CC 2012-11-13_09.b. Shade Structures at Rancho Grande Park
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN ROGERS, DIRECTOR OF RECREATION SERVICES
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL SHADE
STRUCTURES AT RANCHO GRANDE PARK
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2013
RECOMMENDATION:
The Parks & Recreation Commission recommends the City Council approve a
proposal by Mr. Mel Cottrell to privately fund the purchase and installation of two
shade structures to be placed at picnic areas #2 and #3 in Rancho Grande Park.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
There is no immediate financial impact from this action. Mr. Cottrell is proposing
to fully fund the purchase and installation of the shade structures. At some time
in the future, it may be necessary to repaint the structures. There will be minimal
staff time required for consultation, coordination and inspections.
BACKGROUND:
Mel Cottrell of Via Bandolero has been a frequent user of Rancho Grande Park
for many years. He and many of his friends routinely walk in the park and
sometimes exercise their dogs. It was his observation that the park offers very
little shade or protection from the elements. As a result, he has generously
offered to purchase and install two 16’ x 24’ shelter structures to be placed at
opposite ends of the group BBQ areas #2 and #3, located on the western end of
the park near the basketball court. Attachment 1 shows the locations and
Attachment 2 shows the design of the proposed structures.
At its September 12, 2012 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission
considered a re commendation from staff to accept a proposal by Mr . Cottrell to
donate shade structures for Rancho Grande Park and fully fund installation of the
structures at BBQ areas #2 and #3. Public comment was taken and the
Commission voted to continue this item t o a public hearin g at its next meeting.
Staff mailed public hearing notices to residents living within 300 feet of Rancho
Grande Park. Notices were also posted in the park advising park visitors of the
public hearing . Mr. Cottrell paid to place “story poles” at the proposed site to
offer the public the opportunity to view the height and general shape of the
proposed structures.
Item 9.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL SHADE STRUCTURES AT
RANCHO GRANDE PARK
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
PAGE 2
At its October 10, 2012 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission held a
public hearing to take comments from the public regarding the proposed shade
structures at Rancho Grande Park. Approximately forty people attended the
meeting for this item. After public comments, the Commission voted unanimously
to recommend approval of the proposal to the City Council.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The trees planted in Rancho Grande Park nearly ten years ago have failed to
thrive, due mainly to the soil conditions, and do not provide adequate shade over
any of the picnic areas. The Recreation Services Department receives several
comments each year about the need for shade at the picnic areas of Rancho
Grande Park.
Mr. Cottrell is proposing a structure that has a low profile, open-air design to
minimize impact on views from neighboring houses. The structures would have
a solid roof to maximize the available shade and a post at each corner. The
structures have a low-peak roof which rises approximately two and one-half feet
from eve to peak to a height of 10’8”. In comparison, the shade cover at Elm
Street Park picnic area rises approximately six feet from eve to peak. Also, the
height of the peak of the proposed structures is lower than the top of the existing
basketball goals in the area immediately adjacent to the picnic areas #2 and #3.
To minimize maintenance requirements for City staff, Mr. Cottrell proposed
structures with metal posts at each corner and a metal roof which are designed
with no cross beams to prevent birds from roosting under the roof. To add
continuity to the park system, the proposed structures are similar in appearance
and color to the Elm Street picnic area shade cover.
Example of proposed shade structure
Item 9.b. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL SHADE STRUCTURES AT
RANCHO GRANDE PARK
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
PAGE 3
At the September 12, 2012 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, a
resident living near the park suggested placing the structures at picnic area #1
which is the larger round area at the north east part of the park. Due to the arc of
the table layout at that site, staff determined that the structures would either need
to be custom designed to fit the table layout, or be much larger than proposed
and would then require placement of support posts into the turf area, or require
relocation of lighting fixtures. This would necessitate a much more complicated
and costly project which Mr. Cottrell is not prepared to fun d.
Prior to the October 10, 2012 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, staff
received a letter in opposition to the proposed shade structures which included
the opinion that if shade structures were approved for Rancho Grande Park, they
should be more aesthetically pleasing than the structures proposed by Mr.
Cottrell. This letter included two photos of wooden shade structures. These
structures have a lattice-type roof which does not provide any completely shaded
area. It should also be noted that wooden structures require significantly more
maintenance than metal structures.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
- Approve the recommendation and the Parks and Recreation Commission
to approve installation of two shade structures at Rancho Grande Park;
- Approve installation of only one of the two shade structures;
- Pursue other City funded shade structures, which is not recommended
due to lack of funding;
- Do not approve the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Commission to approve installation of shade structures at Rancho Grande
Park;
- Modify as appropriate and approve the Parks and Recreation
Commission’s recommendation; or
- Provide staff direction.
ADVANTAGES:
Approval of the proposed shade structures will provide much need ed shade and
cover from the elements in a park that has virtually no ne of either.
DISADVANTAGES:
Several residents living adjacent to Rancho Grande Park are opposed to
installation of any shade structures in the proposed area because they feel it will
negatively impact the view from their home, or they feel the park should not be
changed from its original design.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
No environmental review is required for this item .
Item 9.b. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL SHADE STRUCTURES AT
RANCHO GRANDE PARK
NOVEMBER 13, 2012
PAGE 4
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
A notice of public hearing was published in The Tribune on Friday , October 26 ,
2012 and mailed to property owners adjacent to the park. The Agenda was
posted in front of City Hall on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The agenda and
staff report were posted on the City ’s website on Fri day , November 9, 2012.
AT TACHMENT S:
1. Location of shade structures
2. Design and dimensions
Item 9.b. - Page 4
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Item 9.b. - Page 5
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Item 9.b. - Page 6