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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
APPROVED Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 15, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER
The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called
to order by Chair Ardito at 7:04 pm via Zoom meeting.
2. ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Milne, Holzman, Chang, Matthews, Lee, Pappajohn & Ardito
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Senior Management
Analyst Hager, Recreation Manager Acquisti, Rec Supervisor
Vega, Recreation Coordinators Sanchez and Houghton, Parks
Supervisor Holtz, and Recording Secretary Helley
OTHERS PRESENT: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee: Carina, Christina,
Shareen, Kylie, Zach, Pamela, Cameron, Ethan, Pierce, Dylan,
Taylor, Maddie, and Sylvia
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Matthews made a motion to approve the February minutes. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Lee and was approved. 7-0.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
None
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
6. OLD BUSINESS
None
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a. Youth Advisory Committee — Year -End Report
Recreation Coordinator Houghton introduced herself and the Youth Advisory Committee, a
group of 13 teens who want to give back to their community. During this year, the group has
found new ways to stay relevant and contribute to their community. The group took turns
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APPROVED Minutes April 15, 2021
reporting events they have participated in over the year: including an informative presentation by
the City Clerk on District elections during which they offered social marketing tips; Zoom Movie
Discussions with different generations; the development of an intergenerational cookbook; the
group assisted with the Night Under the Stars event and the Egg Hunt by providing games. They
participated in a zoom YAC Social event and are conducting a YAC Mask Fundraiser. Masks
can be purchased here: https://registration.burlin ame.or ublic/class/33331/. They are looking
forward to assisting in the second Night Under the Stars event:
https://registration.burlingame.org/public/class/33262/
Commission thanked the group for all their work during the year.
b. Design Approval for the Victoria Playground Renovation
Senior Management Analyst Hager introduced herself and noted that the landscape designer John
Cahalan and Parks Supervisor Holtz were present. In 2019 Council approved funds to replace the
Victoria Park Playground. The park is out of ADA compliance and primarily serves ages 2-5 years.
A committee was formed comprised of two Commissioners, three neighborhood volunteers, three
staff members, and the landscape architect. An online survey was conducted to solicit feedback on
elements for the new design. The survey result showed the desire for equipment for ages 2-5 and
5-12 years, with climbing structures, multiple slides, creative/imaginative elements, horizontal
bars, and a non-traditional swing. The theme options included: Train Station, Fire Station,
Airplane, Rocket Ship, Pirate, Castle and Nature Theme. One of the Committee's goals was to
have a different theme than the other parks in Burlingame. The Committee met several times and
approved the rocket ship theme presented tonight. The timeline for the project would have a
completion date of December 2021 with no delays occurring.
Commission Pappajohn liked the design and details. She asked about the grassy field and asked
staff to be mindful about water savings in case we go into a drought. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated
there is a 20 x 50ft grass area being removed, and the pop-up irrigation currently in place is no
longer recommended so staff will be installing drip irrigation which will contribute to net savings
in water use.
Commissioner Chang complimented the work done. He asked if there was a good representation
of the seniors in the area. Hager noted that this project was focused on the playground only. The
Committee's hope was the seniors could enjoy the additional benches under the trees.
Commissioner Milne noted his favorite part is the real constellations on the surface of the park.
He wondered if this could be an opportunity to work some educational pictures on the other blank
areas. Hager stated she could inquire if a play panel could be incorporated at least in the 2-5 area.
She noted that Commissioner Holzman made sure the stars are a legitimate constellation.
Commissioner Lee noted the other alternative design, Castle/Fairy Land, while cute, was a clear
second when shown to Committee member's children who loved the Rocket Ship theme by far.
Chair Ardito opened public comments. Administrative Helley read an email comment from Abbi
Phillips: "I am a Victoria Park neighborhood resident, and I am a neighborhood representative for
the playground committee. I am writing to share my strong support and enthusiasm for the project
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design. I think it will give the neighborhood a playground that is unique and fun for all ages. My
hope is that this will help Victoria Park to become a focal point for the neighborhood."
Adrienne Leigh stated she is in attendance tonight to talk as a pickleball player; however, she lives
in the neighborhood. She noted she is a member of the Transportation, Safety and Parking
Commission. She would like to see additional access for pedestrians and bikes and a higher fence
at the basketball court to keep balls out of the street. She noted the new pathway seems to cross
the basketball court. She thinks it is sad the sand is being eliminated and thinks windbreak plants
would be a good addition to the park as it gets windy. She wanted to double up on Commissioner
Milne's comment on more writing and education items, including hopscotch and four square on
the concrete.
