Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan - Draft Review

Urged the city to move from opportunistic land acquisition to a pre-positioned plan to close the park deficit.

Argued that the park plan underestimated park deficits by counting school fields that are locked and inaccessible.

Stressed that school fields are not parks and highlighted severe park shortages in specific planning areas.

Shared personal experiences of reduced public access to school fields due to private club rentals.

Pointed out inaccuracies in tennis and pickleball court availability metrics due to private contractor management.

Advocated for natural amenities, water fountains, and extended restroom hours in parks.

Requested a downtown off-leash dog park and suggested converting Fairmont Park.

Supported adding biodiversity as a standalone core goal in the parks plan on behalf of the Sierra Club.

Pushed for better integration of natural green spaces, tree groves, and pollinator habitats in park design guidelines.

Praised staff responses and expressed enthusiasm for pickleball court expansions and interim site negotiations.

Emphasized the importance of natural spaces and noted that trail mileage allocations distort neighborhood metrics.