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Corte Madera commission backs SunSafe Marin pilot to install sunscreen dispensers in town parks
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted to advise staff to move forward and fund a pilot that would place five sunscreen dispensers across Corte Madera parks, after a presentation by SunSafe Marin on health benefits, placement and costs.
The Corte Madera Parks & Recreation Commission voted May 18 to advise staff to move forward with a SunSafe Marin pilot to install sunscreen dispensers at town parks.
Sahithya Raghupati, founder of the nonprofit SunSafe Marin, told the commission the nonprofit proposes five dispensers — three in Town Park, one in Granada Park and one in Cove Park — to reduce UV exposure during peak hours. Raghupati described public-health research linking regular sunscreen use to lower skin-cancer risk and said dispenser installations at other local sites have increased sunscreen use. "Just five minutes of unprotected sun exposure can inflict lifetime damage," Raghupati said, urging accessible protection in high-traffic park locations.
Raghupati provided a cost estimate of $795 for the first year (one-time setup) and $560 per year thereafter assuming two refills per dispenser, and identified Sun Station USA as the supplier. Commissioners asked who would refill and maintain dispensers; staff and the presenter said SunSafe Marin would provide material and the town's public-works staff would check units during routine park inspections. Commissioners also requested ingredient lists and confirmation of hypoallergenic formulas; Raghupati said ingredient details are included in the staff report.
During discussion, staff advised the commission that funds in the town's outdoors-facility rental account could cover initial costs. Commissioners voiced broad support, calling the project a "low-cost, high-reward" public-health measure and noting similar programs in neighboring communities.
A motion to advise staff to advance the SunSafe Marin pilot and fund it from available outdoors-facility funds passed on a roll call: Commissioners Rose, Zmack, Hansen, Vice Chair Kondoria and Chair Miles recorded yes; Commissioners Hoskins and Stollier were recorded absent.
Next steps: staff will finalize implementation details, confirm dispenser locations and maintenance scheduling, and report back to the commission as the pilot is deployed.
