Professional Documents
Culture Documents
To:
there is no chance for a do-over. The new Shoreline Park will belong to every state taxpayer,
and must serve as a regional resource of great pride and enjoyment.
Public Participation in Planning of Shoreline Park Has Been Insufficient.
We acknowledge the recent and present schedule of requisite hearings before relevant City
bodies and commissions Many of these hearings, however, are daytime meetingswhich are
not convenient or accessible to much of the interested public. Before the plan is submitted to the
full Planning Commission, we urge the consultant team to host at least one evening meeting at a
centrally convenient location (perhaps the Aquatic Center) to which the public would be invited
away from the legalities and bureaucratic protocol of official hearings. Public outreach should
include citywide organizations, churches, school communities, nearby neighborhoods such as
Brooklyn, Clinton Park, Jingletown, San Antonio, Chinatown, Waterfront Warehouse District,
and Jack London Square. Such meeting would serve the dual objective of broader citizen
comment, public buy-in, and anticipation of the opening of a new park
Comments on Specific Design Elements (Please refer also to our letter of September 16,
appended)
1. Shade Protection. Our highest priority is shade protection. The platform area is huge.
Please require incorporating permanent or temporary facilities for shade at the central
walkway and at various portions of the platform area. Creative use of existing columns can
provide excellent supports for shading apparatus. Permanent and temporary shade facilities
should be colorful, attractive, fun installations. They will find immediate use for family and
group gatherings, festivals, weddings, and other special events. Benches and picnic tables should
also be provided.
2. Welcoming Entry. Our second highest priority is a design element now missing in the
revised plans. Please require an attractive, welcoming, entry feature. The facade of the Ninth
Avenue Terminal is undoubtedly historic, but scenically, the elevation lacks visual and aesthetic
interest. We envision a canopy-type entry installation, perhaps an airy, transparent, open-web
structure of shimmering chrome or stainless steel that excites and welcomes visitors to the
Terminal and park, and its variety of unexpected wonders.
3. Wind Breaks. We acknowledge the response of consultants that Shoreline Park is an estuarysituated park, that will naturally experience wind currents. While true, there should still be areas
of relief that users can escape to at certain times and conditions. Wind-protected areas do not
need to be expansive, but can be spaced and incorporated into certain built elements to efficiently
accomplish the desired objective. Please require wind-protected areas.
4. Historical Memorialization. Being an historic building with a storied history, it seems
appropriate that an adequate and prominent facility should be provided for historical artifacts,
memorabilia, and museum features. Rather than confine the historical acknowledgement to a
small enclosed room, we recommend that a more fitting and appropriate location might be the
generous, large, open Entry Hall, transformed into a Museum Gallery. On entering the
Gallery, visitors would be welcomed by attractively spaced exhibits, graphics, and illustrative
text panels. Such display would establish an immediate connection between visitor-park-history
that would make each attendance a memorable occasion. Please require submission of plans
for the historic commemoration aspects of the project, as yet entirely unseen, and require the
applicant to submit plans for how any dedicated areas would be funded, staffed, and
operated. Please require that any commemorative objects, plaques, or designs be reviewed by
the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.
5. Turf or Grass Areas: We acknowledge, regretfully, consultants rationale justifying a
linear wharf-platform park as an honest realization of the parks origins. The expanse of
proposed rough wood surface is huge and atypical, and will take some getting accommodated to.
Even so, we urge that you require the applicant to provide opportunities for green areas
elsewherelike at the knuckle areaand to make sure such areas receive as much turf as
possible for variety and visual relief.
6. Fishing Station(s). Fishing stations or fishing pier, cleaning tables, with adequate clearance
of the Bay Trail is a natural for Shoreline Park, and so we strongly urge that you require fishing
amenities. Such a facility has a huge constituency in the Bay Area, and would provide a regional
amenity that will attract many users.
7. Biking. Biking will be a popular activity. Please require that bike racks and bike parking
areas are plentiful. We welcome the revised plans incorporation of Class 1 bike lanes together
with well-designed pedestrian trails. The canopies of trees are the perfect supplement.
