PRC staff report SCCMP 16.03.03 RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
10 10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3110 www.cupertino.org
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting: March 3, 2016
Subject
Review the Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road Creek Corridor Master Plan
(SCC Master Plan) draft preferred alternative.
Recommended Action
Review the draft preferred alternative for the Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan
Road Creek Corridor Master Plan and forward a recommendation to the City Council.
Description
The City has undertaken a master planning project to look at the public lands along
Stevens Creek from Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road. The Master Plan
includes the areas of McClellan Ranch Preserve, McClellan Ranch West, Blackberry
Farm Park, Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Stocklmeir Ranch, the Stevens Creek Trail
and associated lands. The master plan does not address the joint cities coordinated
Stevens Creek Trail Feasibility Study.
Background
The public lands along Stevens Creek Corridor south of Stevens Creek Boulevard are
being evaluated due to the city’s changing demographics, the city’s acquisition of the
residential property at 22050 Stevens Creek Blvd., and the needs of the aging
infrastructure within the corridor.
Among the goals of the master plan are:
Enhance riparian habitat throughout the corridor
Provide for appropriate year-round park-related programming and uses in the
corridor
Restore buildings, land and infrastructure to protect the integrity of the assets
Improve ingress/egress
Meet community needs given our changing demographics
Enhance sustainability of the golf course property
Invest funds wisely while accommodating community goals
Three sample options were prepared by the consultant team showing a range of ideas
and features. They ranged from lower to higher intensity of uses and included concepts
for renovation of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course. Community input was invited
through a variety of methods. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the
concepts in November 2014. The City Council considered the concepts in December but
took no action at that time, and requested that the item be scheduled for further
consideration. The second Parks and Recreation Commission review occurred in
January 2015. The City Council considered the concepts again at a February 2015 study
session and provided feedback. In April 2015, the City Council provided direction
regarding project scope in anticipation of developing a preferred alternative and
evaluating environmental impacts.
Based upon interest that was expressed in a more sustainable Golf Course, staff and the
master plan consultant team worked with National Golf Foundation in summer and fall
2015 to prepare and evaluate a recommended concept.
Discussion
Public input received throughout the process and guidance from the Commission and
City Council have shown support for generally maintaining the existing character of the
creek corridor lands, and not for implementing sweeping changes. There is high
interest in maintaining or enhancing conditions for wildlife, as well as providing public
access including recreation and educational activities in a manner that is compatible
with preserving habitat values.
The project team has prepared a draft Preferred Alternative for consideration. It is
attached as Exhibit A (site plan) and Exhibit B (narrative description). A site map of
Existing Conditions is provided for comparison (Exhibit C). A more detailed
conceptual plan for the Blackberry Farm Golf Course is attached as Exhibit D. The draft
Preferred Alternative is based upon areas of general consensus and City Council’s
direction (see Exhibit E). It is intended to be a balanced plan that represents the
community’s vision for the creek corridor lands, and can be used as a tool to guide
future actions and capital investments.
The project team has requested direction from the Parks and Recreation Commission
and City Council to confirm a desired Preferred Alternative that represents the goals for
the area. With a confirmed Preferred Alternative, the environmental clearance process
can proceed and associated environmental clearance documents will be issued for
public review.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact will result from this action.
____________________________________
Prepared by: Gail Seeds, Park Improvement Manager
Reviewed by: Carol A. Atwood, Director of Recreation & Community Services
Attachments:
A – Draft Preferred Alternative Site Map
B – Draft Preferred Alternative Packet
C - Existing Conditions Site Map
D – Report & Concept for Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Dec. 2015
E – City Council Meeting Minutes, Feb. 3, 2015