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proposes plazas to join the two parks at Neal Street, one of which could serve as a common middle plaza with the addition of bollards to close off the street for special events. Councilmember Brown noted there are a number of bus stops in the area and asked if he envisioned eliminating bus service during events. Mr. Larson said the question has been raised before and not yet answered, but that they have contemplated the potential for bus only access or temporarily realigning the bus rcute during events. He discussed the proposed bandstand location, sited midway between the plazas and Firehouse Arts Center, noted several other locations where street blocks during special events might make for a really strong pedestrian zone, and demonstrated the proposed trail crossings. Ms. Yuan-Miu interjected to note that at its May meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission requested that the plaza area be extended up to Railroad Avenue. Mr. Larson reviewed the proposed sensory garden, which was recommended throughout the input process. He explained that the feature is expected to serve as a visual cue and gateway from Main Street to the park and can really be anything of sensory interest. He described the bandstand, which would serve to replace the Chan Henderson Bandstand, in greater detail, noting an expanded lawn area extending to the east towards First Street. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked him to estimate the bandstand capacity, as proposed. Mr. Larson could not say specifically but said it is a rough double of size and therefore should accommodate approximately twice as many people, and likely more comfortably. He outlined the northern end of the site, noting prominent elements such as the existing large eucalyptus tree, Firehouse Arts Center, plazas and regional trail connections. He introduced the proposed water/adventure play area, which is an element designed specifically for youth activity. Mr. Larson reviewed the schematic for Option B, again noting significant similarities to Option A with exception of the open swale. He explained that because of the extent of development at the Firehouse Arts Center as well as other natural site features, it is likely that the swale would require very steep sides and perhaps retaining walls in several locations. He called the Council's attention to a pedestrian bridge crossing the swale for regional trail access as well as a bridge intended to connect the bandstand and audience area with the larger great lawn. Mayor Thorne noted the schematic indicates a stretch of trees that almost cut the great lawn in half and asked if that would interfere with views of the bandstand from the far side of the lawn. Mr. Larson said it would be highly dependent on how the site is graded and where trees are placed. He agreed that views might be somewhat affected but said this could also be manacled to some extent by how the tree canopies are pruned. Mayor Thorne said there are competing interests at play in that there is a desire to have as large an expanse as possible for the bandstand area but that shade is also a necessity at times. He thought the greater interest was in ensuring that they do not interfere with the ability to sea the grandstand and suggested that canopies could always be used for shade if needed. Councilmember Brown noted that the schematics demonstrate retention of the large eucalyptus trees, but not the larger redwood or the numerous trees lining the swale, Neal Street or First Street. City Council Minutes Page 9 of 13 July 16, 2013