Laserfiche WebLink
Ensuring that San Leandro's parks are easily accessible <br />and offer a welcoming environment for all residents is <br />essential. This includes creating spaces that are inclusive <br />of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, individuals <br />with varying cognitive and physical abilities, LGBTQ+ <br />individuals, and people of color. By designing parks and <br />recreational spaces that reflect the community's diversity <br />and needs, we can foster a sense of belonging for <br />everyone, ensuring that all residents can enjoy and fully <br />participate in the benefits that parks offer. The following <br />recommendations aim to create parks that are accessible, <br />inclusive, and culturally enriching for all users. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS: <br />5.1 Improve Access to Recreation and <br />Park Opportunities <br />A) Prioritize increasing recreational assets in gap <br />neighborhoods that are not within ½ mile of a <br />park (see Map 4.1). Developing community or <br />neighborhood parks should be the highest priority; <br />where this is not feasible, the City should explore other <br />recreational facilities such as trails, recreation centers, <br />mini parks, or plazas (see Goal 1 for acquisition <br />recommendations). <br />B) Enhance pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure <br />to support safe, accessible connections between <br />neighborhoods and parks and recreation facilities. Refer <br />to the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for <br />recommended improvements. <br />C) Work with transit providers to Improve public <br />transportation access to parks, particularly for <br />underserved neighborhoods. <br />5.2 Create Inclusive Places & programs <br />A) Strive to represent the diversity of San Leandro’s <br />community through signage, artwork, programs, <br />and events that reflect the diversity of San Leandro’s <br />community. <br />B) Design parks with universal accessibility in mind, <br />incorporating amenities suitable for all ages and abilities. <br />This includes accessible play equipment, pathways, <br />seating, ramps, and more. <br />C) Provide gender-neutral restrooms and changing rooms <br />to ensure all visitors feel comfortable and supported. <br />D) Ensure language inclusion by offering multilingual <br />signage, as well as translating key program and event <br />materials to serve non-English speaking residents. <br />E) Integrate sensory-friendly spaces and quiet zones for <br />individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those on the <br />autism spectrum. <br />GOAL 5: <br />EQUITABLE & INCLUSIVE PARKS <br />Parks and recreational facilities are uniquely positioned <br />to support both climate adaptation and public health <br />by providing safe spaces that promote physical activity, <br />mental well-being, and environmental education. By <br />aligning with the San Leandro Climate Action Plan, the <br />city can ensure its parks contribute to a healthier, more <br />resilient community for all residents. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS: <br />6.1 Enhance Resilience in San Leandro <br />Parks & Open Spaces <br />A) Coordinate with other city departments and resilience <br />organizations in the development of a Shoreline Protection <br />Plan that includes relevant, regionally-coordinated sea- <br />level-rise adaptation strategies for San Leandro’s shoreline <br />parks and open spaces. <br />B) Establish parks as resilience hubs through heat <br />mitigation features, such as drought-tolerant shade trees <br />and shade structures. <br />C) Implement East Bay Municipal Utility District’s water <br />efficiency requirements by reducing turf in passive areas, <br />while focusing on maintaining healthy turf in active use <br />areas. <br />D) Utilize a centralized irrigation system and controllers <br />that ensure efficient water use for optimal plant health. <br />E) Ensure recreation and park facilities in very high fire <br />hazard areas minimizes the risks of wildfire and includes <br />adequate provisions for vegetation management, <br />emergency access, and firefighting. <br />F) Coordinate with the San Leandro WPCP to convert <br />the polishing pond into a multi-benefit treatment wetland. <br />GOAL 6: <br />PUBLIC HEALTH & CLIMATE RESILIENCE <br />G) Protect pollinator habitat and promote species <br />conservation in San Leandro parks and open spaces, <br />including of Monarch butterflies. <br />6.3 Support Public Health Through <br />Recreation & Parks <br />A) Introduce wellness zones within parks that include <br />hydration stations, shaded seating areas, and designated <br />activity spaces to support physical and mental health while <br />mitigating the effects of extreme heat. <br />B) Expand and enhance city-wide trails and park walking <br />paths to encourage physical activity. <br />C) Develop programs that promote public health and <br />well-being. <br />San Leandro Park Master Plan | 70 DRAFT DRAFT 71 | Realizing Our Vision