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Piper Park logged 305,000 visits in 2024; commissioners urge input on proposed facility upgrades
Summary
Recreation staff presented Placer AI visitation data showing Piper Park had roughly 305,000 visits in 2024 and proposed on-site facility options (temporary trailer to steel modular); commissioners asked to review building and financing plans before council action scheduled for Oct. 15.
Recreation Director Nick Stone told the Larkspur City Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 18 that Placer AI–derived data show Piper Park as the city’s busiest park, recording about 305,000 visits in 2024 from roughly 84,600 unique devices under the company’s 10+-minute visit definition.
Stone said the data illustrate heavy, year-round use driven by youth leagues, passive park users and community events. “Piper Park is the most visited park in Marin County: 305,000 total visits from 84,600 individuals,” he said, and noted weekly patterns (spring spikes and heavy weekday sports use) and a heat map showing high activity at the dog park, synthetic field and picnic/playground areas.
The presentation framed a facilities discussion: staff proposed three on-site building options to replace or supplement the office space currently leased from the school district — a low-cost construction trailer, portable classroom units, or a steel-framed modular building. Stone recommended bundling restroom replacement and an electrical upgrade with the project because existing restrooms are original and there are recurring power limitations that constrain generators and bounce-house rentals.
Commissioners supported the need for closer staffing and a community room at Piper Park, but urged that the commission be given an opportunity to review and comment before council votes on funding or a preferred design. A commissioner noted the council discussion the prior night included price options for roughly 1,900–2,400 square-foot configurations and that council could be asked to vote on budget choices on Oct. 15; commissioners asked staff to return with financing details and suggested the commission could prepare a recommendation.
Stone also reported program and rental revenue dynamics: he said roughly 52 leagues and teams use Piper Park as a home base, the synthetic field is heavily booked and field resurfacing will be needed in a few years. Enhanced electrical capacity would allow more bounce-house–compatible picnic sites and reduce generator noise, possibly increasing rental revenue.
Next steps: staff will provide additional cost estimates and a finance plan for council review on Oct. 15 and the commission will seek a process for offering input or a recommendation before council action.
