To: Honorable Parks Commissioners
From: Peggy Jensen, Interim Parks Director
Subject: The I.D.E.A. Initiative, Making San Mateo County Parks Accessible and Welcoming to all County Residents
RECOMMENDATION:
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7.1 Accept the report regarding the I.D.E.A. Initiative.
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BACKGROUND:
The I.D.E.A. Initiative is being developed by the San Mateo County Parks Department to improve Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) in County parks. The initiative is in response to research conducted by San Francisco State University that found while park visitors enjoyed their time in County parks, some community groups were under-represented among parks guests. Members of these under-represented groups cited language, lack of information about the parks, and access and transportation as barriers to their use of County parks.
At a study session in December 2018, the Parks Commission heard speakers present on the importance of community partnerships and providing programs relevant to different communities as keys to improving inclusiveness. The Commission also heard about the importance of welcoming everyone to the parks, especially young people who may not have spent much time participating in outdoor activities.
Parks staff, under the leadership of the Visitor Experience team headed by Laurel Finnegan and including Katherine Wright, are leading the I.D.E.A. Initiative and have developed the following plan. Parks staff welcomes the Commission's comments on the I.D.E.A. Initiative and looks forward to implementing the plan and reporting back to the Commission on accomplishments.
DISCUSSION:
The I.D.E.A. Initiative is comprised of five strategies: (1) outreach, (2) events,
(3) environmental education, (4) access, and (5) staff. These strategies complement each other, and leverage partnerships to achieve the initiative's objectives. Below, the Department has outlined the goal of each strategy and how it will be accomplished....
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