Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Peggy Jensen, Interim Parks Director
Subject: Approval of a new Physics Play Area at CuriOdyssey
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The approval of CuriOdyssey’s request to construct a new Physics Play Area within its leasehold at the Coyote Point Recreation Area; and
B) The Parks Director, or the Parks Director’s designee, to approve future requests from CuriOdyssey to remodel or make alterations or additions to its facilities that are consistent with CuriOdyssey’s governing lease; and
C) The Parks Director to file a Notice of Exemption for a California Environmental Quality Act Categorical Exemption.
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BACKGROUND:
CuriOdyssey is a not-for-profit science and wildlife center that operates on County-owned land pursuant to a lease agreement with the County. Through educational programs, interactive exhibits, and a wildlife center, CuriOdyssey helps children develop the tools necessary to understand the changing world.
To further help children understand how science is involved in everyday life, CuriOdyssey seeks to construct a Physics Play Area within its leasehold. A rendering of the proposed play area is attached as Exhibit A. The Physics Play Area, inspired by Magical Bridge playgrounds, will be designed to serve people with varied levels of physical and mental abilities. Proposed improvements include a disk spinner, in-ground carousel, disk swing, net spinner, tot area, and a slide. With these improvements, CuriOdyssey can be more inclusive in who it serves.
Pursuant to the governing lease agreement between the County and CuriOdyssey, CuriOdyssey is required to secure County approval prior to remodeling or making any alterations or additions to its facilities.
DISCUSSION:
On May 31, 2019, Parks Department staff, CuriOdyssey staff, and Supervisor Groom met to discuss the proposed project. On June 6, CuriOdyssey gave an informational presentation to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the project. Each of the commissioners expressed support for the project.
Because the play area will be accessible only to CuriOdyssey patrons, CuriOdyssey will be responsible for funding, constructing, and maintaining the improvements. CuriOdyssey will also be responsible for complying with all applicable laws and requirements, including those under the California Building Code and Health & Safety Code.
The Parks Department has determined that this project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15311 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for Implementation, which provides that the construction of minor structures accessory to existing facilities is exempt from environmental review under CEQA.
To facilitate the consideration and approval of future projects by CuriOdyssey on the leased premises, the Department seeks authority for the Parks Director to approve future requests from CuriOdyssey to remodel or make alterations or additions to its facilities after a detailed review of such proposals takes place.
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
Approval of this action contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Livable Community by supporting the construction of a play area that can serve people of varied levels of physical and mental abilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost.