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HomeMy WebLinkAbout061125-06.2 PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 6.2 June 11, 2025 TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission and Arts Advisory Board SUBJECT: Tiny Flourishes CIP B-627 Potential Projects Discussion BACKGROUND: The 2017 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan outlines a long-term vision for enhancing the community's parks, recreation, and arts amenities. Among its key recommendations is the formalization of a "Tiny Flourishes" program: small-scale enhancements that promote comfort, sociability, and activate public spaces. In response, the Town established CIP B-627, Tiny Flourishes, which is funded annually at $10,000. To date, the program has supported amenities such as water bottle filling stations and dog bowls at park fountains. Approximately $70,000 remains unspent in Fiscal Year 2024–25. At the November 15, 2024, Joint Workshop, the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission and the Arts Advisory Board (AAB) identified Tiny Flourishes as a priority. At its meeting on May 14, 2025, the Commission discussed whether a more formal process is needed to guide project implementation and agreed that further discussion, including input from the AAB, is warranted (Attachment A). DISCUSSION As a result of the May 2025 meeting, the Commission and AAB were asked to provide up to five ideas for potential Tiny Flourish projects, which are small-scale enhancements intended to improve public spaces, for discussion and possible prioritization. Attachment B is the list of potential Tiny Flourish projects provided by Commissioners and Board members. The Commission and Board are asked to discuss and provide input on potential projects to create and endorse a predetermined list of Tiny Flourishes. Each project would then be considered for completion based on community needs, budget, and available opportunities. Tiny Flourishes will also be discussed annually at the Commission and Board workshop to confirm or adjust priorities as needed. With this approach, staff would implement these priority projects as opportunities become available. The Commission will receive regular updates on progress and completed projects. Any project that falls outside the predetermined list would be presented to the Commission for further input or approval when needed. RECOMMENDATION Receive the report, discuss, and provide input for potential Tiny Flourish projects. Prepared by: Henry Perezalonso Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director Attachment A: Staff Report, May 14, 2025, Tiny Flourishes CIP B-627 Discussion Attachment B: Potential Tiny Flourish Ideas List PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 5.1 May 14, 2025 TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission SUBJECT: Tiny Flourishes CIP B-627 Discussion BACKGROUND: The 2017 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Strategic Plan (the Plan) provides a long-term vision for maintaining and enhancing the community's parks, recreation, and arts amenities. Among its key strategic recommendations are sustaining and reinvesting in existing infrastructure and expanding high-impact public art programming. One recommendation is to “formalize the tiny flourishes program and allocate an annual budget for tiny flourish enhancements that help achieve the Vision Principles included in the Plan. Specifically, amenities or enhancements would be placed in parks and facilities, promoting comfort and sociability while enhancing the use of public spaces. Since adopting the Plan, CIP B-627 Tiny Flourish has been established and funded annually with $10,000. This CIP has been used to add amenities such as water bottle filling stations to facilities and dog water bowls to park drinking fountains. The current unexpended dollars available in Fiscal Year 2024-25 are approximately $70,000. At their November 15, 2024, Joint Workshop, the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission and Arts Advisory Board identified Tiny Flourishes as a priority for its annual work plan to discuss and perhaps formalize it further. DISCUSSION As the Town continues to identify opportunities for Tiny Flourish projects, which are small-scale enhancements intended to improve public spaces, staff seek Commission input on whether a more formal process is needed for implementation. Currently, staff identify potential projects that fit within the Tiny Flourish program based on community needs and available opportunities. Potential options for moving forward include the ability to proceed with pre-identified and Commission-endorsed projects as opportunities arise without requiring individual approvals for each instance. ATTACHMENT A With this approach, staff would implement these projects as opportunities become available. The Commission will receive regular updates on progress and completed projects. Any project that falls outside the predetermined