Staff previews biodiversity and urban forest plan, notes events and park projects

City staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board on Sept. 10 that the draft biodiversity and urban forest plan will be posted online the week of Sept. 29 and presented to the commission at its Oct. 8 meeting.

"Our plans are to post the plan early online the week of September 29," staff member Randa said, encouraging stakeholders and neighborhood groups to review the draft and prepare comments for the Oct. 8 meeting.

Staff also provided operations and events updates: the summer plaza concert series continues for two remaining dates, the seventh annual Harvest History Festival is scheduled for the coming weekend at Heritage Park, and the Monster Bash is planned for Oct. 25 at Rangsdorf Park. Staff reported the planned pool shutdown finished ahead of schedule and that pump systems were restored earlier than expected.

On capital projects, staff noted active construction work at Shoreline: parts of the Bay Trail at Shoreline are temporarily closed to allow construction vehicle access, and a pedestrian bridge from the Stevens Creek Trail to a nearby hotel has been installed as a condition of development approvals. Staff said they will distribute more detailed graphics and timeline updates to the commission by email.

Villa Chiquita Park design has gone to bid; staff said bids are under review and construction is expected to begin this winter to early spring. Staff also flagged the South Bay Salt Pond / shoreline stabilization work and said more comprehensive updates will come in November, including wildlife‑benefit measures and erosion control options.

Staff asked commissioners to watch for the draft biodiversity and urban forest plan online the week of Sept. 29 and invited the public to the Oct. 8 meeting to comment.