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Mayor Brown recessed the meeting at 9:53 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 9:59 p.m. 17. Review of conceptual designs for the All-Abilities Playground at Ken Mercer Sports Park Assistant Director Crose provided a brief overview of the location and noted the City is looking to expand the playground area and use the entire grass area for the project. She reported seven stakeholder meetings were held with the Chamber of Commerce, PUSD Special Needs Committee, Pleasanton North Rotary Club, Friends of the Senior Center, Sunflower Hill, and the Park and Recreation Commission. Gina Chavez, RRM Design Group, reported they asked the Pleasanton Community residents what features were important for them at the All-Abilities Park. She provided a brief overview of the project site and noted not all of the areas would be play space. She advised it would also be made up of picnic areas, open lawn areas, and walking paths. Ms. Chavez presented a rendering of the first concept named Pleasanton's Rise Playground and explained the idea behind the concept is to encourage each individual to rise to their unique potential as well as to uplift others. Many elements are related to rising up such as sky elements including the sun and the clouds. She highlighted an area called Rainbow Road which has musical instruments that line the rainbow with a spinner rocking zone on the left and a fitness group area on the right. The active space has a large net climber and basketball area in a crescent shape with various sized hoops and different backboard configurations so people of all abilities can play together. There is a walking loop that goes all the way around. The second concept named the Pride of Pleasanton is more organic and nature-based to blends with the setting of the park. The play features in this concept are more spread out. The picnic area will include intergenerational game tables underneath the sycamore trees. It is envisioned as an open-air structure so there could be picnic space on one side and a performance event area on the other. There is an activity zone for older kids, young adults, and teenagers, a challenger obstacle course, bank shot basketball, and walking loops throughout. Seating areas will be integrated throughout the space along with play equipment that is accessible for all people. Ms. Chavez noted there are common elements in both concepts including picnic, fitness, sensory play, and the inclusion of elements drawn from the inspiration of Pleasanton. Community feedback requested lots of picnic space, walking areas, music, public art, climbing, and different types of swings. Assistant Director Crose reported the next step is to bring the final design to the Park and Recreation Commission and bring the recommendation back to the City Council. Councilmember Arkin expressed support for the item and noted she was leaning towards Pleasanton Rise as it is more unique and has more opportunities for activity. She expressed concern regarding the practicality and durability of the bird concept and believes it should be further explored. She stressed the importance of shade, preserving trees, parking, and seating for parents supervising children near the play area. She noted the quiet area is also very important for children who have noise sensitivities. She expressed support for activities for older children and fitness zones. Councilmember Testa expressed support for the item and prefers Pleasanton Rise although she would like to see the bird reflected as more whimsical instead of the bald eagle. In response to Councilmember Testa, Assistant Director Crose explained staff has been very sensitive to a water feature in the playground due to the drought and the fact the park is on recycled water. She noted there are water features in other parks that have been turned off for some time due to the drought. Councilmember Testa encouraged including a mister for cooling as an option. City Council Minutes Page 10 of 12 October 5, 2021