Todd Weller was on the Committee and is a neighbor. He wanted to express his excitement for
the design, and he noted that the placement of the stars was incorporated to allow for jumping
opportunities. He felt that the design will be unique in Burlingame.
Chair Ardito closed public comments and inquired as to a motion from Commission.
MOTION: Commissioner Matthews made a motion to approve the plan for Victoria Park
Playground as proposed. The motion was seconded by Commission Milne and was approved.
7-0
c. Expansion of Pickleball Court Options
Recreation Coordinator Sanchez introduced himself to the Commission and gave background on
the item before the Commission.
Pickleball is a growing sport both locally and nationally and is a game that combines elements of
tennis, badminton Ping-Pong. Before the Burlingame Recreation Center's closure, the pickleball
program was a drop -in, a fee -based recreational program where participants paid $5 on Mondays
and Wednesdays 10 am — 1 pm in the Rec Center.
The program ended in February 2020 when the Department moved out of the Rec Center in
anticipation of the construction of the new Community Center. The intention was to transfer
pickleball to the Washington Park Sports Court. The pickleball program did not immediately
resume as COVID prevented City staff from offering drop -in programs. On Monday, September
28, staff restarted drop -in pickleball with the same schedule. Due to the COVID concerns of
handling cash, staff temporarily discontinued the $5 fee. Between October and December, staff
would set up and break down the City -owned pickleball nets. In December 2020, San Mateo
County experienced a surge in COVID, which resulted in the program being temporarily
suspended again.
While the City could not offer the program and be in incompliance with COVID guidelines, the
players, at their discretion, could continue, but they would be responsible for setting up the nets
and managing play. Even though the COVID guidance now allows this type of activity, the group
has continued in the same manner. Pickleball is well attended, averaging approximately thirty
players per meeting.
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Pickleball is the only recreational program that has a recreational facility reserved at no cost for a
specific use. To be consistent with the Master Fee Schedule and Department operations, pickleball
will need to either be a scheduled fee -based drop -in program or on a first -come first -use basis,
such as basketball and tennis. In speaking with one of the City's pickleball liaisons, his opinion
was that the pickleball players who use Burlingame courts would be willing to pay a drop -in fee
to reserve space.
Additionally, the pickleball community has expressed a desire to have more time, days of the week,
and additional locations available for pickleball. The intent of these other locations would be for
unreserved pickleball, where members of the community are responsible for bringing their own
equipment. Having alternative space available would lessen the demand on the currently
scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays.
Potential sites for Commission's consideration include Bayside Parking lot, Cuernavaca Park,
Victoria Park, Village Park, Washington Park (for additional times), and the Burlingamer on
Rolling Road for indoor and weekday use only. Ray Park is being considered as a potential site in
the future. All sites have pros and cons and would provide additional opportunities for pickleball
play.
Commission input/discussion included:
Commissioner Lee liked the idea of the Burlingamer site. She noted most of the spaces
accommodate during the week use and asked which sites could accommodate weekend use.
Sanchez noted Village Park, Cuernavaca Park, and Washington Park could offer weekend times.
Commissioner Milne inquired about the blacktop at Pershing and if it could accommodate courts.
Sanchez noted there is quite a slope on the blacktop but could be an option.
Commissioner Chang liked the idea of the Burlingamer as it provides year-round play. He wanted
to make sure, since this is a family type of play, to provide weekend opportunities. He also asked
about the Murray parking lot.
Chair Ardito liked the idea of Pershing Park, even if it only is one court. She also suggested
fencing at Cuernavaca to keep the ball from rolling down the slope at the court.
Commissioner Holzman had a few questions about balls going up and over the fence into an
adjoining play space or street. She felt that there is a need for another dedicated drop -in time and
weekend time options.
Chair Ardito opened public comments.
Jack Elward is the USA Ambassador in the mid -peninsula and has been involved in pickleball for
30 years. He noted every community up and down the peninsula has a growing pickleball demand
and need. The game is easy to learn and play for all ages. People bring their own nets, and love
the sports court the City has made available. He felt the cost of putting in pickleball lines is
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minimal, and having those throughout the City would mitigate the backup of play. He also
suggested an additional day scheduled to play on the weekend. The target parks noted by Sanchez
are wonderful, and he feels pickleball lines at the basketball court at Village Park and at
Cuernavaca Park would be great.
