Commission reviews Measure A projects; staff proposes $38,000 park‑sign overhaul

San Rafael Park and Recreation Department staff on March 25 laid out a proposed Measure A work plan for fiscal 2026–27 that would prioritize resurfacing, maintenance and feasibility studies while beginning a phased, citywide replacement of park signs.

"We have over 26 parks in the system," said Craig Berry May, assistant library recreation director, describing a draft signage program that groups signs into six categories: park identification/wayfinding/rules, picnic reservation kiosks, grilling/fire safety, playground rules, athletic field signage and informational kiosks. Staff recommended bilingual, image‑forward signs and QR codes that would link to the city parks page.

Berry May said the department updated cost estimates and proposed using Measure A funds for a phased rollout starting spring 2026. "Around $38,000 in total" was the estimate for the initial phase, which staff said would include about 75–80 signs, approximately 25 new signposts and roughly nine kiosks, with internal fabrication and in‑house installation by public works staff.

Why it matters: Measure A proceeds are a primary local funding source for park improvements. Staff said the county administers the 1% transactions and use tax (reapproved in June 2022) and that the city’s share is an annually varying portion of the county allocation. For FY 2026–27 the county estimated the city’s allocation at just under $580,000; staff said the work plan anticipates expending about $610,000 next fiscal year (including carryover and new appropriations).

The proposed Measure A work plan includes multiple projects: resurfacing tennis courts at Peacock Gap and Freitas parks (a carryover project that had $400,000 appropriated last year, with about $50,000 added this year), a carryover study and repair allocation for Boyd Park’s aging water system, an annual playground surface replenishment program (proposed at about $30,000 per year), supplemental janitorial services for heavy‑use restrooms (proposed ~$20,000/year), a $30,000 Beach Park seawall assessment to inform any public‑private partnership, a $50,000 feasibility study for a Montecito neighborhood park, and a set‑aside for the larger Crystal Park play area/pathway project.

During questions commissioners and members of the public pressed staff on legibility and accessibility of sign design (for example, avoiding cursive titling), whether QR codes could be maintained over time, and whether emergency or animal‑control contact numbers should be visible on certain signs. Berry May said the digital team can maintain QR redirections so the same code can point to updated pages.

Public commenters focused on neighborhood park deficits in Montecito and nearby areas. One resident said the city had recently approved 445 new housing units in a small neighborhood and asked how families would find play space: "almost 1,000 people with no place for the children to play," the resident said.

The commission voted to receive the Measure A proposed work plan after public comment. Staff said specific project timelines and final appropriations will be addressed in the city budget process and some large projects (for example 620 Canal Street and Crystal Park) will rely on grant funding and multi‑year reserves.

What’s next: Staff will finalize designs, complete internal reviews and present appropriation requests as part of the city’s annual budget cycle; the feasibility study and assessments (Beach Park seawall and Montecito study) were identified as next‑step deliverables in the work plan.