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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
APPROVED Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting on Thursday, June 17, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER
The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called
to order by Vice -Chair Holzman at 7:00 pm via Zoom meeting.
2. ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Milne, Holzman, Pappajohn & Lee
Ardito, Chang & Matthews
Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Recreation Manager
Acquisti, Recording Secretary Helley
None
Commissioner Lee made a motion to approve the May minutes. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Pappajohn and was approved. 4-0-3 (Ardito, Chang & Matthews absent).
4. CORRESPONDENCE
None
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
6. OLD BUSINESS
a. Expansion of Pickleball Court Options
Recreation Manager Acquisti noted an error on the staff report in the Background section, 1: There
will NOT be Pickleball lines added to the blacktop at Village Park as the motion failed at the May
20, 2021 meeting.
She reported the Department is working with a contractor to schedule adding the Pickleball lines
at Washington. The fee -based program will resume on August 23, 2021. When the fee -based
program resumes, it will include three courts on the sports court and two courts on the tennis courts.
Until that time, the sports court can be used on a first -come, first -serve basis and the tennis courts
once they are lined (Pickleball players will need to provide and set up the net converter). For the
fee -based program, City staff will set up and take down Pickleball nets.
Parks & Recreation Commission
APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021
She noted that on May 26, 2021, City staff and Burlingame Soccer Club held a trial day at the
Burlingamer. Overall the feedback was positive. There was some concern regarding "dead spots"
on the court. However, both the participants and the Burlingame Soccer Club are in agreement to
move forward. Therefore, a pilot program at The Burlingamer will start on June 22, 2021, on
Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am-12 pm.
She noted the drop -in program and the lines on the courts would occur around the same time in
August due to the courts being programmed for the summer with recreation programs. The option
of The Burlingamer for Pickleball use until that time is ideal.
Director Glomstad noted that due to some confusion about the purpose of the drop -in program,
staff will be out talking to the groups to educate the players on the various options for play. Courts
can be reserved for a fee to ensure courts are available to play at specific times.
Glomstad also noted the number of courts approved by Commissions that can be lined for
Pickleball was one set per tennis court. Staff has since learned that each tennis court can
accommodate two Pickleball courts, so Washington Park courts 1 and 2 will accommodate four
Pickleball courts leaving Tennis courts 3 and 4 open for tennis. This will also eliminate the need
for a covertanet, and players can bring their own nets.
Commissioner Milne asked if the Pickleball nets are available for rental and use on courts.
Acquisti confirmed the nets would be available for rental.
Commissioner Holzman asked if the drop -in fee at The Burlingamer will be consistent with the
drop -in fee at Washington Park and if the Pickleball community is aware that the Burlingamer
option is a pilot program and that their participation and feedback is needed. Acquisti confirmed
the fee would be consistent, and staff has and will continue to talk to the Pickleball players about
the pilot program. It will also be advertised in the e-News, the Burlingamer, and on the
Department's social media.
Vice -Chair Holzman opened up the public comments section.
Correspondence via email was received by the following:
Jack Elward: "Kevin suggested that I contact you first to give you some perspective and (dare I
say) wisdom. Space for the many activities offered by Burlingame Rec must keep everyone
hopping. I am especially pleased that there is a sincere process to get more painted courts to play
on. But to hold to Ms. Glomstad's decision for single courts, will turn out to be more of an
embarrassment than an achievement. It is amazing to me that I have been unable to convince the
leadership to do better than acceptable. I have discussed with many PB leaders and visited multiple
court locations that have been converting tennis court spaces to allow double use with Pickleball. I
am not sure who started the rumor that the distance from a tennis net to the back fences was not
sufficient for Pickleball safety. Of course, that could be a concern. For the record, the Basketball
court, surface, and backboards are a top-quality installation (Thank You). Certainly, the huge
timber benches are a very real hazard. Back to the main concern of this letter. I did go to the
Washington Park tennis courts with my trusty tape measure that has been used in more than 20
court conversions: both taping and/or painting. So, I ran the tape from the strap on the tennis net
to the back fence (on both sides). The distance is 60'. That allows for 8' space from the net to a
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APPROVED Minutes June 17, 2021
Pickleball baseline, and 44' to the other Pickleball baseline, then another 8' to the tennis chain -link
fence; that matches exactly 60' and passes every established requirement for safe distance. Then
I sent photos from the court to Kevin. He said he would "take the issue up". I have now learned
that the proclamation of one PB court per tennis court stands as the operating choice. That is an
outrageous mismanagement of playing capacity. Two courts easily fit when placed end to end
around the tennis net. And it provides an especially useful function in stopping balls rolling into
other PB courts. Or players walking onto the playing area. There are many tennis venues that can
fit 4 Pickleball courts comfortably with end -end joined with a pair of side -side courts.
