P&R 09-02-2021CITY OF
CITY OF CUPERTINO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
I m'I Teleconference Meeting
CUPERTINO Thursday, September 2, 2021
7:00 PM
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Stanek called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. via remote teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Carol Stanek, Xiangchen (Minna) Xu, Sashikala Begur, Gopal
Kumarappan, Neesha Tambe
Commissioners absent: None
Staff present: Joanne Magrini, Kevin Khuu, Jimmy Tan, Brian Gathers,
Jason Bisely, Alex Corbalis
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Subject: Drought Measures and Impacts to Recreation Facilities
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on drought measures being implemented
by the City and impacts to recreation facilities.
Joanne Magrini, Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced Jimmy Tam, Assistant
Director of Public Works, and Brian Gathers, Public Works Supervisor, to present on the
item.
Chair Stanek recommended updating the annual water use comparison chart
percentages to reflect the same date ranges as well. Commissioner Tambe suggested
considering greater water conversation methods and policies and incorporating them as
much as possible into all park projects. Commissioner Kumarappan suggested the City
work with water companies to create some water comparison method for residents to
compare their water use to others.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Subject: Meeting Minutes for the July 1, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting
Recommended Action: Review and approve the minutes for the July 1, 2021 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting.
Commissioner Tambe motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Begur
seconded. Motion carries with 3 yes and 2 abstain.
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
3. Subject: Nature Play
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on Nature Play regarding future projects
and implementation and provide feedback.
Jason Bisely, Recreation Coordinator, presented to the Commission on the item.
Commissioner Kumarappan suggested collaborating with local artists, talent, and
residents to incorporate their artistic ideas and creations into future projects.
Commissioner Tambe shared research of the mental and physical health benefits of
nature play elements and structures and emphasized nature play as a way to expose
kids and adults to nature and increase awareness. Chair Stanek referred to the labyrinth
at the Saratoga Quarry Park as an example of nature play and suggested it as a possible
idea to incorporate into City parks.
4. Subject: Outdoor Recreation Diversity
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on Outdoor Recreation Diversity
regarding future projects and implementation and provide feedback.
Alex Corbalis, Recreation Coordinator, presented on the Commission on this item.
Commissioner Tambe recommended incorporating natural and environmental
elements into the outdoor recreation diversity fitness and workout equipment. Also
suggested incorporating turf area at parks for yoga or tai chi. Vice Chair Xu commented
on the benefits of outdoor recreation diversity to all ages. Chair Stanek referenced the
ropes course that was originally at Shoreline, highlighting the opportunities and
benefits for the users and instructors.
5. Subject: Response to the Mayor Regarding Potential Use of the Discretionary Funds
by Commissions.
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide a response to the Mayor regarding
potential use of their discretionary funds by Commissions.
Chair Stanek presented on this item, explaining about the $100 discretionary fund
offered by the Mayor for each Commission to utilize to provide a benefit to the
community. Commissioner Begur shared the history of this item.
Chair Stanek shared her thoughts on what to utilize the fund for and presented a
proposal: a community event to encourage the public to visit a labyrinth, located at the
trail from the McClellan Ranch West Parking lot. Visitors would take their photo at the
site and submit to the City to enter into a raffle.
Requested feedback from the Commission whether to proceed with the proposal and
for any input. Suggested forming a subcommittee to continue and initiate the project.
Commissioner Kumarappan supports the proposal, but also suggested utilizing it as
seed money to invoke ideas from the community to incorporate into current and
ongoing projects. Commissioner Tambe suggested incorporating it into a digital
passport idea to engage the community. The passport could encourage residents to visit
the labyrinth, answer a City survey or sign up for a City emailing list, and attend an
upcoming City event or visit another City site for example. Commissioner Begur
supported Commissioner Kumarappan's and Commissioner Tambe's idea and
suggested acquiring the raffle prizes from local businesses.
Chair Stanek and Commissioner Begur volunteered to form a subcommittee to continue
this project. The Commission agreed to acquire the prizes from local businesses.
Commissioner Tambe motioned to create a subcommittee to move forward with the
project as discussed and initiate it. Commissioner Kumarappan seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
6. Subject: Monthly Update Reports.
Recommended Action: Receive monthly update reports from the Director of Parks and
Recreation and Commissioners.
Parks and Recreation Director, Joanne Magrini, provided the Director's update.
Commissioner Tambe attended the ribbon cutting for Linda Vista Trail and McClellan
Ranch Community Gardens. Encouraged residents to apply for a garden plot and walk
the Steven Creek Trail.
Chair Stanek attended and spoke at the ribbon cutting for the Linda Vista Trail and
McClellan Ranch Community Gardens. Shared a garden program led by the Master
Gardeners called "Plant an Extra Row". Shared details on the upcoming Silicon Valley
Day n Night Festival on September 11.
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
Joanne reviewed the upcoming items for the October meeting:
- Presentation on Summer Programs and Events
- Update on the Jollyman Dog Off Leash Area Trial
- Parks and Recreation Discounts and Fee Waivers
- Potential for Adding a Second Regular Meeting for the Parks and Recreation
Commission
- Update from the Discretionary Fund subcommittee
Chair Stanek requested adding an Update on the Field Use Policy to a future meeting
agenda.
Commissioners to attend the upcoming Mayor's meetings as follows:
- September 8: Commissioner Kumarappan
- October 13: Commissioner Begur
- November 10: Vice Chair Xu
- December 8: Commissioner Tambe
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Stanek adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m. to the October 7, 2021 meeting at 7:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Khuu, Management Analyst
Parks and Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the October 7, 2021 regular meeting