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Atherton council reviews library children's garden design, gives staff direction to proceed
Summary
Council members reviewed a nearly complete design for a nature-based children's garden behind the Atherton Library, discussed accessibility and safety, and directed staff and the library to proceed with permitting and bidding; the library will request variances and building permits as needed.
The Atherton Town Council on Feb. 19 reviewed a nearly finished design for an Atherton Library Children's Garden and gave staff and the San Mateo County Library system direction to proceed toward permit applications and construction bidding.
Public Works Director Robert presented the project background and estimated costs: staff'level review determined the site design is about 90% complete; approximate hard-construction cost was estimated at about $400,000 (not including soft costs or contingencies), and construction management and inspection services were estimated at about $60,000. "We are seeking your feedback and direction regarding the Atherton Children's Library," Robert said.
Jeffrey Miller of Miller Company Landscape Architects described the concept as a nature garden rather than a traditional playground: logs, boulders, stump seating, a willow hut, a ground-level "tree house," a plank-and-stump pathway, reflective columns no taller than an 8-foot fence, and native plantings where shade permits. Miller said the design team has coordinated with the building and planning departments, the police department, the city arborist and neighbors; the project requires planning variances for some elements because of the location of structures and property-line fences.
Council members and the public pressed for accessibility and safety details. In response, Miller and staff said the plan includes an accessible route and ramp connections from the library deck to the garden, and the surface materials will be chosen to meet accessibility requirements. Council members also asked about capacity, age range and potential hazards from boulders; staff said the design is aimed at younger children who use library programs and that the boulder elements are scaled to the site and have safety considerations incorporated. The team estimated a roughly three-month construction window once permits are granted and contracts awarded, with an aim to complete construction by the end of the calendar year.
Council discussion included funding context. A council member described the Atherton share of the special library property-tax revenue and said the library fund will supply the project cost rather than general fund dollars; staff and the county library confirmed the project would use restricted library funds and library-administered resources for construction and oversight.
The council gave informal direction for staff to proceed with final design adjustments addressing accessibility and safety, to pursue required variances and building permits, and to return as needed for any planning approvals. No formal motion was required; council members said the project should move forward with the requested adjustments.
Why it matters: The project creates an outdoor, developmentally appropriate learning space attached to the Atherton Library and uses restricted library funds and library revenue sources rather than the town's general fund. Council and staff flagged accessibility and safety details to be finalized before construction.
Next steps: Staff will incorporate council feedback, apply for the required planning variances and building permits, and prepare documents for bidding and construction oversight.