Attached is a diagram that could be applied to tennis Court 1 at Washington Park. All these
configurations require a portable net. There are many players who have already invested in owning
a net and are eager to play outdoors or indoors. One of the rules of Pickleball is that the net post
MUST extend F out from the sidelines. That rule allows players to make shots that are hit around
the post onto the opposite playing court area and continue the rally. The misuse of a tennis net
does not allow that particularly important shot, which intermediate and above level players work
hard to set up and execute against opponents. I believe that there are always many ways to operate,
with clear priorities and goals. Please reconsider, and build a better, safe application of Pickleball
court areas."
Holzman asked if Commission had any further questions. There were none.
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a. Exploration of an Off -leash Are in Ray Park
Acquisti gave background on the item: For over ten years, City staff have been improving and
expanding the dog off -leash areas throughout the City, resulting from a significant interest from
community members. A Dog Park Task Force (DPTF) was established and included two City
Council members, two Parks and Recreation Commissioners, and City staff. The DPTF has
worked diligently and creatively to provide designated spaces for dogs to be off -leash (Bayside
Exercise Park, Washington Park, Cuernavaca and Washington Ballfields, and most recently,
Skyline Park) during designated hours. Outside of these hours, dogs are required to be on -leash
in all City parks, per City Ordinance 9.04.014. A violation of this Ordinance can result in a ticket
from the Burlingame Police Department.
In fall 2017, neighbors of Ray Park were invited to participate in a survey to develop a Master Plan
for the park. The survey indicated a strong need for a designated off -leash area. In May 2018, the
Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously approved the park design, including an off -leash
area. Additionally, in January 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department completed a City-wide
Parks Master Plan. Ray Park was again identified as an option for a designated off -leash area.
The survey results from the Ray Park Master Plan provide further evidence that there is a desire to
create these spaces. To address the demand, staff has researched the feasibility of installing a
fenced -in off -leash area at Ray Park. The fenced -in area would include double door entries for
both sections and a concrete walkway between the tennis courts and the large dog area allowing
for emergency vehicle access. This identified location would still offer imaginative play areas
along the south side of the fenced -in areas and east of the fenced -in area. The estimated cost for
fencing and necessary asphalt is $30,000.
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Acquisti mailed out 400 letters of notice to the neighborhood and presented an update to the City
Council.
Another option is to explore adding off -leash hours on Ray Park athletic field when it's not in use
for sports programs, similar to the program at Washington Ballfield. However, this would impact
the condition of the athletic field but would provide a fenced -in open grass area when not in use
by programs.
Commissioner Lee noted there were a lot of dogs added to households in 2020. Commissioner
Milne added that the existing dogs were being walked, and there is a need for more dog parks.
Commissioner Holzman stated the increase in dogs in her neighborhood as well. Commissioner
Pappajohn asked about the timeline for the fence, asphalt, and budget for installing this dog area.
Acquisti noted the process would take about six months.
Holzman opened up the public comments section.
Ann Wallach stated she lives across from the park. She stated she does not have a problem with
the dogs and owners who leave their dogs off -leash on the grass. However, she never thought about
what it does to the grass. She voiced concern about the possible impact of the noise level on the
houses near the proposed area. She also voiced concern about seniors being unrecognized and
needing a space to enjoy as well.
