Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission Special Meeting - October 16, 2024

The Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission held a special meeting on October 16, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Fuller Park, 560 Jefferson St, Napa, California. The meeting covered presentations from North Bay BMX, a report on the mountain bike pilot program at Alston Park, and a presentation on parks and recreation visitation data. Commissioners also discussed homeless encampment impacts and approved minutes. A vote was taken to support permanent off-road mountain biking in Alston Park's northern section.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (September 18, 2024): Motion by Commissioner Richard, seconded by Commissioner Messenger. Approved with abstentions from Commissioners Streng and Bynum, who were not present at the prior meeting.

Presentations

• North Bay BMX Presentation: Track operator Alyssa Manchaka reported on the all-volunteer organization's successes: hosting a state qualifier with nearly 800 riders, a Gold Cup qualifier, and league programs serving over 600 riders in 2024. She highlighted a planned track rebuild costing $40,000–$75,000, funded through nonprofit fundraising. She expressed significant concerns about a homeless encampment adjacent to the track, citing recent break-ins, vandalism, and safety risks. She called for city action to relocate the encampment. Commissioners acknowledged her concerns; staff noted the city is developing a new homeless encampment policy and committed to providing a report in early 2025.

Administrative Reports

• Mountain Bike Pilot Program at Alston Park: Staff reported on the six-month pilot program allowing off-road mountain biking in the northern section of Alston Park. Key findings: 17 feedback forms received (16 in support, 1 suggesting close examination of a steep trail); no documented user conflicts or environmental impacts. Staff recommended making the expanded bike use permanent, updating signage, and evaluating winter use. Public testimony from Kara Verner, Executive Director of the Napa County Bicycle Coalition, expressed support and noted no negative feedback from equestrians or on Nextdoor. The commission voted unanimously to support staff's recommendation for ongoing expanded bike use in the northern section.
• Parks and Recreation Services Visitation Data: Staff presented data from Placer AI, a platform that uses anonymized mobile device location data. Highlights: Kennedy Park is the most visited park; system-wide peak usage occurs on weekends, around 6 PM, and in August and April–June. Average park visit duration is 30–45 minutes. Park improvements (e.g., Sutherland Park zip line) led to a 30% increase in visitation. Data is also used by Public Works and Economic Development departments.

Comments by Commissioners and Staff

• Kennedy Park Cleanup: Jeff reported a recent cleanup of homeless encampments at Kennedy Park (Sept 23–Oct 2) that removed 65,000 pounds of trash, 3 dozen propane tanks, and about a dozen shopping carts. The effort involved outreach and connection to services.
• Arbor Day 2024: On October 5, volunteers planted 110 trees at Kennedy Park (Blue Atlas Cedar, native oaks, Zelkovas) as part of a Calfire grant. This marked the city's 34th Arbor Day and continued Tree City USA status.
• Commission Appointments: Chair Bordona, Vice Chair Stoltz, and Commissioner Richard were reappointed by the City Council. Commissioner Messenger did not reapply. New Commissioners Wallace and a youth commissioner (Vintage High student) were appointed.
• Upcoming Events: Art Walk (climate action theme) opened in September; Dia de los Muertos event is Nov 2, 3–8 PM downtown.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Unanimous motion to support staff's recommendation for ongoing off-road mountain biking in the northern section of Alston Park, including permanent signage and winter monitoring.
• Acknowledged North Bay BMX concerns and directed staff to provide a report on homelessness efforts in early 2025.
• Next regular meeting: November 20, 2024.