Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that the community wide survey asked participants which activities <br /> they currently participate in, whether in Pleasanton or someone else, and ice sports was not <br /> identified. She acknowledged that this does not necessarily mean people would not participate <br /> in a new activity if it were introduced. She also noted the most reported activity (65% of <br /> participants) was walking, running, jogging or cycling on various trails. <br /> Mayor Thorne reiterated his surprise, noting that hockey players in particular comment on being <br /> tired of travelling to San Jose to get ice time. <br /> Ms. Andrade-Wax said she shared his surprise, but also noted that the sports age group is 5 to <br /> 14 years of age, which represents only 16% of the city's population. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin said he was surprised not to see identification of or recommendations for <br /> individual trails, similar to the attention given to parks, given that over 65% of the community <br /> reporting using the trail system for fitness activities. Through discussions with staff he was told <br /> those recommendations are included in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, which he did <br /> not recall included a concentration on trails. He asked whether the Bicycle, Pedestrian and <br /> Trails Committee had reviewed the Plan. <br /> Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that while the Plan went directly to the Parks and Recreation <br /> Commission, the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee did have a representative on the <br /> steering committee. She stated that trails are more specifically addressed through both the <br /> Trails Master Plan and Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, where as the comments contained <br /> within this Plan pertain more to the condition and connectivity of current trails. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin reiterated his surprise that more emphasis was not placed on trails, <br /> particularly the Marilyn Kane Trail and Callippe Preserve Hiking Trail, both of which are in need <br /> of attention. <br /> Ms. Andrade-Wax suggested that if it were the Council's desire, it could include an assessment <br /> of existing trails as one of its priorities. With this direction, staff could work through the Bicycle, <br /> Pedestrian and Trails Committee to take a closer look at the city's trails and ask East Bay <br /> Regional Parks District to do the same with theirs. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio requested clarification on how would distinguish between a trail and <br /> park, using Marilyn Kane as an example that would seem to straddle the two categories. She <br /> worried that in compartmentalizing these features there is a certain loss of connectivity. <br /> Ms. Andrade-Wax explained that trails, the types of which are specified in the Plan, typically <br /> connect from one point to another and usually involve parks. She clarified that Marilyn Kane is a <br /> trail, not a park, but acknowledged several examples where parks actually include or are <br /> comprised of trails. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked if there were any requests for restroom facilities at neighborhood <br /> parks, noting that picnic table use might increase if that amenity were available. <br /> Ms. Wax said several parks were identified as needing restroom improvements, specifically <br /> Upper Bernal and an additional restroom near the bocce courts at the Senior Center. She <br /> explained that while it is a common request from city to city, cities do not typically install <br /> restrooms in neighborhood parks. The concept behind this reasoning is that the park serves the <br /> neighborhood, which would imply that users are within walking distance to their homes and <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 11 June 3, 2014 <br />