Adrienne Leigh feels there is a desperate need for an additional scheduled day. She said that it
should go back to a pay -to -play system to register online the day before, so it is not drop -in that
day with cash and have a senior discount and have resident and nonresident rates. She would like
to see the addition of the Sunday morning 9-12 or 8-11 with the summer schedule and then if City
staff could start setting up the nets again. She would like to see added the Washington Park court
1 with lines, and then it could be reserved online like tennis courts. She suggested asking Jack to
teach lessons.
Ron Parks thanked Sanchez for all his work and wanted to be sure we are mindful of the surfaces
for the safety of the players. He would also like to see a combination of indoor/outdoor and lighted
opportunities.
Lisa Kowlaski started playing pickleball late summer last year. She said that it has been amazing,
particularly during the lockdown, as it has kept her fit. She travels to San Francisco, where they
have dedicated courts for pickleball both in Stern Grove and McLaren Park and in Foster City.
She noted that besides senior playing, she had seen children thru millennials taking part. There
are lots of people and lots of interest.
Chair Ardito closed public comments.
Ardito inquired as to what staff was looking for from Commission at this point.
Glomstad stated staff is looking for a starting point to focus on by either narrowing down the
choices or prioritizing and then move forward with short-term and long-term goals to increase the
ability to play pickleball in Burlingame. The goal is to bring this matter back in May for short-
term decision -making.
Ardito supported the idea of putting lines on courts and did not want to lose sight of the safety
issue when going to the fee -based system.
Milne suggested a long, short, and immediate term goal. He thought that going to a fee -based
system to add hours at the sports court would be the quickest option. Glomstad noted the area is
highly used due to picnic areas opening up, and due to the construction, there is a limited traffic
path in the area.
Chang asked if Village Park is busy on the weekends. Glomstad confirmed Village Park is busy
with picnics and soccer.
Lee favors having pickleball on a tennis court as it serves more people, the Burlingamer, Victoria,
and Village Park. She also supports the addition of pickleball lines on courts and blacktops.
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Holzman agreed with Lee regarding the tennis court option with the option of reservation. She also
supports the future Ray Park option.
Sanchez summarized Commission's thoughts: Lining black tops, increase the fee -based program
at Washington Park, putting out a survey to help narrow down other locations in the City, and
looking into a partnership with the Burlingamer.
8. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS
a) Parks & Recreation Department Reports
Director Glomstad reported the construction of the new Community Center is progressing on
schedule. She also reported numerous incidents of vandalism in Washington Park in the past
several weeks. In response, the City has temporarily installed three cameras in the park to
determine when the incidents occur so the police can be present.
There will be a second Night Under the Stars event with an 80's theme on May 15, and the
Department will be resuming the Concert in the Park series on Friday evenings from 6-8 pm with
one in June, two in July, and one in August.
Due to the parklets on Burlingame Avenue, there will not be a Burlingame on the Ave this year.
The Department is working with the Chamber to host a similar event on three weekends, once a
month, in the west end of Washington Park.
The Department is also working with local hotels on a Staycation idea in which there are events
and activities planned to encourage locals to stay in hotels.
Returning events with the relaxing of the COVID guidelines are the Muddy Mile and the Family
Campout. Both events will look a bit different due to the guidelines; however, they will be back.
b) Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Milne — Reported he was happy to attend the opening of Primrose Playground and
enjoys seeing how busy the playground is daily.
Commissioner Pappajohn — Stated she lives near Skyline Park and noted that the park is always
used and gave kudos to the staff for making the park available to the public.
Chair Ardito — No report.
Commissioner Lee — Reported how much she enjoyed the Victoria Playground Committee
experience. She also enjoyed assisting with the Night Under the Stars event. She and
Commissioner Pappajohn have been assigned to work on the Taskforce for Aging, which will work
to line up the opportunities with the World Health Organization's age -friendly curriculum.
Commissioner Chang — No report.
Commissioner Matthews — No report.
Commissioner Holzman — Stated she also enjoyed the Victoria Playground Committee.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Fenced in off -leash area at Ray Park
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10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 pm.
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday,
May 20, 2021, at 7:00 pm via zoom webinar.
Respectfully submitted,
Joleen Helley
Recording Secretary
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APPROVED Minutes
April 15, 2021