Parks commission fills subcommittee vacancies, advances field‑use review and neighborhood park outreach

At its Dec. 16 meeting the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission approved the Oct. 24 minutes, appointed commissioners to fill vacancies on two subcommittees and heard a series of informational updates on field‑use policy, neighborhood mini‑parks, Lineal Park/Blackie’s Pasture planning, pickleball and potential paddleboard/kayak launch sites.

Approvals and appointments: The commission voted to approve the Oct. 24 meeting minutes and then filled two subcommittee vacancies created by the recent resignation of member Angela McInerney. The commission appointed Commissioner Byrd to the Stand‑Up Paddleboard (SUP)/kayak launch subcommittee and appointed Chair Holbrook to serve on the public‑swimming‑pool subcommittee. Roll‑call votes were taken and the motions passed.

McKinney Green field‑use policy: Commissioners Mark (co‑lead) and Liz (co‑lead) reported they have met with Tiburon Soccer and Southern Marin Lacrosse representatives, reviewed participation and field‑use data, and plan to return to the commission in January with suggested language changes to clarify sharing of the field, wet‑field use rules and maintenance expectations. They said current data show soccer comprises about 80% of total players residing in Tiburon who use McKinney Green and that soccer receives roughly the mid‑to‑high‑60 percent share of seasonal field time; the co‑leads are considering options that would increase soccer’s annual field‑use share closer to 75% (roughly equivalent to adding about three full field hours per week in the spring or two partial‑field blocks twice weekly). The group requested that the town’s January operations report include details on how staff address the muddy area where goals are stored and gopher hole repair.

Neighborhood mini‑parks (Belvoir, Cypress Hollow, Bel Air): Commissioners reported outreach to nearby neighbors and repeated walk‑throughs. Cypress Hollow (approximately 0.5 acre) has an existing play structure, irrigation and a drinking‑water station; neighbors asked for improved signage, an updated play structure, and a fenced play area to separate dogs and children. Belvoir (about 2.1 acres) has a front grassy area and a wild undeveloped back area with invasive species and an overgrown palm; neighbors prioritized improved maintenance and tree‑replacement to restore screening near Tiburon Boulevard. Commissioners recommended contracting a local park designer to develop concept plans and a community survey to gather wider resident input before any capital work proceeds.

Lineal Park / Blackie’s Pasture planning: Commissioners said they are organizing public walk‑and‑talks and stakeholder meetings focused on six priority areas: Greenwood Beach; Blackie’s Pasture; the area between Blackie’s and the restrooms (possible picnic or small nature‑play area); the former Richardson Bay Sanitary District ponds; the knoll; and the south‑of‑knoll playground. The commission proposed a parking plan, improved bike‑path safety, and clearer definition of passive‑use limitations for parts of Blackie’s Pasture.

Pickleball and paddleboard launch updates: A subcommittee is exploring partnerships with local facilities (the Ranch and the Tiburon Peninsula Club) for indoor or dedicated courts and asked staff for vendor cost estimates for converting a Tethered Park tennis court to an indoor facility (noise abatement is a priority). The SUP/kayak subcommittee reported preliminary research into deed‑based public‑access rights behind 41 Main Street and a deed at Corinthian Yacht Club that may include public‑access language; staff will research deed history and permitting constraints for future information items.

Public pool subcommittee: Commissioners reviewed a preliminary memo (prepared by former subcommittee member Angela McInerney) about partnership options, noting Strawberry Recreation District has existing pool infrastructure and some capacity for additional memberships. Commissioners agreed the pool‑partnership route could provide earlier access to aquatic facilities than building a new municipal pool, but that capital and staffing constraints at Strawberry Rec would need detailed follow up if the commission pursues a formal partnership.

Ending: No additional formal commission action was taken on the informational items. Commissioners asked staff to include requested maintenance details in the January operations report and to return with cost estimates and follow‑up information on deed research, vendor cost estimates, and community‑engagement plans.