HomeMy WebLinkAbout6BPetanqueOakHillParkCITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA BILL
February 25, 2008
Aeenda Title: Meetine Date: February 25, 2008
Resolution Authorizing Development of a Petanque Court in Oak Hill Park
and Directing Staff to Develop and Execute an Appropriate Use Agreement Meetine Time: ® 3:00 PM
with the Petanque Club. ❑ 7:00 PM
Category: ❑ Presentation ❑ Consent Calendar ❑ Public Hearing ❑ Unfinished Business ® New Business
Department:
Parks and Recreation
Cost of Proposal: N/A
Amount Budgeted:
Director:
Contact Person:
Ron DeNicola
Jan Mandrell
Phone Number:
(707)778-4321
Account Number:
Name of Fund:
Attachments to Aeenda Packet Item:
A. Resolution Allowing Development of a Petanque Court in Oak Hill Park.
B. Site Plan & Proposal Titled: Petaluma Petatique
Summary Statement: Neighbors of Oak Hill Park have proposed the installation of a Petanque Court in Oak
Hill Park in partnership with the City of Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department. The Petanque proponents
will provide all labor, materials and perpetual maintenance of the court. Subsequent to City consent, the
proponents will organize a Petanque Club and become affiliated with the National organization.
A variety of public meetings have been held, and a planning sub -committee created, to review site plans and
make final recommendations. Included among recommendations is the proposed location within the park, which
as a result of neighborhood comment and collaboration between proponents and city staff, is different than
originally proposed.
The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission considered the issue at each of their regularly scheduled meetings
from January 2007, through June 2007. The final Petanque proposal was presented to the commission on June 20,
2007, and they recommend City Council approval of the proposal.
Recommended Citv Council Action/Sueeested Motion:
Adopt the Resolution allowing development of a Petanque Court in Oak Hill Park and Directing Staff to Develop
and Execute an Appropriate Use Agreement with the Petanque Club.
Reviewed by Admin, Xvcs. Dir: Reviewed by City Attornev: Approved byitv Manaeer:
Aaa� e: 'Llh' 1 6� Date: Date:
Rev. # Date Last Revised: File:
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CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 25,2008
AGENDA REPORT
FOR
Resolution Authorizing Development of a Pdtanque Court in Oak Hill Park and Directing Staff
to Develop and Execute an Appropriate Use Agreement with the Pdtanque Club.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Neighbors of Oak Hill Park have proposed the installation of a Pdtanque Court in Oak
Hill Park in partnership with the City of Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department. The
Pdtanque proponents will provide all labor, materials and perpetual maintenance of the
court. Subsequent to City consent, the proponents will organize a Pdtanque Club and
become affiliated with the National organization.
A variety of public meetings have been held, and a planning sub -committee created, to
review site plans and make final recommendations. Included among recommendations is
the proposed location within the park, which as a result of neighborhood comment and
collaboration between proponents and city staff, is different than originally proposed.
The Recreation, Music and Parks Commission considered the issue at each of their
regularly scheduled meetings from January 2007 through June 2007. The Pdtanque court
proposal was approved by the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission on June 20,
2007, and they recommend City Council approval of the project.
BACKGROUND:
Pdtanque is a French game similar to Bocce Ball. Use is controlled, in that the court can
only accommodate a small number of people. As well, the use is relatively passive, and
it is anticipated that the court will attract adults and families. The court is proposed to
be placed in the southeast end of the park near the basketball court (See Site Plan). The
court will be open to the public and signage will be installed explaining the game to
newcomers.
In January 2007 neighbors of Oak Hill Park, who play Pdtanque, petitioned the Parks and
Recreation Department with a proposal to install and maintain six (6) Pdtanque courts in
Oak Hill Park near the labyrinth in the northwest portion of the park. Public Notice was
sent out to 243 residents inviting them to attend the January 17, 2007, Recreation, Music
and Parks Commission where the proposal was presented. Public comment, supporting
and opposing the proposal was presented. Generally, opposition was related to concerns
for increased traffic, parking and noise. The Commission moved to recommend to the
City Council approval of the installation of 4 courts, funded by the Pdtanque group who
expressed a willingness to install and maintain the courts.
The proposal was again an item on the Commission's meeting on February 21, due to
numerous communications from neighbors, requesting consideration for changing the
location of the courts. Most of the concerns related to perceived traffic and parking
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impacts on the Pleasant Street end of the park. The Commission moved to have city staff
work with the P6tanque proponents to prepare a display of an alternate site on the
Howard Street end of the park, and asked staff to notify neighbors of further discussion to
take place at the March Commission meeting.
Neighbors met at the park on March 8, in order to review an on-site layout of the
proposed Howard Street court area. Public comment and discussion ensued at the
Commission's March 21, meeting, again in support and opposition of the project.
Concerns included appropriate protection of nearby trees, the structure of the courts,
maintenance responsibility, parking, potential tournaments and loss of lawn space.
Because some neighbors did not receive notices of the meeting, no action was taken and
discussion was continued to the April meeting.
On April 2, 2007, neighbors of Oak Hill Park were appropriately notified of the April 18,
2007, Recreation, Music, and Parks commission meeting. During the April 18,
Commission meeting, many of the previous public comments were repeated. The
Commission took action allowing the P6tanque Courts to be located in Oak Hill Park, and
asked that a committee be formed and charged with creation of an acceptable plan for
P6tanque at Oak Hill Park. At the request of the commission, the sub -committee was
comprised of one non-voting Commissioner, 3 P6tanque proponents and 3 citizens
representing park users. The sub -committee was to be chaired by staff or its
representative. Sandy Reed, a local Landscape Architect familiar with the park, agreed to
chair the sub -committee. As well, an informal meeting for all neighbors was set for April
29th in the park.
At the May 16th Commission meeting, the subcommittee reported that it had met twice to
discuss location, size of the courts, and construction materials. The subcommittee
requested the opportunity to continue to meet in order to come to conclusion by the June
Commission meeting.
At the June 20th, Commission meeting, the subcommittee recommended a specific
location within Oak Hill Park, to be developed under the following conditions:
1) Locate 3 trees in the P6tanque court area.
Proposal Response: The existing trees are not disturbed by the proposal. Ally
relocation would be as a result of decisions made by Parks Maintenance Staff.
2) Maintain a 15 -foot buffer between the nearest house and court, and the oak tree
area and court.
Proposal Response: While the attached proposal illustrates less buffer area
than was agreed to by the sub -committee, the Petanarre Proponents have since
aereed to adhere to the 15' buffer areas. They rpill request the opportunityto
add 5' to the buffer area adjacent to the residence, and reclaim 5' of buffer
adjacent to the Oak Tree area.
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3) Playing surface to be limited to 3000 sq. ft..
Proposal Response: The proposal is for a playing surface of 3,000 square feet
4) Water meters to be relocated, if necessary, and paid for by the P6tanque group.
Proposal Response: The proposal does not disturb the existing water ureters.
5) No benches or picnic tables are to be installed adjacent to neighboring residence.
Proposal Response: The proposal does not include beaches or tables as part of
the initial installation. Future decisions relative to such park furnishings will
be managed by Department Staff, in conjunction with the Parks Commission,
based on adaptability of the court within the park.
6) All work is to meet city standards with attention given to drainage effects on
nearby residence.
Proposal Response: City staff will monitor court installation. The proposed
court area provides a buffer and slopes away froln the neighboring property.
Effects of drainage will be evaluated and monitored.
7) Petanque parking to be directed to Howard Street side of park, and trail from
Howard Street to Petanque area improved or additional access created. .
Proposal Response: The ewisting trail will be improved and made more formal.
Additional pedestrian access to be developed if determined necessary. Parking
control added as necessary.
