
Fees added to the cost of revenue producing facilities (such as golf courses, pools, recreation centers, hospitality centers and sports complexes), which are removed after the improvement is paid off.
High
Dedication/Development
Fees
Fees applied to new residential development with the proceeds to be used for the development of new parks and recreation facilities. High User Fees
Recreation Service Fees
A dedicated user fee paid by facility users, such as sports leagues and special interested classes, to help contribute toward the upkeep or construction of the facility
High
Ticket Sales/Admissions Fees for self-directed activities such as pools, ice skating rinks, ballparks, and entertainment facilities. High
Special Use Permits
A charge for permits that allow individuals to use park property for financial gain. The City either receives a set amount or percentage of total revenue generated.
High
Reservations Fees allowing users to reserve specific public facilities for a set amount of time, including group picnic shelters, meeting rooms, etc. High Equipment Rental Fees from rental of equipment such as tables, chairs, tents, stages, sports equipment, roller blades, watercraft, etc. Low
TABLE 5.4 | Estimated Lifecycle Replacement Periods and Costs table continues on page 90
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 88 DRAFT DRAFT 89 | Realizing Our Vision TABLE 5.4 | Estimated Lifecycle Replacement Periods and Costs (continued) table continues on page 91
Funding Strategy Description Implementation
Feasibility
Grants
Various Grants from state or federal governments, foundations, businesses and nonprofits Medium External Funding
Corporate Sponsorships Allows corporations to invest in new or existing recreation facilities, programs or events.
Medium
Crowdfunding Aggregated funds from people willing to support a specific project or program. Common platforms include kickstarter.org and razoo.com etc. Medium Partnerships & Interlocal
Agreements
Joint funding effort in partnership with separate agencies, including government entities, non-profits, or private businesses. Based on a negotiated agreement, partners often share the asset, along with its associated operational and maintenance costs and responsibilities.
High
Private Donations/
Foundations
Private donations received in the form of funds, land, facilities, recreation equipment, art or in-kind services. Can be received through a variety of means, including capital campaigns, gifts catalogs, fundraisers, endowments, etc.
Low
Friends Groups Groups formed to raise money for a single purpose Medium Irrevocable Remainder
Trusts
Individuals allocate a portion of their assets to the City through a trust fund, which is invested to grow over time. The City can utilize the fund to support specific park and recreation facilities or programs as designated by the trustee.
Low
Volunteerism Donation of time to assist the department in providing a service, in turn reducing the City's costs. High
Franchises and Licenses
Catering Permits and
Services
This is a license to allow caterers to work in the park system on a permit basis with a set fee or a percentage of food sales returning to the City. Low Pouring Rights
Private soft drink companies that execute agreements with the City for exclusive pouring rights within park facilities. A portion of the gross sales goes back to the City.
Low
Concession Management Retail sales of soft goods, hard goods, or consumable items at park and recreation facilities. Low
Funding Strategy Description Implementation
Feasibility
Franchises and Licenses
Private Management
Contract with a private business to provide and operate desirable recreational activities financed, constructed, and operated by the private sector.
High
Naming Rights Selling the naming rights for new or renovated facilities to help fund facility construction. High
Leasing City-Owned Land
Private developers lease City-owned land for recreational purposes, such as golf course, marina, restaurants, driving ranges, sports complexes, equestrian facilities, recreation centers and ice arenas.
Low
Utility Easements
Easements can be used to finance acquisition and development of parkland by selling the right for utility companies to develop above- or below-ground infrastructure for a set period.
Medium
Advertising Sales The sale of appropriate advertising on park and recreation related items, such as in the City’s program guide, scoreboards, and other visible items. High TABLE 5.4 | Estimated Lifecycle Replacement Periods and Costs (continued) San Leandro Park Master Plan | 90 DRAFT DRAFT 91 | Realizing Our Vision Success Metrics
Measuring the success of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan is essential to ensure successful implementation
of desired outcomes and community priorities. By
establishing clear metrics tied to each strategic goal, the City can monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and communicate the value of its efforts to residents,
stakeholders, and decision-makers. Table 5.1 outlines
specific success metrics, organized by the seven strategic goals of this plan, to provide a comprehensive framework for tracking performance and impact.
