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Committee backs eucalyptus benches, hears playground, fountain and facilities updates
Summary
Atherton’s Parks & Recreation Committee expressed support for creating benches from a removed eucalyptus tree as part of a veterans memorial, received a playground completion timeline and discussed fountain repairs, signage and other park maintenance items.
The Parks & Recreation Committee signaled support for repurposing eucalyptus wood into benches and discussed several park facility updates, including playground construction progress, bathroom permitting and fountain repair needs.
Benches and veterans memorial: Staff presented a proposal to craft benches from a removed eucalyptus tree (options: 6-foot and 10-foot benches, estimated reuse cost roughly $1,200–$2,000 each). Committee members suggested an initial working number—two short benches and one long bench—and agreed to let staff coordinate details with the arborist, the park foundation and any veterans’ committee that forms. Members discussed donation mechanics and noted that contributions routed through a park foundation would likely be tax-deductible, while direct town donations have different fiscal implications.
Playground and bathrooms: Staff reported that playground construction is underway with an anticipated completion at the end of August; park restroom work remains in permit phase with no restart date yet.
Fountain and safety: The fountain was reported out of service because the pump and filter were clogged with debris; staff installed temporary signage to discourage wading and said they would return with options for a replacement pump, filter and a small fence or other deterrent to limit debris and unsafe play. Members emphasized both safety and donor expectations for foundation-funded features.
Maintenance items: Committee members raised several maintenance concerns—a deteriorating bulletin/display board near the courts, muddy decomposed-granite pads at the Right View area, uneven boxwood hedges by the main house, and continuing vegetation and deadwood removal—asking staff to include these items in an upcoming facilities walk-through and budget review.
Next steps: Staff will bring bench placement, sign/fence options for the fountain and recommendations on bulletin-board replacement and DG-path drainage to a future meeting. The committee also scheduled future agenda items including an event‑manager update and a midyear fiscal review.