8. Coffee Shop / Snack Shack and Capture of Debris. The restaurant proposed in the
Terminal remnant seems intended as an upscale facility. If so, please require a quick-grab
coffee or snack shop near to, or combined with an ADA rest room as a stop on the Bay Trail.
Provision for bike parking is also needed. The Grab and Go Cafe" shown as Item 2 in the
proposed plan may serve this purpose. Attention should also be paid to capturing on-site debris,
and preventing it from entering the Estuary, endangering wildlife and the nautical environment.
9. Bay Trail. Design of the Bay Trail should be user-friendly for pedestrians, joggers,
bikers, skaters. Please require a protective barrier along the southeastern, water edge of
Shoreline Park, which, while transparent, should also be an attractively designed safety feature.
The barrier could incorporate seating and sight overlooks, the design of which might also
incorporate transparent wind break features.
10. Festivals and Celebratory Events. Art shows, yoga, tai chi, other exercises, dances, street
performers, tightrope walkers, farmers markets, and other events and activities can bring life to
what might otherwise be a dull area. Please require that the applicant provide utilities needed
to support such events. Also, staff is needed to promote, organize and schedule and manage
such activities and events. A Community Facilities District (Mello-Roos) or other financial
mechanism should be established to fund appropriate staff and maintenance of common areas in
the development. Imposing this task on the Office of Parks and Recreation on the assumption
that it will supported by the General Fund is unrealistic. That department is badly impacted by
budget cuts, as is always the case when tax revenues are low. The CFD is funded as part of the
property tax of residents of the development. It is a reliable revenue source, unlike many of the
citys revenue sources (susuch as the property transfer tax or sales tax). We should not expect
Parks and recreation to close recreation centers or senior centers in order to fund festival
coordination. The revised plan recognizes this need but does not identify funding. Please require
applicant to submit a clear written commitment to furnishing the staffing, organization,
funding, and management to be established for events and festivals.
11. ADA Ramps and Restroom Facilities. Due to the huge expanse of the platform area, in
addition to stationary facilities provided in the Terminal remnant, please require that
adequate restrooms be provided at the northwestern end of Shoreline Park. ADA ramps to
raised areas should be sufficiently provided and adequately spaced for comfortable
access. Please require adequate drinking fountains in convenient locations around the park,
not just near the restaurant.
12. Pier Terminal as a Regional Destination. An activity or use that would make the Pier
Building a regional destination should be considered, recruited, and planned: For example,
beer garden, wine production and tasting, chocolate kitchen and sales, Jazz or Cajun music
venue, pinball gallery, and similar. A high, vertical element or monument near the Pier's
entrance at the Embarcadero might be beneficial as a landmark locator. Please require
arrangements for making this park visible and known to the public.
13. Trees. More trees are needed. The upper deck cross-section, central span at page 10 of the
Zarison plan shows how trees can be added to this otherwise almost treeless platform. This concept
should be extended to other parts of the platform area. Increasing the size of tree boxes will admit
larger trees to be installed. We note the comments of landscape architects that 4 x 4 boxes may not
allow strong enough root structure to offset the anticipated winds. Please require more trees and
larger ones.
Again, we appreciate the additional opportunity to comment on the developing design of
Shoreline Park before it is stamped final. In this spirit, we look forward to further
improvements of the parks design. We are pleased to acknowledge notable progress from the
June plan, and look forward to your continuing creative attention to making Shoreline Park a
shining new addition to the proud inventory of recreational open space for the Bay Area.
Sincerely,
_________________________
John Sutter, Director, Ward 2, East Bay Regional Parks District
_________________________
Naomi Schiff, Board of Directors, Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA)
_________________________
James E Vann, Coalition of Advocates for Lake Merritt (CALM)
Attached: Comment letter, September 2015
16 September 2015
To:
to stimulate possible choices and to solicit suggestions for uses and designs. Public outreach must
include citywide organizations, churches, school communities, nearby neighborhoods such as
Brooklyn, Clinton Park, Jingletown, San Antonio, Chinatown, Waterfront Warehouse District, and
Jack London Square. The meetings should target a broad range of residents of all ages and family
types.
