Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

P a g e | 21 A P P E N D I X B Use of Native Plants—The City currently has no formalized policy in place although staff clearly makes efforts at the utilization of native species. A formalized policy should be developed identifying acceptable species based on the ecoregion and requiring plantings of a minimum of 80% these identified natives in any new or renovated project. The approach of the policy could be based on plants endemic to the Mediterranean climate of California, identifying benefits to other native species, and mandate that 80% of new planting must be classified as Native. Another and perhaps additional approach would be to develop a drought tolerant plant policy that adopts appropriate plant material list by drought tolerant level (low, medium, high) and require that 100% meet medium level and 90% high levels. Naturalize Parks—The City should undertake an effort to inventory and establish areas where parks could be naturalized by the removal of turf and other non-native plantings and replaced with natives. Community Gardens—the City has a limited program in place at Val Vista Park, although there are many locations within the park system for the development of “unused spaces” as community gardens. Recycling of Park Waste—there was no evidence of standard recycling containers within the park for public use. Green Waste/Composting—The City should expand the program for the composting of green waste resulting from park maintenance. Demonstration Gardens—The City should develop demonstration gardens with identified native plantings which would be appropriate for homeowner landscaping. Storm Water Retention/Bio swales—Fawn Hill Park has a well-developed bio swale that has been landscaped with native grasses. This type of development should be expanded throughout the park system especially adjacent to hardscapes such as road and parking lots. Use of Impervious Surfaces—Very little use of impervious surfaces with the majority of traffic areas developed with concrete or asphalt. In contradiction, some trails should be paved to encourage use as a transportation route. Use of Alternative Energy Sources—No program in place and no alternative energy use within the park system. Utility Reduction Program—Staff should expand the tracking of utility consumption to each park unit by month. Habitat Development—Currently there is no program in place within the City and many park creeks are excellent candidates for habitat enhancement projects. The City is required by California Department of Fish and Game to monitor and report on Bernal and Kottinger Creeks. Public Education of Sustainable Practices-- Currently there is a limited program in place within the City where funding provides for a full-time naturalist. The program is anticipated to expand as the City recently hired an additional part-time naturalist.