8) Post signage indicating hours of use for Petanque (9pm closure of court), and
general park rules (no alcohol, etc.).
Proposal Response: Signs to be posted.
9) No Petanque tournaments to be hosted at site.
Proposal Response: The proposed configuration will not allow for tournament
play or hosting.
The Commission approved the recommendations and supports Council approval of a
resolution allowing development of the court.
ALTERNATIVES:
a) Adopt the resolution
b) Take no action at this time, thus deferring the project.
4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
The costs for materials, installation and maintenance will be the responsibility of the
P6tanque group. Staff time will be required to help relocate irrigation heads as needed,
design and order additional signage, and to manage and supervise development of the
courts. Additionally, the proposal could result in reduced expenditures for vandalism
repairs and park clean up. The project will increase use of the park, which is a method
y
that serves to deter inappropriate use of sites. While it is difficult to quantify this savings,
experience and history with respect to similar projects indicates such savings is possible.
CONCLUSION:
While the process was seemingly long and difficult, bringing together people of varying
viewpoints was a key component in developing an acceptable plan and project.
6. OUTCOMES OR PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS THAT WILL IDENTIFY SUCCESS OR
COMPLETION:
Development of an additional recreation opportunity that adds value to Oak Hill Park,
provides alternate recreational and social opportunities for the neighborhood and
community, and potentially reduces the impact of vandalism and inappropriate use of the
park.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adoption of the Resolution.
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ATTACHMENT
Resolution Authorizing Development of Petanque Courts in Oak Hill Park
and Directing Staff to Develop and Execute Appropriate Use Agreements
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma owns Oak Hill Park, a facility that is presented to the
community for leisure and family activities; and
WHEREAS, park neighbors, informally organized as Petaluma P6tanque, propose the
creation of public P6tanque Courts at Oak Hill Park in partnership with the City of Petaluma and
neighbor and community volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission received the request to allow
installation of public P6tanque Courts at Oak Hill Park at no cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, after a series of Commission, neighborhood, and planning committee
meetings, a location for development of the public P6tanque Courts has been identified and
conditions agreed upon; and
WHEREAS, many of the neighbors of Oak Hill Park are in favor of the proposal and the
positive aspects of developing such a recreational asset that adds to the quality of life and could
result in reduced expenditures for vandalism repairs and park clean up; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation, Music and Parks Commission, after considering the
proposal at consecutive meetings beginning in January 2007, and concluding on June 20, 2007,
unanimously approved the proposal and recommends that the City Council approve the project;
and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma hereby:
Authorizes the installation of public P6tanque Courts in Oak Hill Park in the approximate
size and configuration shown on the diagram in the attachment titled, "Petaluma
P6tanque," and incorporated herein by reference, in cooperation with members of the Oak
Hill neighborhood, except that no minimum period of use by any group is approved or
guaranteed by City; and
Authorizes City staff to supervise and manage the installation of the public P6tanque
Courts in accordance with general conditions identified by the P6tanque sub -committee
and Recreation, Music and Parks Commission, with volunteer labor and materials
provided by members of the Petanque proponents group, subject to all applicable City
policies, standards, laws and regulations.
3. Directs City staff to develop and authorizes the City Manager to execute appropriate use
arrangements and/or agreements for the facilities, subject to the approval of the City
Manager, City Attorney, Risk Manager and Director of Parks and Recreation.
1056947
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ATTACHMENT 3
Proposed Terrain in Oak Hill Park
November 2007
Page 7
t a f
TERRAIN
Playing Area Dimensions: 75 feet x 60 feet x 100 -foot sweeping arc
Playing Area: 3,000 square feet
Buffer Area: 800 square feet
Lawn Removal: 1,500 square feet from approx. 17,000 square feet
Relocated Tress: 2 Ginko Biloba
MATERIALS
Crushed rock road base fill: 55 cubic yards
Quarry fines top dressing: 15 cubic yards
4'4 wood curbs: 200 lineal feet (approx.)