Comments on Specific Design Elements
1. Wind Break. The bulk of the portion of the Pier Building (now to be demolished) will remove
a significant "wind break"that would formerly have shielded both the park and the project's major
development areas. New elements should studiedand incorporated along the southeast periphery
(water side)to soften or disperse strong wind currents.
2. Shade Protection. The platform area is huge. A permanent shade structure(s), or facility(s)
needs to be incorporated to shade portions of the platform area. Permanent and temporary structures
will require adequate hardware, and/or may be designed to utilize salvaged columns of the
demolished Terminal, and provision should be provided for water-electricity-gas. Selection of
temporary shading devices should allow for easy installation (like big tents) for festivals, weddings,
and other special events. Benches and picnic tables should be provided.
3. HistoricalMemorialization. Being an historic building with a long history, it would seem
appropriate that an adequate and prominent facility should be provided for historical artifacts,
memorabilia, and museum features. No drawings, plans or complete descriptions are submitted in
the revised plan, thus the design intent is unknown. There is mention of commemorative labeling or
handling of salvaged vertical support structure members, but no details are provided. This aspect of
the plan is undeveloped, and so does not allow for much comment. We are interested in the
suggestion from the group of landscape architects that some of the vertical steel elements of the old
terminal building should be retained; for example to support shade structures. The revised plans do
not acknowledge this possibility.
4. Wind & Shade Study: A study of both wind and shade effects and mitigation needs at the site
should be performed.
5. Turf or Grass Areas: The expanse of proposed hardscape is huge. While loads and adequate
support for turf may be challenging, some attempt to incorporate turf orgreensurface areas in and
among the platform area should be considered. The open expanse should sub-parceled with activity
areas -- for example, areas for toddlers; teens; games; pattern seating; picnicking; etc, etc.
6. Food Trucks. Food trucks are popular at node areas, festivals and neighborhood events.
Utilities should be provided to serve vehicles (to thus avoid the need for noisy generators). Thought
should be given to where and when such vehicles should be permitted. The revised plan shows a
single mention for a "cart" the intended provision and utilization is not clear.
7. Fishing. A fishing pier, fish cleaning station, with adequate clearance on the Bay Trail should be
considered -- along the trail or elsewhere in the development. If not at Shoreline Park, then
elsewhere at one of the other parks, depending, among other factors, on where fishing is likely to be
best.
8. Kayaks and Canoes. Location and facilities for launching and landing kayaks, canoes, and
other non motorized watercraft -- possibly as part of the Bay Water Trail -- should be considered. If
not at Shoreline Park, such facility should be provided elsewhere at one of the other parks in the
development.There are many images of paddling, rowing, sailing, and kayak use. Where are these
boats putting in to the water, and what will be available to the public without charge?
9. Biking. Biking will be a popular activity. Assure that bike racks and bike parking areas
areplentiful.
10. Covered Seating. At the Exterior Covered area adjoining the building, seating areas should be
numerous and more varied.
11. Dog Park. Estuary Park (location of the old "Cash & Carry" -- the nearest park to Jack
London Square & Jack London Nautical Center) is a Measure DD Park, and might be considered for
location of a "Dog Park." Dog companions havelobbiedfor a dog park in thegeneral Lake Merritt
area for years. The shoreline will be a popular location for dog walkers. Perhaps a Dog Park (not
permitted at other State Lands parks), might be considered at Estuary Park or elsewhere in the
development not subject to State Lands jurisdiction.
12. Children's Playground. At least one properly situated and equipped area specifically for
childrens play should be provided at Shoreline Park -- or elsewhere in the development if not
acceptable under State Lands jurisdiction. What will identify Shoreline Park as family-friendly?
