Written Communications
PRC Meeting
October 5, 2023
Written Communications
Oral Communications
Equitable Resource Allocation
for Pickleball in Cupertino
Pickleball is Good
Healthy activity
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230426/Playing-pickleball-helps-older-adults-to-reach-the-recommended-dose-of-physical-activity.aspx#:~:text=In%20this%20study%2C%20pickleball%20was,CDC%20standards%2C%22%20Casper%20said.
CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend older adults should get between 150 and 300 minutes of moderat e-intensity activity or 75 and 150
minutes of vigorous-intensity activity during the week.
"We were able to isolate their pickleball activity versus everyday activity, and our key finding was that pickleball was the sole reason most participants were able to meet
CDC standards," Casper said. "Pickleball participation was what helped them reach that threshold.“
-- Jonathan Casper, associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism management at NC State [Playing pickleball helps older adults to reach the recommended dose of physical activity]
Fun (think Cocoon)
Social
Easy for almost everybody
Low cost
Governments should use tax money wisely and judiciously, and invest in fun
low-cost healthy activities such as pickleball
Where to Play Pickleball in Cupertino
•There is only
one tennis court
in one park
in all of Cupertino,
where one could play
without additional fees
Court #2
Memorial Park
A Weekday 9am
Equity & Adequacy
•Is the current allocation of resource equitable for pickleball players?
•Are the space for pickleball adequate
for now, and future ?
Ans: NO
Solution: Work with passionate pickleball
players and other stakeholders
to reach sound win-win-win plans
THANK YOU !
PRC Meeting
October 5, 2023
Written Communications
From:Deanna Forsythe
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc:City of Cupertino Bike and Ped Commission
Subject:Linda Vista Trail
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 1:38:39 PM
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I am writing today to request that the City of Cupertino take action on the following issue.
As a frequent user of the Linda Vista Trail - two to three times per week minimum on various
days and at various times since the trail opened - I regularly observe adult bicycle riders
flaunting the green and white "Dismount Bikes" signs that are posted at the Linda Vista Park
and McClellan Road entry points. Presumably, the city posted these signs to protect the public
safety's and enjoyment for all trail users including seniors, persons with mobility limitations,
children, and people walking pets on leashes. However, bicycle use of the trail occurs
regularly and very likely more than the two or three times per week that I see the safety and
enjoyment of trail users adversely impacted by this activity.
The Linda Vista Trail is a beautiful community amenity that provides a welcome respite to
everyone who uses it safely. On occasion, I have respectfully pointed the "Dismount Bikes"
signs to bicycle riders on the trail including a former mayor on an e-bike (not Steven Scharf).
The typical responses range from:
unawareness (real or feigned) of the existence of the signs at the entry points, to
oblivion (real or feigned) to my attempt due to point out the existence of the signs
while they are "plugged-in" to earbuds, to
indignation and hostility that I dare to remind them that the signs are not just
suggestions and that they apply to everyone, including them.
The city's current approach to this issue is not working. Please re-think the current approach to
keeping use of this public amenity a safe, enjoyable, and welcome respite for everyone who
uses it safely. Please explore and implement improved outreach, education, minor gate
redesign, or other solutions that are effective as this issue will not solve itself; it will intensify
as bicycle riders become more accustomed to and feel more entitled to riding, not walking,
their bicycles on the trail. (Incidentally, bicycle riders who ride on this trail despite the city's
"Dismount Bikes" signs might protest that this is a safe activity and that the trail should
instead be multi-use. As a decades long-term road and mountain bicyclist, I can assure you
that this is false.)
In the meantime and until the city implements an effective solution to keep this trail safe for
all users, I will continue to respectfully point out to bicyclists riding on this trail that they
should instead walk their bikes.
Best regards,
Deanna Forsythe
PRC Meeting
October 5, 2023
Written Communications
Item #3
Park Amenity
Improvements Project
Update
From:Dayna Wu
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Linda Vista DOLA amenities and advocacy
Date:Monday, October 2, 2023 7:27:30 PM
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Hello and good evening everyone,
I hope this email finds you well and wanted to share my appreciation for the current DOLA
space at Linda Vista Park that our 2-year old Corgi "Sunny" uses nearly every day to run
around in. She's been a part of our neighborhood DOLA ever since we got her as a puppy and
it's helped her exercise and socialization immensely! She's very kind, playful, and curious
with other dogs, and has learned good doggie manners socializing with other dogs in the
neighborhood, and all at the DOLA playing with her friends.