Correspondence via email was received by the following:
Ann and Paul Wallach:
"Thank you for sending us notice regarding the next phase in the refurbishment of Ray Park, which
involves adding two new play areas for dogs. Ray Park provides enjoyment and fresh air for Tiny
Tots, Little kids, Bigger kids, Softball players, Young soccer players, Tennis players, Tennis
players practicing their swing, Handball players practicing their swing, Volleyball players,
Basketball players, Picnickers on the grass, Apartment dwellers, Athletes, Kids just fooling
around, and Dogs. Nevertheless, from the start an entire population has been missing from this
plan: Our Seniors. Who, by the way, also like to play. However there is little opportunity in north
Burlingame for them to have spontaneous fun doing things they enjoy, when all they need is a
small comfortable space to do it: To play card games, dominoes, chess, whatever; Do some
calisthenics together, make new friends or just sit and chew the fat with their cohort. In other
words, get out of the house. We all now know what that feels like. The Rec Center offers good
programs. However, it is not all that convenient for everyone: It is too far from north Burlingame;
for non -drivers it is complicated and perhaps costly to get to. Most activities are run on a specified
schedule and require a pre -commitment to participate, and many of them cost. Not the best
situation for a lot of older folks. We raised this issue at a Ray Park design roll -out. We were told
that there would be new tables near the kiddie playgrounds for games and so forth. Seriously, Ms.
Acquisti, most seniors are not that interested in watching or listening to other folks' grand -kids
play. Especially if they're in the midst of a serious chess match. And they are not that enthusiastic
about sharing a table with diaper bags, sippy cups and snacks. In fact, most days those tables are
pretty much needed by moms, dads, nannies and kiddies. Which makes sense. But that's why you
rarely encounter a senior in the park. Many dog owners welcome this new opportunity in Ray
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Park. But it seems to us that older folks are just as deserving as our pets. They are not out and
about much, possibly because they have nowhere to go. But they're still here. Why not give them
their own convenient, comfortable space in Ray Park, and possibly elsewhere? Towns large and
small all over the world have managed to do this. Why not Burlingame, why not now?
Sincerely yours, Ann and Paul Wallach
PS: Development of a structure frequently requires a Mitigated Negative Declaration to study its
impact on the neighborhood. Seems a similar study would make sense here: For example, how
much do playing dogs bark? How would local dogs respond to their excitement? Has the volume
and variable duration of such added noise been taken into consideration? The dog run area is
within earshot of a dozen homes or more. Are a similar number of homes as close to the other off -
leash areas?"
Kris and George Donellan:
"We received your letter regarding the proposed off -leash area in Ray Park. We have a dog and
love the idea. Our greatest concern is we live on the cul de sac block of Cortez that leads into this
area. Since the play area has been refurbished, we rarely can find a place to park by our house.
Parking has always been an issue here because of the park, the tennis and basketball courts, Lincoln
school, softball, etc. Our car has been hit twice from people turning around in our driveway and
our wall by the driveway has also been hit. Our neighbors' cars have been hit also. (No one has
ever stopped and left their insurance info either.) The street cleaner rarely comes on our street
because of all of the cars unless we call and it gets very dirty from all of the debris from the trees
at the park. Part of the block is red zone, which people ignore also. A couple of weeks ago when
we were in front of our house someone that we know was bringing their child to play at the park
from Pacifica! We realize this is a public park, but we're just trying to let you know how popular
this park is and how few parking spots there are. If this was a business such as a restaurant, all of
this would be taken in to consideration before getting a permit to open a business re: how many
parking spot are available (obviously not enough)! There definitely isn't enough parking as it is
and can't imagine how bad it will get when this dog park would open. Obviously the main people
that are impacted are the 5 families on our small cul de sac so we wouldn't have much impact on
the number of people opposed. Is there any way this dog park could be located at Village Park
where they have a lot more parking on California Drive or could we have the parking on this block
designated for residents only? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call at 650 XXX-
XXXX Thank you. Kris and George Donellan.
Danica Hodge:
"Thank you for your letter announcing a discussion of an off -leash dog area in Ray Park. I am
unable to attend the meeting but wanted to express disapproval of this idea. I won't take your time
by writing a very long note, but the reasons for my objection are as follows:
1) There are already a number of off -leash parks in Burlingame, as noted in your letter.