Recommendation Metric Target/Objective
Goal 1: Expand Access to Recreation and Park Opportunities
1.1 Expand Recreational Opportunities
% of residents within ½ mile of a
recreational opportunity (park, joint-use
facility, trail, open space, etc.)
Increase to 100% by 2035.
1.2 Leverage Future Development Total park acreage developed within Bay Fair TOD
Large community park within Bay Fair
TOD
1.3 Strategically Acquire Parkland % of residents within ½ mile of a park Increase to 80% of residents by 2035.
Goal 2: Establish Strategic Partnerships
2.1 School Districts Public access to school sites that meet park standards
100% of existing and future joint-use
school sites are publicly accessible within
the outlined parameters for use and meet
the established Joint-Use Park Standards
by 2035
2.2-2.5 All Partner Organizations Number of partnerships formalized with schools, nonprofits, and businesses Establish 5+ new partnerships by 2035 TABLE 5.2 | Success Metrics
table continues on page 93
Recommendation Metric Target/Objective
Goal 3: Expand Recreational Programming
3.1 Update Program and Service
Offerings to better Meet Community
Needs
% of high priority programs and services
offered to the community;
100% of high priority program and
service needs offered by 2030;
% of low priority/low enrollment programs
eliminated, contracted, or brokered to
another agency.
75% of low priority/low enrollment
programs by 2030.
3.2 Increase Resident Participation in
Programs % of residents participating in programs 40% of residents participating in programs and services annually
3.3 Ensure Adequate Recreation Facilities
to Meet Programming Needs Conduct a recreation facility assessment Conduct a recreation facility assessment by 2028.
3.4 Classify Services and Establish Cost
Recovery Goals
% of total cost of programs recovered by
revenue
40% of all annual program and service
costs recovered by revenue by 20
3.5 Improve Programming Evaluation % of time spent by full-time staff on evaluating programs
15% of full-time staff time spent on
evaluating programs by 2026
Goal 4: Improve Park Experience
4.1 Upgrade Existing Parks Number of park-by-park improvement projects completed
100% of the park by park upgrades by
2035
4.2 Improve Park Comfort Shade coverage (at tree maturity) Achieve 25% shade coverage in parks by 2030 (at tree maturity).
4.3 Improve Park Safety Reduction in reported park incidents Decrease incidents by 50% by 2030 Goal 5: Equitable & Inclusive Parks
5.1 Improve Access to Recreation and
Park Opportunities
% of disadvantaged residents within ½
mile of a recreational opportunity (park,
joint-use facility, trail, open space, etc.)
Increase to 100% by 2035.
Percentage of recreation programs tailored
to disadvantaged populations (e.g., lowincome, seniors, people with disabilities).At least 30% of all programs by 2030.
5.2 Create Inclusive Spaces & Programs
Accessibility improvements completed
(e.g., ADA-compliant paths, all-abilities
amenities, etc.)
Complete 2+ park accessibility
upgrades annually.
Goal 6: Public Health & Climate Resilience
6.1 Enhance Resilience in San Leandro
Parks and Open Spaces
Plan for shoreline restoration and
adaption
Complete planning to address 100% of
City shoreline by 2030
Reduce irrigation water used in parks.
Decrease water use by 30% within 5
years through efficient irrigation systems
and lawn reduction
TABLE 5.2 | Success Metrics (continued)
table continues on page 94
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 92 DRAFT DRAFT 93 | Realizing Our Vision Recommendation Metric Target/Objective
6.3 Support Public Health Through
Recreation & Parks
Expansion of trails and walking paths Construct 10+ miles of trails or park walking paths by 2035
Number of programs supporting public
health, fitness and wellness
2+ programs offered to support public
health
Goal 7: Sustained Planning and Financing
7.1 Strengthen Funding and Financial
Management
Annual allocation of funds from the city's
general fund for recreation and parks
Dedicate an additional $300,000* to
the city's general fund annually to support
recreation and park system operations
and maintenance.
7.2 Plan and Engage Proactively Recreation and Parks Master Plan updated Complete updates every 10 years.
* Based on the 2025 San Leandro Recreation & Parks Maintenance Assessment. See page 85 for more detail.
TABLE 5.2 | Success Metrics (continued)
San Leandro Park Master Plan | 94 DRAFT DRAFT 95 | Chapter Title