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BACKGROUND <br /> The Oak Woodland area is the grand open space at the heart of the Bernal Property <br /> consisting of approximately 40 acres immediately west of the Bernal Community Park <br /> intended to provide considerable passive open space not found in many city parks. In <br /> the Bernal Property Phase II Specific Plan (Specific <br /> Plan) approved by Pleasanton voters in November 2006, this area is identified as the <br /> "Grand Meadow" reserved for agriculture, open space, passive recreation facilities, <br /> public utilities and trails. <br /> Based on the planning parameters set forth in the Specific Plan, the foundation for the <br /> design of this area, as depicted in the Schematic Plan, is the transformation of an <br /> existing, level agricultural field into an undulating natural landscape populated with <br /> native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers consisting of Valley grassland, Valley <br /> Woodland, and Valley Foothill Riparian. No irrigated ornamental landscape is planned <br /> for the Oak Woodland and as such, hand watering is anticipated during the areas grow- <br /> in period. <br /> The Oak Woodland will also be a place for people and the current design includes an <br /> extensive network of pathways that includes a paved multi-use perimeter path that <br /> circumnavigates the entire open space area, smaller paths throughout the area's core, <br /> including the creek areas, and a lighted pathway from Oak Vista Way to both Phase I <br /> and Phase II areas of the Bernal Community Park. Access trails will also be located on <br /> Valley Avenue near Oak Vista Way and Pleasanton Avenue to create a natural <br /> "extension" of the Marilyn Kane Trail. Landscape design along the trails is intended to <br /> provide a range of unique experiences as one travels along them. <br /> Due to its natural focus, amenities will be limited. However, the proposed design <br /> anticipates reservation of space for the placement of site specific art work at some time <br /> in the future, interpretive signage, including some denoting the historic use of the <br /> property as an agricultural site, a few benches and small plazas/group gathering areas. <br /> All parking will be situated within the Bernal Community Park. Overall, the area will be <br /> suitable for docent-led tours, and for educational field trips. <br /> As part of the area's overall storm water drainage plan, the Oak Woodland will include a <br /> long, narrow swale (shown in blue) which will filter out pollutants and assist with ground <br /> water recharge to create a year round attraction for wildlife. <br /> The current estimated cost for construction of the Oak Woodland area is $3.6 million <br /> with approximately $347K reserved for a construction contingency resulting in a total <br /> construction cost of$3.94 million. Staff anticipates the Oak Woodland being constructed <br /> as part of a single construction contract awarded for both this area and the Bernal <br /> Community Park Phase II. <br /> Bill Harris, project architect is intending to attend the City Council meeting to provide a <br /> detailed review of the Oak Woodland area. <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br />