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Committee discusses designating trails and parcel to Simons Center; asks legal review to preserve public access
Summary
The committee reviewed a proposed parcel map to designate land for the Simons Center and discussed options (deed restrictions, easements, MOU) to preserve trails and public access if Simons’ ownership changes; tennis‑court refurbishing and solar‑panel locations were also discussed and will be revisited at the next meeting.
Staff presented a map showing an orange‑dashed parcel proposed for designation to the Simons Center and described how the parcel ties into the existing trail network. Committee members raised concerns about preserving public access to the Marty Brewer Nature Trails if Simons’ ownership or operating structure changes, and asked staff to consult legal counsel about the best instruments to secure the trails (deed restrictions, easement, lease or memorandum of understanding).
A Simons representative said the trails should remain public and that if Simons ever became a nonprofit the board would likely prefer the trails remain public: "They should remain public," the representative said on the record. Staff noted the committee has an approved grant to add signage and benches to the trails beginning January 1 and that tennis‑court refurbishing is included in grant proposals if funding is approved.
Other site details discussed included solar panel placement behind the Simons building (panels are currently shaded at certain times of day), potential space for a building addition next to the existing Simons facility, and the possibility of creating a trailhead parking easement rather than transferring narrow trail access corridors with a parcel sale. Committee members directed staff to bring legal options and a revised map back to the next committee meeting for action.