13. Coffee Shop or Snack Shack. The restaurant proposed in the Ninth Ave Terminal remnant
appears intended as an upscale facility. If so, there is a need for a low cost coffee or snack shop near
to, or combined with an ADA rest room as a stop on the Bay Trail. Provision for bike parking will
be needed. The Grab and Go Cafe" shown as Item 2 in the proposed plan may serve this purpose.
Attention should be paid to keeping trash out of the estuary, and not endangering wildlife.
14. Trees. More trees are needed. The upper deck cross-section, central span at page 10 of the
Zarison plan shows how trees can be added to this otherwise almost treeless platform. This concept
should be extended to other parts of the platform area. Increasing the size of tree boxes will admit
larger trees to be installed. We note the comments of landscape architects that 4 x 4 boxes may not
allow strong enough root structure to offset the anticipated winds.
15. Picnicking / Barbecuing Areas. Barbecuing around Lake Merritt has become very popular.
While State Lands Commission policy may not allow such activity on a regular basis, these activities
should be considered as possibilities during festivals, and appropriate facilities should be provided.If
permissible, appropriate facilities should be permanently provided.
16.Bay Trail. Design of the Bay Trail should be user-friendly for pedestrians, joggers,
bikers,skaters,. A protective barrier along the southeastern, water edge of Shoreline Park, while
transparent, should also be an attractively designed safety feature. The barrier could incorporate
seating and sight overlooks, the design of which might also incorporate transparentwind break
features.
17.Festivals and Celebratory Events. Art shows, yoga, tai chi, other exercises, dances, street
performers, tightrope walkers, a farmers market, and other events and activities can bring life to what
mayotherwisebe a dull area.Provide the utilities needs to support such events.
Also, staff is needed to promote, organize and schedule many such activities and events. The
Community Facilities District (Mello-Roos) or other financial mechanism might be set up to fund
appropriate staff and maintenance of common areas in the development. The revised plan recognizes
this need but does not identify funding.
18. ADA Ramps and Restroom Facilities. Due to the huge expanse of the plartform area,
adequaterestrooms must be provided at the northwestern end of Shoreline Park. ADA ramps to
raised areas should be sufficiently provided and adequately spaced for comfortable access.Provide
adequate numbers of drinking fountains in locations around the park, not just near the restaurants.
19. Pier Terminalas a RegionalDestination. An activity or use that would make the Pier
Building a "regional destination" should be considered, recruited, and planned: For example, beer
garden, wine production and tasting, chocolate kitchen and sales, Jazz or Cajun music venue, pinball
gallery, and similar. A high, vertical element or monument near the Pier's entrance at the
Embarcadero might be beneficial as a "landmark locator."
We support the revised plans incorporation of:
Bike lanes: Class 1 bike/pedestrian trail is well-designed, and the trees are a beneficial element.
The design of the restaurant and of the Ninth Avenue Terminal remnant appears to be nicely done.
We appreciate retention of the curved trestle as a unique and wonderful feature of the waterfront
experience.
Questions:
Is there a soft water edge landward of the trestle area? That should be a marshy area if possible, and
would provide an unusual vantage point from the trestle walkway.
We notice what is called "arbor - trellis" (see page 22), but there are no details or description of
what this element is, and no image is presented at page 22. It is certainly desirable to provide some
shade and wind breaks, however, this facility is at the extreme end of the park, quite a distance from
the remnant of Ninth Avenue Terminal. A descriptive rendering and explanation of this feature
would be helpful.
The revised plans should include images that compare this plan with other familiar open space areas
of similar dimensions to provide a sense of scale. Most of the examples provided are extracted from
far-away places with very different circumstances.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment, and look forward to further and improved revision of
the design plan. Some progress is observed in the revised plan, however, it is our jointly considered
opinion that the Parks design is not yet ready for approval.
Sincerely,
_________________________
John Sutter, Commissioner, East Bay Regional Parks District
_________________________
Naomi Schiff, Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA)
_________________________
James E Vann, Coalition of Advocates for Lake Merritt (CALM)