Council accepts parks master-plan addendum; adds explicit 'sand volleyball' wording for two sites

The Albany City Council on July 6 accepted an addendum to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan that summarizes community outreach (several hundred survey responses and mapping sessions) and recommends guidance pages and site-specific opportunities for improvements across city parks.

Staff and Groundworks consultant Sarah Peschel reviewed outcomes from community engagement, noting 664 survey responses, mapping sessions with students and residents, and an appendix breaking down micro-level needs by park. Key findings emphasized uneven visitation across parks, with top priorities identified as more shade and seating (≈38% of respondents), improved maintenance (≈26%), and upgraded playground equipment and lighting; the addendum highlights Ohlone Greenway, Peggy Thompson Pier Street Park and Key Route median as top opportunity areas.

Council and commissioners asked detailed questions about sand-volleyball siting options, flex courts at Terrace/Jewel Terrace Park, and tradeoffs with Memorial Park programming. A Parks & Recreation commissioner and other public commenters explained demand for both sand and court volleyball among youth. Council member motioned to amend the resolution to explicitly add the words “sand volleyball” to the Peggy Thompson Pier Street Park guidance page and add sand volleyball to the Ohlone Greenway guidance; the amendment was seconded and approved by roll call. The council then adopted the addendum resolution.

What happens next: staff will incorporate the adopted guidance pages into the city’s master plan and, where directed, incorporate recommended projects into the CIP and maintenance planning; specific project siting and design will follow normal commission and council review processes.