2) there is not enough space in the area indicated in your letter for dogs to have the range of play
that they require, particularly if there are more than a couple at one time
3) It is impossible to contain dogs to this area; they are bound to run into other areas, especially
where small children are playing. I appreciate that these spaces are marked as being gated, but I
am not confident that the dogs can remain contained.
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4) Many people, children especially, are afraid of dogs (or allergic to them), and many dog owners
are not considerate of the effect their animals have on people or the environment (not to mention
the mess they often leave behind).
In short, Ray Park is already a multipurpose area with a lot of activity in a relatively compact
footprint. The use that such an area is bound to attract is overwhelming to the available space.
Thank you for your attention, Danica Hodge"
Commissioner Lee thanked all the correspondents and attendees for their input. She noted there is
a task force going on called the Age -Friendly City, where the group is looking at what the City
needs to improve to address an aging population, such as wanting space in the park, for example.
So there is going to be an Age -Friendly master plan guiding decisions like this. She invited the
public to participate in a focus group for the program.
Commissioner Pappajohn did not favor the off -leash area on the ballfield and felt a fenced -in area
is a better option.
Commissioner Lee stated, given the survey results and the increase in dogs that the demand is
there in the community, and she would favor an enclosed dog area.
Holzman also does not want to see the field damaged by dogs and favors the fenced -in option at a
multi -use park.
Commissioner Milne feels we have done extensive outreach, and we have a lot of feedback from
the community. We have included this in the Ray Park master plan and the overall master plan.
The dog owners are showing up at Ray Park if we have a dog park or not. If we create that space
for them, there is no reason for them to ignore the off -leash rules in other park areas.
Holzman noted the Commission could not address parking issues; however, she inquired if
Commission could make a suggestion to the appropriate commission to assist with the issue.
Glomstad noted that the neighbors could request the idea to be reviewed by the Traffic, Safety,
and Parking Commission.
MOTION: Commissioner Milne made a motion to go forward with the next step of putting
in the two dog runs, small and large, per the Ray Park Master Plan. The motion was seconded
by Commission Pappajohn and was approved. 4-0-3 (Ardito, Chang & Matthews absent).
8. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS
a) Parks & Recreation Department Reports
Director Glomstad reported tomorrow night is the first concert of the summer. Following a concert,
the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Craft in the Park fair from 10- 6pm on Saturday and
Sunday. Movies in the Park are returning, with the first movie being The Great Outdoors on June
25. Summer camp starts the week of June 21 at Mercy High School. Sunday, June 20, is the
Burlingame Parks & Recreation Foundations' annual golf tournament. Upcoming Park
renovations are Victoria and Trenton/Alpine Parks, with the hopes of a grand opening for Victoria
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by the end of this year. Trenton and Alpine Parks planning will begin early next year. The Parks
Division has re -landscaped the area on Burlingame Ave next to the tennis courts to be drought
resistant and provide more social gathering areas. The construction of the new Community Center
is still on target for a May 2022 completion. The Scholarship program outreach has been a huge
success as evidenced by increased applications. The October meeting will be the first in -person
meeting since virtual meetings began. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at the
Library.
Commissioner Milne asked about the possibility of adding another community garden. Glomstad
noted staff is always looking for new areas and will add area(s) as they become known/available
as long as the need exists.
b) Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Pappajohn — No report
Commissioner Milne — No report
Commissioner Lee — Reported that as of the 2010 census, 42% of the population of Burlingame
was 45 and over and understood this prediction would be 28% of the population would be 65 and
older by 2020. She complimented the tennis court landscaping. She also noted the Community
Center Capital Campaign is coming along nicely.
Commissioner Holzman — Reported she has heard from people how excited they are for the return
of Music in the Park. She inquired if there is a drought policy in the City for the parks. Glomstad
noted the Governor had declared a state of drought in certain counties, and our area is not on the
list. At this time, there is a voluntary 10% reduction. Some areas can be let go, and others need a
certain amount of maintenance as it is more expensive to completely replace, such as certain fields
or areas with large trees. The Washington Park well water will be utilized as well.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday,
July 15, 2021, at 7:00 pm via zoom webinar.
Respectfully submitted,
Joleen Helley
Recording Secretary
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APPROVED Minutes
June 17, 2021