Written Communications
Parks and Recreation, Planning,
and Bicycle Pedestrian
Commissions
Special Joint Meeting
June 13, 2022
Written Communications
Item 1
Consider an update to the Joint
Commission on the status of the
Environmental Summary Report,
public outreach process, and
next steps for the Lawrence-
Mitty Master Plan project.
From:Connie Cunningham
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:2022-6-13 Joint Planning Commission, Bike Ped Commission, Parks Rec Commission Lawrence Mitty
Date:Monday, June 13, 2022 4:50:36 PM
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2022-6-13 Joint Planning Commission, Bike Ped Commission, Parks Rec Commission
Lawrence Mitty. Saratoga Creek
Please note that I plan to speak at tonight’s meeting.
Good evening, Chairs and Commissioners,
This is an exciting topic—a new park in Cupertino—I have walked the length of the planned
park from Bollinger Road to Lawrence and Mitty at the pedestrian crossing. My friends who
live nearby, are also excited about walking this trail.
The several plans, General Plan, Bike-Ped Plan, Parks and Rec Plan, and CAP 2.0 all speak to
balancing the needs of nature and the needs of the community. It is heartening to read about
the community input supporting the local wildlife habitat and use of parks that promote
education about nature and play that allow time for interaction with nature. Although this
particular location has noise from Lawrence Expressway, that noise can be mitigated
One addition to your report about the CAP 2.0 plan that is different from the existing CAP:
the addition of the tree canopy as an important climate change strategy. This park is large
enough to accommodate many California native trees, plants and grasses. It already has
several of these trees so will support the existing natural growth.
1.I urge the designers to put the bike trail as far from the creek as possible to keep the faster
traffic away from the quieter area of the creek. The bikes will still be in the vicinity of the
creek and can enjoy it a little farther away than those who are walking.
I urge the planners to take more soil samples throughout
the area, rather than just the portions of the park along the street. This was a construction yard
where many things have been discarded over the years. It will be important to ensure that toxic
waste or lead is not in the soil, nor the berms nor piles of debris, nor in the soil beneath the
impervious surface of the previously developed area
Eliminate artificial lighting. Artificial lighting disturbs
the natural biological rhythms of birds, insects, animals, and plants. Many studies show that
light pollution impacts humans, too, leading to moods changes, difficulty with sleeping, as
well as cancer.
This park is ½ mile in length. Since it is planned to be a
connector for an existing trail, it is important to note that perhaps design elements and signage
to slow bicycles through this area be considered.
With the 280 overpass, the bicycle route north of the park
needs to go through neighborhoods using bicycle lanes with as much separation as possible for
the type of ongoing trail that this plan envisions.
Please ensure that appropriate irrigation is included for
the native vegetation that is planned. Native vegetation needs some irrigation for up to 8
years to become established. After that, natural rainfall and below surface water will be
appropriate.
Allow for bulb outs for people to approach the creek, but
keep some locations non-admissible by people. Too much compacted earth and foot traffic
disturbs the natural ability of trees to cope with dry times.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this exciting new park.
Connie Cunningham
Resident
Audubon Member and Advocate for Birds/Wildlife/Native Plants