At their August 23, 2004 meeting, the City Council discussed a financial analysis of the proposal for synthetic turf installation at Highlands Park Athletic Field and synthetic turf installation with ball field lights at Heather School Athletic Field requested by Mayor Mike King. The analysis was requested in light of new fiscal realities highlighted by the Governor’s new budget.

Review of City Playing Fields

The City Council asked the staff to broaden their review of the topic to look at a) how the worsening condition of the playing fields at Highlands Park and Heather School Field should be dealt with in light of the lack of funds available for repair and renovation and b) take a look at the question of the need for more field use and play hours on the fields citywide. Any proposal should include a recommendation how the City would finance such work.

The matter will be referred back to the Parks and Recreation Commission to develop a plan for City Council review of how to proceed in dealing with these issues. It was also suggested that a broad based advisory committee be developed that included representation from residents throughout the City.

Citywide Assessment of Park and Recreation Programs Needs

Additionally, staff was directed by the City Council to develop a second program that would look at the City’s Park and Recreation, programs, services and facilities. The second effort would include a needs assessment, community meetings, a community advisory committee and strategies to achieve identified needs. This program would be a longer term effort than the fields review mentioned above.

Next Steps

Staff has started work on this direction from the City Council. We plan to update the Parks and Recreation Commission about these developments at their September 1, 2004 meeting. That will be followed by a detailed discussion on how to develop each of these two efforts at the Commission’s October meeting.

Public Participation & Comments

Interested members of the public are invited to attend the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings to participate in both the review of field conditions and the assessment of City Parks and Recreation needs as they move forward.

The public can also provide their suggestions and comments to Barry Weiss, Parks and Recreation Director by email at bweiss@cityofsancarlos.org or by phone at (650) 802-4286.