Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

Overview

The Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan is intended to provide a road map to guide decision making to help the City maintain, manage and develop its park, open space and recreation facility system for the next 20 years, and provide the community with the recreational opportunities that they desire. The Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan Update studies the existing park and recreation facilities, and draws on extensive community engagement to identify a planning blueprint to expand, improve and protect these assets and provide recreational opportunities for the future.

View the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan

Background

On October 15, 2019, the City Council accepted the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Following a robust community engagement process and feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Plan included 123 recommendations, of which 44 were complex, capital projects that required further prioritization and future funding to be completed. The prioritization framework was detailed in the Plan (Chapter 6), and resulted in 14 projects identified in the highest priority “Tier 1” ranking system.

Project updates

This table contains brief updates on each of the 14 projects identified in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan's highest priority "Tier 1" ranking system.


Facility / project
Recommendation (2019)
Status update*
1
Belle Haven Multi-Generational Community Campus Complete detailed feasibility study that would include a conceptual master plan for the Belle Haven Campus facilities including the Onetta Harris Community Center, Senior Center, Youth Center, and the Belle Haven Pool, with a detailed space program, project costs, and economic analysis of the annual expenses and revenues. Belle Haven Community Campus construction began in 2021, and is anticipated to be completed in 2024
2
Bedwell Bayfront Park Follow recommendations of adopted Bedwell Bayfront Park Master Plan(PDF, 17MB) Bedwell Bayfront Park entrance improvements project design is underway, supported by $500,000 priority conservation area grant toward the approximate $1.5 million project cost. The project will improve aesthetics at the park entry, improve bike and pedestrian access, and construct a new roundabout and gated entry. Construction was delayed to ensure options do not preclude future changes needed for sea level rise protection and sequencing with other construction activities in the same vicinity
3
Burgess Park Reconfigure baseball diamond for more flexible and efficient multisport overlays
Not funded/started
4 Burgess Pool
Evaluate installing permanent retractable dome
Feasibility study was initiated in 2019 to analyze potential dome replacement options, but is currently on hold
5 Burgess Park
Consider artificial turf to increase all season/weather play
Not funded/started
6 Willow Oaks Park
Complete improvements to dog park and complete restroom
Willow Oaks Park improvements construction began in September 2023, and is anticipated to be completed in mid-2024
7 Sharon Park
Upgrade park infrastructure, pathways, landscaping, lighting
Park pathway reconstruction completed in 2021-2022. Other elements not funded/started
8 Kelly Park
When multi-use trail is installed along Dumbarton Corridor, ensure safe and direct access
This project was incorporated into the Transportation Master Plan adopted in 2020. Preliminary alignment options have been reviewed in conjunction with work at the Belle Haven Community Campus project and the Commonwealth Building 3 project (162-164 Jefferson Drive) to ensure future construction does not preclude this trail and railroad crossing
9 Menlo Children’s Center
Evaluate ability to renovate existing building, removing wall, create kitchen, storage, reception space
Not funded/started
10 Burgess Park
Renovate existing playground
Burgess Park playground improvements construction began in September 2023, and is anticipated to be completed in mid-2024
11 Nealon Park
Consider relocating dog park from sports field to another site in park
Not funded/started
12 Hamilton Park
Add barbecue and shade structure
Some funding secured for outreach/scope.
13 Karl E. Clark Park
Consider picnic area or community garden
Some funding secured for outreach/scope.
14
Burgess Park
Consider expansion of Snack Shack and add shade and seating
Not funded/started

*Table updated Feb. 22, 2024.

Additional project updates

Status updates about other current projects for recreation facilities are provided on the Fiscal Years 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program webpage, including park renovations, athletic field replacements, playground equipment improvements, aquatics center maintenance, tennis court maintenance, and other projects.

  • Kelly Park turf and track replacement. This project replaces the turf field and track at Kelly Park, which is at the end of its useful life. The project is in design with construction to be completed in 2024 in coordination with the construction of the Belle Haven Community Campus. For more information about the Kelly Park turf and track replacement project, see the project webpage.