Playing in a group dedicated to small/delicate dogs is also great for her, because she's a shortie
with a long spine and having a bigger dog jump on top of her could be disastrous. She's been
able to maintain a good, healthy weight (Corgis are known to have weight issues) and it's nice
to have a spot for her to run around and herd other dogs, doing what she does best. Every time
we go to Linda Vista, she is one PASSED OUT puppy! Which is a GREAT puppy! ;-)
By having a dedicated space for our dog to run around off leash, we get to work on lots of
behavioral tricks as well as fun tricks such as recall while off leash, waiting while at a
distance, fetching, and focusing on us even with distractions. Having that space has really
helped our Corgi be a well behaved dog when we take her to other off leash places and has
allowed us to habitually practice good doggie behaviors and manners, especially while
interacting with other dogs.
Throughout using this space, it would be very helpful and appreciated to have a nice/blended
barrier to outline the DOLA space as well as safely keep the dogs in the DOLA area. I realize
not every dog has their recall command 100% on point, and while every dog we encounter is
super friendly, we respect and understand that having a dog get excited and run after someone
can also be terrifying to people who are not familiar/expecting dogs there. I think having an
aesthetically natural type of barrier would allow both DOLA and non DOLA people to utilize
the park at the same time while ensuring safety and comfortability for everyone, similar to
what you'd find at other DOLA parks where the area is marked off/secured to keep dogs and
people in clearly marked areas and allow a level of comfort/safety/community.
A few requests would be some type of seating area for people who may not be able to stand in
one spot for lengthy periods of time, or have a nice place to sit down and talk while the dogs
are having fun. I think people who don't own dogs like to watch dogs play, and being able to
sit and enjoy that for a while would be incredibly beneficial for both pet and non pet owners
alike.
Again, thank you SO MUCH for your advocacy, your support, and your time listening to our
feedback about our local neighborhood community DOLA at Linda Vista Park! The
neighborhood residents I've met there are a helpful community and have contributed towards
the good nature of our puppy, Sunny. She's the happiest dog, absolutely wonderful with
children, other dogs, and a lot of her good behavior has been through a combination of
discipline/training, exercise and socialization, primarily at the Linda Vista DOLA park area.
Thank you for taking the time to hear my thoughts, requests, and appreciation for all you do
for our community.
Best,
Dayna Wu
This is Sunny's "can we go to Linda Vista Park now?" Face, which we get nearly every day :-)
Sunny is thinking "when can we get back to Linda Vista Park?"
**And this is what Sunny looks like after a DOLA playdate - absolutely pooped out! Gotta
LOVE a pooped out Corgi!
From:Lingling Guo
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Please help with amenities in Jollyman and Lind Vista DOLA
Date:Tuesday, October 3, 2023 9:07:05 PM
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Hi All,
Thank you very much for helping to make Jolleyman DOLA park a permanent one. We really
appreciate it. When the dogs play and chase on the grass, we feel so happy and grateful.
We wonder if the City could arrange some amenities for Jolleyman and Linda Vista DOLA
such as fountains, shades, benches, and lights, thus we don't need to bring water every time.
Your support and help would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Lingling
A white Husky girl's mom
From:Deepa Mahendraker
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc:Louise Saadati
Subject:Amenities to the parks - please fund DOLA amenities
Date:Wednesday, October 4, 2023 12:39:19 PM
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Dear City council members
As you discuss Amenities to the parks, please make sure you consider DOLA requirements.
DOLA community is one of the most organized use of the parks, with the dog owners building community
networks, while being diligent about their dogs use of the parks during off leash hours.
Please do strongly consider the following amenities for the currently approved DOLAs
Jollyman DOLA has asked for 4 benches and a shade structure. And if possible please consider adding a
dog friendly water fountain in the DOLA area
Linda Vista DOLA also asked for 4 benches and a shade structure.
In addition, for Linda Vista DOLA we have requested a 3-4 ft hedge with a temporary fence (while the
hedge is growing) on the field several ft from the walking path. The requested hedge would start from
just pass the tot playground to end where the path forks towards the exercise equipment and the lower
path loop.
Sincerely
Deepa (Cupertino resident and DOLA advocate)
From:ishi chopra
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:DOLA
Date:Wednesday, October 4, 2023 7:35:28 PM
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Hello All,
I am writing this email in regards to the DOLA, here at Linda VIsta Park. My name is Ishi
Chopra. I am a 16 year old student at Presentation High School, who has been a part of the
DOLA community at Jollyman and Linda Vista parks, for over 4 years. Over these past years
I have seen the community come together like never before for the common love of dogs. I
have advocated alongside other people who have also strived to create a space for dogs to run
free and find their special spot in our community.
