Parks commission picks four priorities — Town Park connection, outdoor fitness, East-side field work and picnic-area renovation

The Corte Madera Parks and Recreation Commission voted Jan. 8 to forward four priority projects from its facilities master plan to the town council for the January strategic planning workshop.

Staff member Tim presented an updated project matrix and three supporting attachments that synthesize the town’s pre-COVID survey, later community input and consultant scoring. “We have a base of about $200,000 in rec capital to kind of start off with for these projects,” Tim said, describing near-, mid- and long-term recommendations and potential grant opportunities.

Commissioners debated which items to elevate and where to locate them. Several members supported a safer pedestrian connection between Town Park and Town Park Plaza to reduce students’ exposure to a busy parking area. Commissioner Daniel recommended field maintenance and enhancements on the East Side to address drainage and frequent wear; Commissioner Brooke and others highlighted strong community demand for additional pickleball and outdoor fitness options.

The commission discussed outdoor fitness equipment at length, including questions about usage, vendor data and programming. Commissioner Daniel urged a low-cost, year-round proof of concept and cautioned against installing equipment that might go unused. Supporters cited potential grant partners and programming models; Tim said staff could pursue grant funding and community outreach before final siting.

Commissioners also noted ongoing work with Refugio Marin on a pollinator/community garden at Cove that could satisfy some community-garden interest, and discussed converting underused horseshoe pits to bocce courts where feasible.

After discussion, Commissioner Brooke moved to approve the list given to staff; Commissioner Patty seconded. Rebecca called the roll. Commissioners Rose, Stollier, Smack and Hansen voted yes; Chair Miles also voted yes. Commissioner Hoskins had departed earlier and Vice Chair Kondoria was absent at the vote. The motion passed, 5 yes, 0 no, 2 absent.

The list to be elevated to council includes: a Town Park–Town Park Plaza connection (safety/access), outdoor fitness equipment on the West Side (to be pursued with caveats about funding and siting), East-side field maintenance and renovation of Picnic Area 2. The commission also agreed to prioritize additional picnic tables and benches across the town where appropriate.

Next steps: Staff will refine cost estimates, pursue grant opportunities (including outreach to organizations cited during the meeting), and perform community outreach on final siting and programming before the Town Council’s strategic planning session.

The commission’s action was framed as advisory: any final appropriations and project approvals will require council review and, where applicable, additional environmental or joint-use approvals with the school district.