Coalition leaders and a neighbor concerned about the plans for the Bayside Park renovation met at the park with the renovation Project Manager Erin Riley, Landscape Architect Tara McIntire, and Ari Golan from the Marin County Parks Department. Following that meeting, on September 15, 2020, the landscape architect wrote:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with us! It was very helpful to hear your suggestions and feedback and what better place than IN the park!
To recap our walk and talk, this is what Ari, Erin and I heard:
Views:
- Preserve view easement across park’s northern portion to bay.
- Overall, a good plan. New plan shows 3 (possibly 4) trees that impact the view easement. Would like to see those trees relocated.
Safety/Access:
- People cross North San Pedro Road to access park and it’s very dangerous.
- Fast speeds
- Hazardous curve
- Provide more safety and warning signage
- Provide barriers to keep people from crossing road
- Residents of neighborhood do not access park due to parking safety and speeds.
- Also concerned with lack of barrier for kids – potential for fence?
Air Quality Sensors
- Possibility for including air sensor in park?
Mask Compliance
- Park users are not always in compliance with the county mandate. Would like to see more patrol and/or larger signage.
Engagement/Planning
- Would like to see more holistic and comprehensive planning efforts that consider not only the park, but traffic, and sea level rise (for example).
- Wished there had been more notification in advance of Parks and Opens Space Commission meeting.
General Items
- Include picnic tables (checkerboard?) or opportunity for exercise (par course?), something fun, whimsical and playful.
We invite you to share your suggestions and feedback live during our Parks and Open Space Commission this Thursday, September 17th.
There is also an opportunity to email your comments if you are unable to attend. Send email comments to: ParksComments@marincounty.org no later than 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16th. Include the agenda item number, your name and address. General comments unrelated to an agenda item will be read during Public Comment time.
Thank you again for your very thoughtful comments and feedback. It was a pleasure meeting all of you!
Be well and stay safe!
Regards,
Tara McIntire, ASLA, RLA #5309 (she/her)
INTERIM PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Marin County Parks
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 260
San Rafael, CA 94903
415 521 8059
TMcintire@marincounty.orgwww.marincountyparks.org