Steel stakes for curbs: 50 (approx.)
Soil for buffer areas: 10 cubic yards
Bark for top dressing of buffer areas: 5 cubic yards
Miscellaneous plants and shrubs for buffer area
SITE DETAILS
Total vertical fall: 28 inches (at 60 foot maximum width)
Total vertical fall C� 1/4 inches per foot: 14 inches (at 60 foot maximum width)
Total vertical fall on playing area: 14 inches (at 60 foot maximum width)
Maximum fill height at lowest areas: 14 inches (at 60 foot maximum width)
Buffer area to have a slope of —1 to —1 1/2 inches per foot
Proposed Terrain in Oak Hill Park November 2007
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Petanque Terrain Sections
Proposed Terrain in Oak Hill Park Page 10 November 2007
Janet Cracyk
'Werra Cod to Design and Consulting
145 Keller Street Petaluma, California 94952 a (707) 695-9360 janet@TCognitaDesign.com
Draft Planting Concept for Petanque Court
The construction of the petanque court creates an 8' wide buffer zone between the basketball court and
the petanque court, a 20' buffer zone between the property to the southeast and the court, and another
zone of undefined width along the curving, northeast edge. Currently there are some perennials shrubs
in this area, some lawn, two young native oaks, a young magnolia, and two new gingko trees. The
magnolia tree and the gingkos are retained, per the request of the city.
The goal of the petanque group are to meet the city's requests, to improve the appearance of the park
around the court, and to expand the wildlife value of the park. Oak Hill Park is unusual in Petaluma for
its rustic quality and the profusion of California native oaks. The petanque group is very interested in
the use of California native plants for the replanting plan. Since the park has such a high concentration
of native oaks, it is important to use plants that are visually and horticulturally compatible with the trees,
and California navies certainly qualify. California native plants are very drought tolerant, and the
proposed plants are chosen for their low -maintenance qualities, as well as their beauty.
The 8' strip between the basketball court and the petanque court was designed to provide a buffer
between the two courts. This strip could simply be a gravel strip, or it could be planted with deer grass,
an ornamental grass that will tolerate any rough activity that occurs near or even on it, without harm to
wayward basketball or petanque enthusiasts. Deer grass has a strong architectural form that will create
a sturdy and attractive visual barrier.
An effective treatment for the 20' strip against the brick hatchery building is the use of the California lilac
(Ceanothus), coffeeberry shrubs (Rhamnus), and monkey flower (Mimulus). The California lilac has
brilliant blue flowers in the spring. Cofieeberry has a ruddy leaf and attractive berries that turn from
green to red to black Monkey flower comes in several colors, but the common color is orange.
Below the petanque court is a gently sloping hillside. At different times of the day and the year, the
crest of the hill is backlit, giving an opportunity to showcase plants with strong form. Mountain
mahogany (Cercocarpus) is a tall growing shrub that can take on the appearance of a small, open,
sculptural tree. The leaves are edges with fine hair, which outlines the leaves with a soft glow when the
light is right. In the fall the plant produces a seed that has a long, twisting, feathery appearance. A
small group of these shrubs can be placed in the most open area near the court and can be
underplanted with the native seaside daisy (Erigeron). Areas on each side of this group could be
planted with stands of a very lovely and tall native ornamental grass, giant rye grass (Leymus
condensatus 'Canyon Prince'). Giant rye grass reaches about 3' tall and turns blue as the summer
progresses. The attractive, upright clumps of seed heads, in season, add another foot to the height of
the grass. Two California buckeye trees could be planted on the hillside towards the existing pine trees.
Pine trees are not very long-lived, so starting young buckeye trees now prepares for the future loss of
the pine trees.
The suggested plants are all suited to the park and will provide habitat value as well as aesthetic
pleasure throughout the year.
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