HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.1PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT 5.1
TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission August 9, 2023
SUBJECT: Update Town Green and Arts District Design Project
BACKGROUND
The 2017 Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan), includes several
recommended implementation measures intended to carry out the Plan. One such
measure is the development of a Town Green and Arts District Concept Master Plan
(Master Plan). Development of this Master Plan is among the higher priorities
established by the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (the Commission).
The Master Plan was to identify a comprehensive set of improvements, activities and
arts programming strategies for the study area, generally encompassing the current
Town Green and Front Street environment from the Community Center north to the
Village Theatre. Subsequently, the Town retained the firm of Callander Associates
(consultant) to work with Town staff and the Commission to prepare the Master
Plan.
In 2019, the Commission worked with the consultant on overall project goals, guided
by a desire to create designs, recommendations and solutions unique to the Town of
Danville. In addition to seeking input and direction from the Commission, the
consultant conducted community outreach events and an on-line survey to seek
community input. The draft Master Plan was created and included information,
feedback and changes realized through this process.
The consultant’s initial concept design was prepared to be consistent with the Parks,
Recreation and Arts Strategic Plan by providing recommendations for achievable
improvements that support the goals of an arts district and solidify the Town Green
as Danville’s “living room.”
The draft Master Plan includes a variety of physical improvements that are
recommended to further enhance the appearance and feel of the area by:
• Improving landscaping, lighting and pavement treatments.
• Providing a variety of seating areas for reading, picnicking and viewing
performance art.
• Improving pedestrian connectivity through installation of a new pedestrian
bridge and plaza that will connect the Town Green to Diablo Road over San
Town Green and Arts District 2 August 9, 2023
Ramon Creek and enhance the San Ramon Creek trail and pedestrian
connections along Front Street. (Note: the bridge has been completed)
• Integrating public art through recommendations to improve or expand the
bandstand/amphitheater to broaden the scope of performance art that can be
staged on the Town Green, adding a rotating sculpture garden, interactive art
area, outdoor music instruments, examples of permanent interactive public art
and gateway entry monuments north and southbound on Front Street.
• Including a Maker’s Space at 282 Front Street property
The Commission reviewed drafts of the Master Plan including the conceptual
estimate of the project at their August and September 2019 meetings, prior to
recommending that the Master Plan be forwarded on to the Town Council for final
approval. After review by the Town Council the Master Plan was adopted in
November 2019.
The Town Council added Projects B-628, Town Green and Arts District and B-629
Arts Maker Space to the Capital Improvement Program and appropriated funds to
design and construct improvements included in the Master Plan.
DISCUSSION
The Master Plan is now in the design development phase. This current phase will
now begin implementation of the approved Master Plan and is anticipated to be
completed over the next 12-14 months. The project will include completion of the
following:
• Preliminary Investigations to gather site information such as topographic
surveys and soils testing.
• Program Development to refine and add detail to approved Master Plan.
• Design Development to prepare more detailed drawings of Master Plan.
• Design Review by Staff and Commission
• Construction Documents preparation for bidding and construction.
The Commission will be provided updates and opportunities to provide feedback at
various stages of the project. The Commission and the Arts Advisory Board will
adjourn to a “field trip” at the Town Green to reacquaint themselves with the project
area and begin an informal conversation about elements to prioritize.
FISCAL IMPACT
The current project has approximately $4,000,000 dollars appropriated for design and
construction of the improvement identified in the Master Plan.
Town Green and Arts District 3 August 9, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
Review the Town Green and Arts District Concept Master Plan and receive update.
Prepared and Reviewed by:
Henry Perezalonso
Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director
Attachments: A - Town Green and Arts District Master Plan