Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Implement the San Leandro Recreation and Parks Master Plan and the Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY
The City of San Leandro has completed a comprehensive Recreation and Parks Master Plan and a Site-Specific Master Plan for Washington Manor Park. These planning efforts provide a strategic and actionable vision for enhancing the City’s park system, addressing current and future recreational needs, and promoting equitable access to high-quality open spaces. The Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan, included as an appendix, demonstrates how Citywide goals can be realized through targeted improvements at one of San Leandro’s most utilized community parks. Key design elements include a loop trail, a new destination playground, expanded parking, and multilingual signage. The plan reflects strong community support for comfort, accessibility, and intergenerational use.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Approve and implement the Recreation and Parks Master Plan; and
2. Approve and implement the Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan.
BACKGROUND
San Leandro’s park system spans over 130 acres across 23 parks and multiple recreation facilities. The Recreation and Parks Master Plan, initiated in 2023, was developed through robust community engagement and technical assessment. It is designed to serve as a 10-20 year blueprint for meeting the recreational needs of a growing and diversifying population.
The Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan, developed in tandem, outlines design improvements to support the park’s function as a vital community asset and model for future park revitalization. Both plans were developed with significant public participation, including workshops, surveys, focus groups, and advisory input.
Analysis
The Recreation and Parks Master Plan includes the following components:
1. Plan Summary - Outlines the purpose, community engagement, process, and implementation strategy.
2. Our Community Today - Describes the demographic, social, and recreational context of San Leandro.
3. Our Vision & Priorities - Establishes goals such as equitable access, vibrant public spaces, and healthy communities.
4. Needs & Opportunities - Presents findings from community input, facility assessments, and trend analyses, identifying gaps and growth areas.
5. Realizing Our Vision - Defines implementation actions and categorizes park improvements by tiers (A, B, and C), with Tier A representing the highest priority investments.
6. Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan -Demonstrates how Citywide goals can be applied locally through targeted improvements such as a destination play area, enhanced loop trail, upgraded amenities, and expanded parking, guided by strong community input and phased implementation strategies.
The Master Plan emphasizes equity-driven investment, community collaboration, and proactive planning to deliver safe, welcoming, and resilient park and recreation assets.
Current Agency Policies
The Master Plan aligns with several adopted plans and policies:
• 2021 Climate Action Plan
• San Leandro General Plan Goals for Open Space, Parks, and Community Health
• City of San Leandro Equity and Inclusion Framework
Previous Actions
• March 20, 2023: Council approved original agreement with WRT, LLC (Resolution No. 2023-023)
• July 1, 2024: Executed Amendment No. 1 to extend contract to December 31, 2024
• December 1, 2025: Executed Amendment No. 2 to extend contract to June 30, 2025
• May 5, 2025: Executed Amendment No. 3 to Consulting Services Agreement with WRT, LLC to Develop a Recreation and Parks Master Plan.
Committee Review and Actions
• Reviewed by City Council Facilities & Transportation Committee on April 24, 2025, with a recommendation to bring before the City Council for adoption.
• Presented to the City Recreation and Parks Commission on May 7, 2025.
• Presented to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee and interdepartmental working group throughout development.
Applicable General Plan Policies
• Policy OSC-1.2: Park Maintenance
• Policy OSC-1.3: Management and Administration
• Policy OSC-1.4: Priority on Renovation
• Policy OSC-1.5: Park Stewardship
• Policy OSC-1.6: Community Engagement
• Policy OSC-1.7: Park Safety
• Policy OSC-2.1: Level of Service
• Policy OSC-2.10: Trails
• Policy OSC-3.3: Bay and Ridge Trails.
• Policy CD-3.5: Coordination of Preservation Groups.
• Policy CSF-4.2: Information Technology
• Policy LU-2.4: Neighborhood Schools and Park
• Policy LU-4.3: Public Facility Development
• Policy LU-4.4: Park and School Site Acquisition
Summary of Public Outreach Efforts
• Three community workshops (2024-2025)
• Project website and interactive tools
• Over 1,100 survey responses
• Focus groups with youth, seniors, underrepresented groups
• Pop-up events at festivals, markets, and parks
• Advisory Committee meetings including school and city staff
Financial Impacts
The Recreation and Parks Master Plan adoption will require no additional Council appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
ATTACHMENTS
• Attachment A: Resolution to Adopt the Recreation and Parks Master Plan and Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan
o Exhibit A: Draft Recreation and Parks Master Plan
o Exhibit B: Draft Washington Manor Park Site-Specific Master Plan
• Attachment B: Presentation Slides
PREPARED BY: Vicente Zuniga, Recreation and Parks Director