Title
Update Report on the Tatum’s Garden Foundation (TGF) proposal to develop an inclusive playground at Toro Park
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Accept the Update Report on the Tatum’s Garden Foundation (TGF) proposal to develop an inclusive playground at Toro Park, including projected time line, community involvement process and the organizations fundraising campaign; and
b. Provide feedback and direction to the representatives of the TGF.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
A Resolution of Intent between the Tatum’s Garden Foundation (TGF) and the County was adopted to initiate the development of an Inclusive Playground at Toro Park and allow the TGF to begin their community outreach and fund raising activities. Based on the TGF effort to develop an Inclusive Playground at Sherwood Park in the City of Salinas, their vision and process to plan, design and develop an Inclusive Playground at Toro Park would be similar. The TGF will:
• Be responsible for all costs, services and activities necessary to complete the project
• Have control over the community outreach and design process
• Retain and manage Leathers and Associates, a firm who specializes in community design and development of public playgrounds
• Coordinate the work with Leathers and Associates and other project sponsors and oversee the community volunteer development and implementation effort
• Ensure that the project complies with all applicable codes, ordinances, requirements and mandates, etc.
The TGF has begun preparatory site work, and continues to gather and develop the required planning and design material necessary for the project. A site survey has also been completed, which provides topography, elevations, existing features, and site boundary (included in their update submittal material).
The community outreach efforts are also underway and the TGF has prepared a timeline that outlines their approach (also included in their update submittal):
• February - April 2017 TGF committee recruitment, and individual committee planning and design.
• May 15-17th Community Design Input Gathering
• (End of) May (beginning of) June 2017 - TGF to work with County on final concept. TGF to prepare proposed project to Parks Commission, and Ultimately the Board of Supervisors for final consideration.
Once approved (anticipated in July) the TGF will continue with their fundraising efforts for the project.
As noted in their update submittal material, the TGF relies on the generous donations and contributions of willing sponsors. Their submittal material includes images of their existing fundraising program such as murals, signs, logos incorporated into various site features, ceramic artwork, bricks and picket fence slats that would include the names of those who contributed. The greater the donation or contribution, the more prominent the recognition would be.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
It is anticipated that County Building Department, Environmental Services, Water Resource Agency and County Counsel will be involved in the effort to develop and Inclusive Playground at Toro Park.
FINANCING:
The construction cost and seed money to establish a fund to care for the long term maintenance of the inclusive play structure will be funded by the TGF and their private sector supporters.
Because there is no long term warranty or contractual agreements (project is a community design/build project), there could be a potential impact to the General Fund for any unforeseen future building or structural issues, vandalism and long term maintenance that would not be covered by the fund established by the TGF.
Prepared by: John Akeman, Parks Planning Manager, Ext. 5228
Reviewed by: John Guertin, RMA Land Use and Community Development Deputy Director
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, Resources Management Agency Director
Attachments:
Attachment A - TGF Update, April 2017
Attachment B - Quail Meadows Topo