As DOLA progresses through the years there are many advancements that slowly need to be
made as this is a large growing community. We strongly believe in adding essential
amenities such as, a hedge and temporary fence, benches and if possible sun shade
structures to Jollyman and Linda Vista. These are necessities that would be greatly
appreciated to be added in the off leash areas in the near future.
Thank You, I look forward to hearing from you.
Ishi Chopra
From:Jenpei Chao
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office
Cc:Susan Michael; chandm@cupertino.org; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Opposing installation of the hedge in Linda Vista Park
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 9:46:22 AM
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Dear all,
Thank you for implementing the DOLA in LV park. I’ve been enjoying it with my dog, Chewie!
I write to you to oppose the installation of the hedge alongside of the field. I am also a regular park user since the
park is 5 minutes walk away from my house. Therefore I speak as both a park user and DOLA user.
First, as a long time park user for almost 30 years, I enjoy the openness and the view of the park. Putting up a hedge
fence disturbs the view that I’ve cherished for years. With or without my dog, I hate to see the change of the view.
In additional, there are so many ways to spend the budget on, such as improving the paved path around the park and
maintaining the park. That’s my first 2 reasons to oppose the hedge.
Second, I speak as a DOLA user. The DOLA is not a dog park! The responsibility lies heavily on dog owners that
they should be able to control and recall their furry friends. Putting up the hedge fence gives the false impression
that the DOLA area is expanding and dog owners can lay back not worrying about their dogs running outside the
DOLA area.
Thank your for taking time to read my email and rationale. I hope that we could collect more opinions before
making any decision.
Best,
Jenpei Chao
From:Mika Aritharan
To:Rachelle Sander; Chad Mosley; City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City of Cupertino Parks and
Recreation Commission; Susan Michael
Subject:Requesting DOLA amenities
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 10:01:46 AM
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Hello,
I am one of the many DOLA users and my dog and I greatly enjoy using DOLA. I truly
appreciate City of Cupertino for providing DOLA. We have great communities at DOLA and
our quality of life improved tremendously.
I would like to request amenities for Linda Vista DOLA and Jollyman DOLA.
For Linda Vista DOLA:
3-4 ft hedge with a temporary fence (while the hedge is growing) on the field several ft from
the walking path. I am also requesting 4 benches. If it is possible, I would like to request a
shade structure as well.
For Jollyman DOLA:
4 benches and a shade structure.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Mika Aritharan
From:Emmanuelle Massot
To:Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Rachelle Sander; Chad Mosley; City Council; City of Cupertino Parks and
Recreation Commission; Susan Michael
Subject:Amenities for Linda Vista DOLA
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 1:33:25 PM
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Dear Cupertino Community advocate,
I would like to express my gratitude for the wonderful work that has been done to create
community through the dogs with the DOLAs.
I personally enjoy Linda vista every day and sometimes twice a day.
I would like to request a few amenities for Linda Vista DOLA:
1- a hedge around the DOLA would be great as it would make people walking the path more
comfortable and safe. Our dogs are extremely well behaved, recall easily and we have taught
them to respect the DOLA limits. But new dogs or visiting dogs would benefit to be contained
while they learn- it takes time for a dog to learn to respect a “virtual” boundaries. And no
matter how well behaved our dogs are, passerby may not know that, and feel on edge while
walking the path.
2- Benches: I personally spend 1:30 to 2 hours every day at the DOLA and it would be nice to
have a place to sit. We sometime sit on the grass but it’s not sanitary.
Benches would also allow people without dogs to sit and watch our wonderful dogs who play
beautifully together as some of them have become best friends. It can be quite a scenery. I talk
a random picture of a lady stopping by the DOLA area to watch our dogs, who agreed that I
attached her picture here when I told her we would like to request benches.
3- Shade: I would like to request a shade structure to protect us from our wonderful but hot
California weather. A cooler area with protection from the sun rays would be greatly
appreciated.
Again, I can’t thank you enough for making Cupertino a city where community matters.
Sincerely,
Emma
From:Mary Ellen Chell
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:DOLAS
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 2:14:23 PM
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Dear Council memers, city manager and Parks and Rec,
Would you please put lights in by the south wood fence and east link fence on the Jollyman Park DOLA.
Also, could you please add some benches at Jollyman DOLA and Linda Vista DOLA. Could you also put
a hedge in for the LV DOLA?
Thank you very much.
Mary Ellen Chell
Jollyman DOLA "Sheriff"
From:louise saadati
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Thank you for the DOLAS and their future amenities!
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 4:02:43 PM
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I'm Louise Saadati a resident of Cupertino for 36 years. The three DOLAs and the other
dog groups in Cupertino represent over 500 families or 1,000 people in Cupertino.
