Attachment #1 is a draft concept of the Sixth Avenue and Devendorf Park Plaza Project. This sketch was prepared by a landscape architect, at no cost to the City, to help the community envision possibilities for an expanded park and plaza.
The project could potentially expand the footprint of Devendorf Park up to the front of the Park Branch Library and create a combined park, children's library, and open air plaza where community members and visitors can gather, picnic, hang out after school, enjoy small summer concerts, attend events, shop at the weekly Farmers' Market, or take a nice evening stroll. A design charette(s) would be an ideal way to collaborate conceptual development of a plaza with the community. The concept was briefly reviewed with and supported by the Community Activities Commission and the Library Board; however, limited vetting has been done to date.
Potential obstacles that the project may need to mitigate include: 1. Closure of Sixth Avenue between Junipero and Mission Streets, 2. relocation of the MST bus stop, and 3. loss of parking spaces in front of the Park Branch Library. Issues 1 and 2 have been occurring during the weekly Farmer's Market for more than three (3) years with no recorded negative impacts.
This project would also provide an ideal opportunity to demonstrate sustainable design and best practices. For example:
- Climate-change-resistant trees and landscaping could be planted
- Permeable pavers could be effective for rainwater control on site
- Energy-efficient lighting and irrigation systems could be provided
- The open drainage channel along the east side of the park could become an underground drainage storage tank. The tank may be a less expensive alternative to eliminate drainage system bottlenecks downstream of the park by capturing and slowly discharging storm flows
- Captured water in the tank may also be used to irrigate the expanded park
- Additional trash, recycling, and organic waste disposal containers could be added
The presentation from the Director of Library and Community Activities is to gauge interest from the Forest and Beach Commission and community at large in ultimately developing a Plaza at this location.
No funding has been allocated to this project other than staff resources. Funding of this $2.5 to $3 million dollar project would be requested in the Capital Improvement Program and Annual Operating Budget for subsequent fiscal years. This cost estimate is based on the presented concept sketch and could change if alternate designs are drafted.