PROS Commission Regular Meeting – June 2, 2025

The Park, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Commission met on June 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:47 PM at City Hall in Walnut Creek. Commissioners present: Fran Garland, Brendan Moran, Art Oller, and Vice Chair Sharon Pinkstaff. Chair Jason Cooke and Commissioner Eli Konson were absent. The meeting included the first reading of proposed amendments to Municipal Code §11-1.516 governing bicycles, e-bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, followed by a comprehensive update on city parks and open space projects. No formal action was taken on either discussion item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (April 7, 2025): Motion by Commissioner Oller, second by Commissioner Moran, carried unanimously (4-0). The minutes of the regular PROS meeting on April 7, 2025, were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kime Smith (President, Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation): Expressed general support for the proposed code amendments but recommended making the definition of electrically motorized scooters/boards more generic to cover emerging devices like electric unicycles. Reported results of the Foundation's 2024 trail user survey (958 responses, 714 answered the e-bike question): 49.3% opposed e-bikes anywhere in open space; 30.99% supported e-bikes only on trails 6–8 feet wide; 19.72% supported e-bikes wherever mountain bikes are allowed. The Foundation recommends against motorized traffic on single-track trails to preserve user experience and reduce ecological impact.
• Elizabeth Hudson (Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation board member, equestrian): Stated that e-bikes have increased safety concerns for horseback riders. Requested that the code include language requiring bicyclists to stop and ask the rider how to safely pass, as hard rules do not suit live animals.
• Saveen Krowbar (Woodlands neighborhood resident, hiker/dog walker/bicyclist): Expressed concern that banning e-bikes on single-track now might lead to trail widening in the future. Cited a social trail in the Lime Ridge quarry area with high biodiversity that should remain for passive uses only, per the original master plan.

Discussion Items

4a. Recommend Amendments to §11-1.516 Bicycles and Skateboards Municipal Code

• Staff Presentation: Mike Vickers, Assistant Public Works Director, presented the proposed amendments, which add definitions for e-bicycles (Class 1, 2, 3), electrically motorized scooters, and motorized boards. Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist) would be allowed on all trails where regular bicycles are allowed; Class 2 e-bikes (throttle) only on paved trails; Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) prohibited in parks and open space except on public roads. A 15 mph speed limit would apply to all bicycles in parks/open space. Skateboard rules remain unchanged. New provisions require single-file travel on blind corners and when passing.
• Commissioner Feedback: Commissioners asked about alignment with other agencies (East Bay Regional Parks model), ability to modify rules for seasonal/habitat concerns (director authority affirmed), enforcement by rangers with police backup, visibility of manufacturer class labels, and data on safety and fire risks. Mr. Vickers agreed to follow up on fire incident data and injury statistics from police and neighboring agencies. Commissioner Oler suggested keeping e-bikes off narrow connector trails; staff noted enforcement challenges distinguishing Class 1 from traditional bikes.
• Outcome: No formal action taken. Staff will incorporate feedback, possibly return for a second reading, then forward to City Council for adoption.

4b. Walnut Creek Parks and Open Space Update

• Staff Presentation: Mike Vickers provided updates on multiple capital projects: Heather Farm synthetic turf field (on time, on budget, completion ~November 2025); Heather Farm aquatic and community center Phase 1 (bids received, council award June 17, potential July start); Bramhall Pond desilting (permits from Fish and Wildlife pending, to restore pond depth to 3–4 feet); Civic Park and Walden Park playgrounds (public outreach events planned summer 2025); Urban Forest Grant (USDA awarded $100K but now requires 100% match; city negotiating modification); Sutherland traffic mitigation pilot (parking lot closed March 8, reopened May 3, county recently removed barriers; debrief pending).
• 10-Year Trail Improvement Plan (2017–2018): Mr. Vickers reviewed a list of over 20 potential projects, ranging from low-cost amenities (signage, benches, distance markers on the Ignacio Canal Trail) to major regional connectors (grade-separated crossings, BART trail connections). Many maintenance items from the original list have been completed. Staff requested commission guidance on priorities; commissioners expressed interest in smaller enhancements (e.g., canal trail improvements, trail maps, interpretive signage) and a potential field trip to assess sites.
• Public Comments: None.
• Outcome: Report received; no formal action. Staff will organize a field trip and continue working on high-priority items.

Commissioner Reports

• Commissioner Garland (liaison to Walnut Creek Senior Club): Reported senior club members' concerns about parking availability at Civic Park during upcoming construction of playground renovations. They also expressed interest in moving activities to the future community center once built.
• Vice Chair Pinkstaff (liaison to Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation): Invited the public to volunteer with the Foundation. Shared her experience joining an oak seedling project and observing birdhouses built by Eagle Scouts.

Key Outcomes

• No formal actions taken on the municipal code amendments or the parks update; both items were for discussion and feedback only.
• Consent calendar (minutes) approved unanimously (4-0).
• Next meeting: Scheduled for August 4, 2025.
• Staff directives: Mr. Vickers will: (1) research e-bike fire and injury data from police and other agencies; (2) consider more generic language for electric devices; (3) coordinate with the Open Space Foundation on survey data; (4) return to the commission with a summary of feedback and possibly a second reading; (5) organize a commission field trip for the 10-year trail improvement plan.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.