We wish to Thank you for all you have done to work collaboratively with the DOLAs. Our
thanks goes to the council, city manager, Rachele Sanders, director of P&R, Susan
Michaels CIP Manager, Chad Moseley PW Director and the many city staff who have
worked with us.
We appreciate the excellent city staff report published for this Oct 5 Parks and Recreation
Commission Meeting. The report showed there is $470,000 remaining from the $600,000 in
the CIP allocation for park amenities.
We are continuing our request for
a 3-4 ft high hedge with a temporary fence (while the hedge is growing in LV)
4 benches and a sun shade structure in both LV and JM DOLA.
Because of the remaining $470,000 remaining of the $600,000 allocated for park amenities
under CIP, the DOLAs are now also asking for an additional amenity.
JM DOLA is used from 2 hours BEFORE sunset to 1 HOUR AFTER
SUNSET.
We are now requesting Low lights along South wood fence facing north
illuminating the grass on the field over the original DOLA area and another set
of lights along the East boundary of the DOLA with Low to mid level lighting
facing west into the field (which has no houses for the full length of the park).
This would avoid light facing any homes and would allow the DOLA users to
SEE any dog poop to pick up and to avoid tripping on any holes or divots in
the grass.
This will provide a win-win solution for the city and its residents.
Thank you to all of you who have worked so collaboratively with the residents using the
DOLAs and dog groups in producing a park amenity so appreciated and beloved by us.
Thank you.
Louise Saadati
Sent from my iPhone
From:Janet
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Linda Vista DOLA
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 3:49:08 PM
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Dear Sir, Madam or any interested party,
I am a retired landscape architect and have been a resident of Cupertino for 23 year. I have
never met as many neighbors or felt as much community as I have these last 8 months since I
started taking my puppy to to the Linda Vista DOLA. Louise has done an amazing job of
cultivating a caring and high quality experience for our dog companions who do so much for
us. The benefit of time and space for them to exercise and play safely and freely is beyond
measure. It brings the dog owners so much joy to see them so happy.
We have been thinking how to meet both the needs of the canine community and those of the
neighborhood. I agree with Louise, that a medium height unclipped hedge and fence that runs
from the tots swings , along the path all the way to the workout area. I envision breaks in the
hedge at path junctions that would accommodate the equipment needed to maintain the turf. I
would recommend using one or maybe up to three sturdy shrub varieties that are broad leaf
evergreen, thornless and grow to 3-4 feet unclipped. These might include dwarf Pittosporum
Tobira, Abelia or Euonymus; these are low enough to creat a visual barrier between the dogs
and the pathway. There ideally would be a mowing strip along the path to maintain the
spacious experience for path users. I have other ideas for using a chain link fence with a vine
trained as well I would be happy to explore.
I support the idea of a shade structure or shade trees that would cool the western area of the
DOLA. We could use at least four benches placed around the DOLA area. This
would benefit everyone at the DOLA.
I would love to help develop the design if needed.
Yours truly,
Janet Geiger
408-505-1101
From:Lydia W.
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; Susan Michael; Chad Mosley; Rachelle Sander; City of Cupertino
Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:DOLA Amenities - and a big THANK YOU!
Date:Thursday, October 5, 2023 4:08:01 PM
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Dear Cupertino Council Members, Cupertino City Management and Administration, and Parks
and Recreation Committee Members,
Thank you for all your efforts to make the DOLA projects successful. While the dogs in our
Linda Vista DOLA pack are generally well-behaved, a barrier, such as a 3-4 foot hedge, will
further minimize the possibility of unplanned encounters with people who pass by the DOLA
area. Such a barrier will bring everyone peace of mind. Also, the addition of benches will be
much appreciated by this senior resident! Thank you very much for considering these and the
other amenities for all in our community to enjoy.
I am a long-time Cupertino homeowner. My house is within walking distance from Linda
Vista Park. It is a beautiful park that has been underutilized for many of the 36 years I have
lived in the area. The DOLA arrangement has finally brought many families and their canine
companions to the park. People walk to the park and spend time outdoors, enjoying nature. At
the same time, the dogs are socialized and learn to not be afraid of strangers. My timid dog has
made tremendous progress in the few months we have been attending the Linda Vista DOLA.
Now, I can take her for a walk around the block without her barking her head off at every
passerby. At the same time, I have had a chance to meet people in my community beyond my
next-door neighbors. As a senior who lives alone, this is an invaluable benefit to me. Thank
you for making Cupertino such a great place to live!
Warmly,
Lydia Wiswell