list would be presented to the Commission for further input or approval when needed. This method could allow staff to act quickly on time-sensitive opportunities while keeping the Commission informed. Examples of Potential Pre-Identified Tiny Flourish Projects: • Additional seating, shade structures, or performance features. o Adding furniture or a small stage to the theatre plaza o Installing additional benches around the Town Green • Improving pedestrian pathways with seating. o Installing additional benches along the Camino Tassajara walking paths • Upgrading public amenities such as hydration stations. o Installing more bottle filling stations o Installing more dog bowls when replacing park drinking fountains • Installing, repairing or replacing equipment in existing courts and fields. o New nets and sign-up boards at the pickleball courts o Resurfacing of courts Alternatively, staff will continue to identify potential projects that fit within the Tiny Flourishes program based on community needs and available opportunities. Staff are seeking the Commission’s input on whether a formalized implementation process for Tiny Flourish projects would be needed or beneficial. RECOMMENDATION Receive the report, discuss, and provide input about implementing tiny flourish idea enhancements. Prepared by: Henry Perezalonso Recreation, Arts & Community Services Director ATTACHMENT B Potential Tiny Flourish Ideas Park Maintenance & Improvements • Remove derelict par course at Oak Hill Park, except pull-up bars o The par course is in disrepair, detracts from the hillside trail experience, and is rarely used. • Install new picnic tables and benches around Oak Hill Park o The area is popular for picnics, but it has limited seating; most visitors resort to using blankets. • Add more clearly labeled recycling bins in parks, especially near sports fields o Players often dispose of bottles in trash cans due to a lack of recycling options. • Install additional benches around the Town Green o More seating would support gatherings and increase the use of this central space. • Add furniture to the Theatre Plaza for comfort and gathering at events o Encourages people to linger and makes the space more inviting. • Install hydration stations in areas that may have current needs o Provides for water bottle fillers, drinking fountains, and dog water bowls throughout parks and facilities. • Install more poop bag dispensers downtown o Helps maintain cleanliness as more people walk dogs in urban park areas. Signage & Wayfinding • Install clear e-bike rule signage in parks (temporary campaign with enforcement notice) o There's confusion and non-compliance regarding e-bike use; signs could clarify and reinforce rules. • Trailhead markers with QR codes for native wildlife and plant info o Enhances the educational value of hikes and promotes environmental awareness. • Trail continuity signs in neighborhoods pointing to nearby trail connections o Helps users navigate disjointed trail segments more easily. • Historic point-of-interest markers with QR codes linking to the Danville Connect app o Leverages existing digital content and encourages discovery of local history. • Create an overview map of Danville walking paths, with length, difficulty, and trail connectivity o Improves usability of the trail system for walkers, hikers, and tourists. ATTACHMENT B Educational & Cultural Enhancements • Develop a historical interpretive display at Hap Magee Park (similar to Eugene O’Neill display) o Tells the story of Danville’s ranching past and the Magee family’s local impact. • Create a historic walking path scavenger hunt (if not fully addressed by the upcoming Bronze Acorn programming) o Makes history interactive and fun for all ages. • Install AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) playground signs for inclusivity o Supports communication for children with speech and language challenges. Recreational Enhancements • Lowered basketball hoops for children at select parks o Current hoops are adult-sized, limiting use for younger kids. • Install a new dog park on the opposite end of town from the existing ones o Expands access for pet owners in underserved areas. • Add playful competition equipment (interactive and age-flexible) o Encourages engagement across age groups. • Install kinetic sculptures powered by wind in parks/public spaces o These are visually captivating and create a calming atmosphere. • Add table and chair sets (bistro style) in front of Village Theatre Art Gallery o Makes the gallery area more inviting and usable. • Place all-weather, movable seating on the Town Green, similar to the Presidio lawn o Flexible, stackable seating encourages relaxation and community use. Sports Facility Upgrades • Install new nets and sign-up boards at pickleball courts o Improves playability and organization at busy courts. • Resurface pickleball courts, as requested by users o Enhances the player’s experience and addresses concerns about wear and tear.